I am reporting ongoing safety concerns involving my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, including unexpected engine shutdowns, repeated battery failures, electrical malfunctions, and recurring check engine warnings despite regular maintenance and multiple repairs. In 2023, the vehicle’s automatic start-stop system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to shut down completely while I was traveling on the expressway. This created an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed for inspection, but no problem was identified. After being jump-started, the vehicle operated normally. In September 2024, both the main battery and auxiliary battery were replaced. However, the vehicle continued shutting down and requiring jump-starts. I subsequently took it to the dealership, where wiring connected to the battery system was replaced. The vehicle operated normally for several months following this repair. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have also experienced intermittent electrical malfunctions involving the radio and infotainment system. The radio unexpectedly shorts out, and the display screen goes completely black before eventually restoring itself. Additionally, during each of my last four routine oil changes, the vehicle has died or failed to restart, requiring a jump-start. Approximately one to two weeks after these maintenance visits, the check engine light illuminates. The vehicle has consistently received regular maintenance, yet these problems continue despite battery replacements and dealership repairs. My greatest concern is the possibility of another unexpected engine shutdown while driving, particularly at highway speeds. The 2023 expressway incident placed my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. I am requesting an investigation into potential defects involving the automatic start-stop system, electrical system, battery management system, and related components. I am also requesting a review of similar complaints, recalls, and manufacturer servic
2019 Jeep Compass: check engine light
28 of the 333 complaints about the 2019 Jeep Compass describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 28
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 8,522
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
I own a 2019 Jeep Compass with approximately 72,000 miles. For the past two years, I have experienced intermittent electrical and brake system failures that have become more frequent and severe despite multiple repair attempts. While driving, especially when turning, braking, or driving over potholes or uneven roads, the vehicle suddenly displays multiple warning lights, including ABS, traction control, brake, check engine, and service transmission warnings. At the same time, the digital speedometer changes to "--" and stops displaying vehicle speed. On one occasion, the analog speedometer also dropped unexpectedly. The most serious incident occurred after these warnings appeared while I was driving. I pulled over, shifted into Park, and attempted to turn the vehicle off, but it would not shut down for approximately 30 seconds. During that time, the brake warning light flashed continuously, indicating a possible electrical or communication failure. After restarting, some warnings cleared, but the check engine light remained on. Although the brake pedal still felt normal, I temporarily lost multiple electronic safety systems, including ABS, traction control, and the vehicle speed display. These failures occurred on a public roadway without warning, creating a significant safety risk and reducing my confidence that the vehicle will respond properly during an emergency. A diagnostic scan retrieved multiple communication-related fault codes, including U0002-00 (CAN Bus Off), U0121-00 (Lost Communication with ABS Module), U0129-00 (Lost Communication with Brake System Control Module), U1110 (Lost Vehicle Speed Message), U1120 (Lost Wheel Distance Message), U1141 (Lost Brake and Torque Message), and U12A8 (Lost Communication with Master Cylinder Pressure Sensor). The problem is intermittent, often clears after restarting, and is difficult to diagnose. Because it affects critical safety systems while the vehicle is in motion, I believe this represents a serious safety
Three times since 8/2025 the vehicle flashed a “coolant temperature too high” warning despite the gauge reading normal and no check engine light. Coolant reservoir was at appropriate line. This immediately caused the vehicle to enter limp mode after idling in the drive thru. The vehicle remained in drive with full power but would not allow me to drive or shift to park until i turned the vehicle off. It would restart and allow me to drive. The 4th incident happened 12/13/25. I was at a red light, idling, and when green light came my vehicle flashed the coolant temperature warning and would not allow me to drive. I was stuck in traffic for 5 mins and had to shut my car off to be able to drive. Thankfully in this situation the person behind me was paying attention and did not slam into me. I recently had the main battery replaced. On my way home last night the warning flashed and my car abruptly went into limp Mode while I was actively driving in busy traffic. Thankfully it did not stall and I was able to turn right into a business parking lot. The last two situations could have resulted in accidents and / or injuries and should not be looked over.
On several occasions, the check engine light comes on, the temperature gauge goes all the way up and it states “coolant temperature too high” before the car powers off. I had taken the car to a mechanic who said that it was a sensor issue and replaced the sensor. It has continued to happen on a regular basis while I’m driving. I have contacted Jeep and have an Appointment for them to “assess” the car. This is beyond dangerous, has happened while driving on the highway, and I see that it’s happened to other compass owners as well. Something needs to be done to address this before someone gets killed
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power with the check engine and fuel warning lights illuminated. The engine failure, check engine, transmission, engine oil, and alignment messages were displayed. Additionally, the doors locked and unlocked, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted after 30 minutes, and on the second failure, the vehicle restarted in approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the Jeep dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were multiple communication errors and that the software needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a month later. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not able to be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,586.
Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Compass Mileage (approx): 84,000 miles Issue Type: RANDOM - Electrical failure causing loss of power, brake lock, steering disablement Car is currently at an auto electric shop but can be available if needed. Description of Issue: I’ve been experiencing a recurring and dangerous issue with my 2019 Jeep Compass since around 2021. Every 6–8 months (sometimes more frequently), the vehicle suddenly lights up with every warning signal (check engine, brakes, power steering, airbag, traction, ABS, etc.). The brakes lock up, the power steering shuts down, and the car either dies immediately or will not restart for hours or even days. The issue is completely random and happens whether the car is driving or idling. There’s no apparent correlation with temperature, mileage, or usage. It happens when I'm at a red light, parked and my last incident happen the highway with both my boys in the car. (age [XXX] and [XXX] ) I’ve taken the car to the dealership a couple times, including having it towed in when it would not start. However, by the time they inspect it, the car resets itself, and I’m told they “can’t find the problem.” They’ve held it for weeks without results. This issue is not only unpredictable but highly dangerous. Losing steering and braking while on the road creates serious safety risks for myself, my family, and other drivers. From my own research and symptoms, this could be related to the TIPM or BCM malfunctioning — both of which I’ve read are common in Jeep models. Please investigate this issue, as it appears systemic and unresolved through regular service channels. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was a thumping sound coming from the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the auxiliary battery which reset the check engine warning light. The thumping noise coming from the front-end of the vehicle persisted. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who determined that the rack-n-pinon failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was jerking while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had since failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was an unknown leak within the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Parked and turned off Jeep went into store and when I came out got in vehicle check engine light came on and it said high coolant temperature but it weren’t hot. Would not start. Flashing all kinds of stuff.
While driving, the Jeep Compass lurched forward several times rather than having smooth acceleration. Within 5 minutes, the vehicle was sputtering and the engine just shut down completely. the "BRAKE" light illuminated on the dashboard, but no check engine light has ever been on. I was able to restart 4 times as I was trying to get to a mechanic. The last time I restarted it was struggling to start. Mechanic has since looked at it, and there are no codes to indicate what is going on. I did notice online that there are other complaints of Jeep Compass shutting off while driving, so I wanted to file a complaint.
Randomly “High Coolant Temp” or “Coolant Temp too high” appears after not driving car for 12+ hours and car won’t start. Check engine light flashes. The Low power light comes on also. Sometimes I can turn ignition button off and right back on and it’ll start with no issues, sometimes I have to hook jumper cables or a jump box to the car to get it to start after the messages appears. Sometimes when it starts after turning off and back on because of the message, idle surges bad and throttle pedal is not responsive. Radio screen becomes unresponsive.
This is the second time that I am writing this letter on this 2019 jeep compass when driving the lights start going crazy check engine,service transmission,power steering needs serviced, smell of gas and antifreeze and parking brake comes on and much more. I have had this jeep in the shop 5 times with no help I need help as soon as possible on this jeep it is a safety hazard and I am afraid to drive it at all I am disabled and on a limited income need help please. Thank you very much [xxx][xxx] e-mail [xxx] today date is 03/20/2023 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Service bulletins that may apply
- Throttle body – none
- Bolt - hex flange head
- Verify Reman part number availability
- Throttle body
- Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
- WiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT)
- No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
- Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2019 Jeep Compass check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2019 Jeep Compass?
28 of 333 owner complaints about the 2019 Jeep Compass (8%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Jeep Compass?
There are 0 recalls and 18 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2019 Jeep Compass
Stalling 79Won't start 33Start-stop 29Loss of power 20Overheating 17Backup camera 12Jerking 12Engine failure 10Screen failure 9ABS 6Oil consumption 6Won't shift 6Warning lights 6Grinding brakes 5Power steering loss 5
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