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2020 Jeep Compass problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Jeep Compass is engine and cooling, typically around 34,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Compass model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
143
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
4081 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
25-26mpg

The worst 2020 Jeep Compass problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    83
  • Electrical
    66
  • Transmission
    29
  • Driver assistance
    9
  • Steering
    8
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Brakes
    7
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Wheels
    4
  • Lights
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Jeep Compass

Stalling 22Start-stop 17Check engine light 16Overheating 16Won't start 9Backup camera 8

Recalls 1

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkagesReported April 9, 2020 · 425,599 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
Risk
Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.

Recall number 20V208000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2020 Jeep Compass

Defect investigations

False overheat leading to loss of motive powerOpened December 2, 2022, closed December 10, 2023

On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22-013 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power accompanied by high coolant temperature messages on the dashboard of Model Year 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. At the time this investigation was opened, ODI was aware of fifteen Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for Model Year (MY) 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles alleging a loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving. The LOMP events were often accompanied by a high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high message appearing on the dashboard of the vehicle.  In most incidents, the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages spontaneously self-corrected or were corrected after the vehicle was stopped and restarted. One complainant alleged no immediate restart, and the vehicle was towed.  A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) was opened to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of these engine shut down events. On January 19th, 2023, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles.  FCA provided its full response on March 2nd, 2023. ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to the federal safety agency’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database. Based on a review of available information, ODI has identified 173 subject vehicles that likely experienced a shutdown event associated with the high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high dashboard messages.  ODI found the 2019 Model Year (MY) Jeep Compass as having the highest failure rate while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation. The 2019 Jeep Compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.09%. The 2020 Jeep compass vehicles that experienced a failure represent an incident rate of about 0.04%. After reviewing the information available at this time, ODI identified one allegation of a crash and no allegations of injury, fire, or fatality. The alleged crash occurred at a stop light and was able to be restarted immediately. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. FCA believes the alleged defect does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. FCA stated that allegations related to this investigation involve the vehicle notifying the driver of an overheat condition, via a message and telltale lights, followed by an engine shutdown. FCA goes on to say that once the engine shuts down, the driver is instructed via an instrument cluster message to place the vehicle in park. After the vehicle is placed in park, it can then be restarted and immediately driven with no issues. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI indicating a low failure rate and given that the vehicles normally can be re-started immediately after the shutdown event, this investigation is closed.  The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. the federal safety agency reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE22013

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Jeep Compass 408

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 408 bulletins for the 2020 Jeep Compass

2020 Jeep Compass fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD22-2331-3225-26
2.4L 4‑cylAWD2230-3125

What 2020 Jeep Compass owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Steering · OH

Carvana falsifying 150 inspection on tie rods that's having issue with two different vehicles on 2020 jeep compass and 2021 jeep compass

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. While driving for 5–10 minutes at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated, and a "Pressure Overheating" message was displayed. The Automatic Emergency Braking feature activated. The contact called roadside assistance and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the valve cover gasket, spark plug, and battery. The failure persisted. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, who checked the cooling system, performed a coolant test, and completed an oil change. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed back to the mechanic, who flushed the coolant and replaced the coolant hose, radiator hose, and coolant reservoir tank. The failure continued with a collapsed radiator hose. The contact had a friend purchase a main radiator hose for replacement. The vehicle was taken to a third independent mechanic; however, no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was informed that the engine and transmission might need to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · PA

My 2020 Jeep Compass develops significant shaking and vibration when I apply the brakes while traveling above approximately 70 mph. The vibration affects the vehicle’s stability and makes me concerned about maintaining control and stopping safely at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Jeep dealership after I reported the shaking. The dealership identified problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system. Before the repair, I specifically questioned whether the brake rotors could be contributing to the shaking. The dealership assured me that it was completely certain the problem had been corrected. The vehicle rides somewhat better following the repair, but the same high-speed braking vibration remains. The vehicle now has new tires, but the shaking continues. The problem occurs primarily when the brakes are applied at highway speed, which raises concerns involving the brake rotors, hubs, calipers, steering rack, tie rods, wheel bearings, or related suspension components. There are no warning lights before the shaking occurs. The vehicle and its components are available for inspection. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether recurring high-speed braking vibration, premature steering-component wear, or related brake and suspension problems constitute a safety defect in Jeep Compass vehicles.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Electrical · NY

My start/stop battery keeps dying , causing my regular battery to die !

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

I drove myself and my passenger to our destination without issue. After the vehicle was parked for approximately three hours, I started it and drove toward the exit lane leading to the main road. I stopped completely before exiting and was traveling approximately 10 mph as I crossed toward the leftmost turning lane. Suddenly, the dashboard displayed a “High Coolant Temperature” warning, the check engine light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became resistant/unresponsive. The vehicle slowed to a stop and the engine completely shut off. Without me shifting the transmission out of Drive or selecting Reverse, the vehicle then began rolling backward on its own. The road was not inclined or sloped. The brake pedal and steering wheel became extremely hard to operate. I had no choice but to allow the vehicle to roll backward into the exit lane. I was extremely concerned that it could cause a collision or strike a pedestrian or building, seriously injuring myself, my passenger, or others. The vehicle eventually stopped, but it was left partially in the exit lane and partially in the main roadway. I was in the right-turn lane, and approaching traffic could not easily see my hazard lights due to the vehicle’s position. I exited the vehicle and opened the hood to signal that the vehicle was disabled. I attempted to shift into Neutral so the vehicle could be moved out of the roadway, but the emergency brake switch would not disengage. The only warning displayed before the incident was “Oil Change Required,” which had appeared approximately three weeks earlier. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. I have previously had similar breakdowns, and each time I was told the auxiliary battery had failed. After this incident, the dealership again stated that the auxiliary battery was the cause. I am skeptical that this adequately explains the vehicle rolling backward while still in Drive. I am reporting this incident so the underlying cause can be investigated.

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Electrical · UT

Unknown. Vehicle has been inspected prior for electrical issues while under warranty. Dealer claims no issue. Backup camera does not work, vehicle temperature settings are not accessible on screen.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · VT

Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to significant wear, and the right rear wheel bearing also required replacement. The vehicle failed state safety inspection as a result of these findings. The mechanic noted the repair scope required disassembly of the steering column, indicating a defect beyond routine wear for the vehicle's age/mileage. Given that these are safety-critical steering and wheel components, the vehicle has been taken off the road entirely pending repair, out of concern that continued driving could result in loss of steering control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A written statement from the inspecting mechanic documenting these findings is available.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · OH

Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Transmission · SC

The transmission cooling system failed causing immediate failure of the transmission. The vehicle has less than 60k miles and is still covered by the manufacturer powertrain warranty. Dash lights for service engine and service transmission only came on at the immediate time of failure (10 min prior to full transmission failure). No issues were noted in the vehicles prior service 7 months prior to failure. The dealer has confirmed the cause of transmission failure is due to failure of the cooling system.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

My 2020 Jeep Compass experiences sudden, unexpected engine shut-offs while driving. The engine loses power and stalls without warning, and shortly afterward the dashboard displays a 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warning. The vehicle has stalled while in motion, including at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. After the stall, the vehicle restarts and behaves normally, but the problem has recurred multiple times. This matches the engine-stalling and coolant-temperature issue described in the federal safety agency investigation of 2019–2020 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2020 Jeep Compass before you buy

Compare the 2020 Jeep Compass

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2020 Jeep Compass

Is the 2020 Jeep Compass reliable?

Owners have filed 143 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Compass, fewer than a typical Compass model year.

What is the 2020 Jeep Compass year score?

The 2020 Jeep Compass scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Jeep Compass: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Jeep Compass?

Engine and cooling, with 83 complaints, typically around 34,000 miles. Next is electrical (66).

How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Compass have?

1 recall, covering visibility.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Jeep Compass get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Jeep Compass range from 25 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-23 city and 31-32 highway.

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