On October 30, 2026, my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited, with approximately 67,000 miles, unexpectedly became inoperable despite operating normally the previous day. When attempting to start the vehicle, the dashboard displayed a “Coolant Temperature High” warning accompanied by a flashing check-engine light. The engine made clicking noises but failed to start, while the radio and other electrical components remained functional. The temperature gauge remained at its lowest reading, and there were no visible signs of overheating, smoke, or unusual odors. The battery and alternator were tested and found to be functioning properly, and diagnostic trouble code U0402 was identified. I am concerned because the federal safety agency previously investigated similar coolant temperature warnings, engine shutdowns, and failure-to-restart incidents involving 2019–2020 Jeep Compass vehicles under investigation PE22-013. Although my vehicle is a 2021 model, it is exhibiting similar symptoms, raising concerns about a potential recurring safety-related defect. An unexpected loss of engine power while driving could create a serious collision risk. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether the 2021 Jeep Compass is affected by a similar defect and determine whether a safety recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.
The worst 2021 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.
- Electrical34
- Engine22
- Transmission9
- Driver assistance7
- Steering7
- Acceleration6
- Brakes6
- Fuel system4
- Lights4
- Seat belts3
- Airbags2
- Suspension2
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Jeep Compass
Backup camera 9Check engine light 9Loss of power 6Overheating 6Start-stop 6
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Jeep Compass 334
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 6
- FCA Caribbean Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 4
- Warranty Newsletter – Volume 11, Issue 4
- Warranty Newsletter – Volume 10, Issue 11
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market
- Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star...
- Service 4WD Light Illuminated Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination...
- Throttle body – none
- Camera - rear view
- Bolt - hex flange head
2021 Jeep Compass fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22 | 31 | 25 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | AWD | 22 | 30 | 25 |
What 2021 Jeep Compass owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
carvana falsifying 150 point inspection on bad tie rods with 2021jeep compass
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode to the dealer. The "D" on the instrument panel was flashing during failure, and there was an electrical odor inside the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was unable to reproduce failure but serviced the auxiliary battery and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited due to repeated coolant loss, overheating/high-temperature warnings, and eventual engine failure. The vehicle began losing coolant and required frequent refilling. The problem progressively worsened until coolant would immediately leak out underneath the vehicle when added. I paid approximately $1,400 to have the radiator replaced, but the same problem returned approximately two weeks later. The vehicle subsequently developed additional problems including shaking, a check-engine light, Cylinder 1 misfire, and diagnostic code P0117 related to the coolant temperature sensor/circuit. The vehicle also displayed a warning that the oil temperature was too high and the engine needed to cool down. The vehicle eventually became undrivable, and I believe the engine may have locked up. The progression from severe coolant loss and overheating to misfire, high-temperature warnings, and possible catastrophic engine failure is concerning. This vehicle is used to transport my children, including daily school transportation. I am concerned that a sudden loss of coolant, overheating, loss of power, or engine failure while driving could create a serious safety hazard. The radiator replacement did not resolve the underlying problem, which makes me concerned there may be a larger defect involving the cooling system, temperature control, or related engine components. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether similar coolant-loss, overheating, temperature-warning, and engine-failure problems are occurring in 2021 Jeep Compass vehicles and whether a safety defect may exist.
Screen glitching can’t use touch screen and rear view camera not available when screen is glitching.
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safe operation. The most concerning issue is the vehicle's unexpected stalling at low speeds, particularly associated with the 2.4L engine. Unexpected loss of power while driving at low speeds creates a significant safety concern because it can occur when entering intersections, turning, maneuvering through traffic, or attempting to accelerate from a stopped or slow-moving position. In addition to the stalling issue, I have experienced or am concerned about the following problems: 1. Transmission Problems The vehicle has demonstrated concerning transmission behavior, including: Rough or abnormal shifting Delayed acceleration Delayed engagement Unresponsive or delayed gear changes Hesitation when attempting to accelerate Behavior that may contribute to the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or momentum These symptoms raise concerns regarding the transmission's proper operation and the possibility that transmission performance may be contributing to the vehicle's stalling and delayed acceleration. 2. Electrical System Problems The vehicle has also experienced significant electrical concerns, including: Infotainment screen freezing or becoming unresponsive Battery becoming completely or significantly discharged after sitting overnight Suspected parasitic battery drain Random or unexplained dashboard warning lights Electrical/electronic systems intermittently malfunctioning These issues are particularly concerning because intermittent electrical problems can be difficult to diagnose and may affect other vehicle systems, including safety-related components. 3. Backup Camera and Safety Concerns I am also concerned about failures involving the vehicle's backup camera and safety-related wiring, including poten
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this. This happens randomly and cannot be reproduced manually. It is also extremely dangerous and upsetting when this happens in highway traffic at speed. The Jeep also seems to have a parasitic drain on the battery and both batteries had to be replaced by the dealer. My research shows that there have been alt least 15 similar complaints filed.
I was driving on the Arecibo. P.R. highway when suddently the car started acelererating..i wouldn't show down. There were a lot of cars on the road, so I had to swerve onto the grass and hit a tree car. I dind'd receive any help from highway patrol. The Police were show to arrive. I've done some research and this Jeep Compass has received many complaints about this factory defect.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with the message "Air Bags Wiring Fault" displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger’s side seat belt latch was defective and failed to latch properly. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,972.
The infotainment screen in my 2021 Jeep Compass has developed a display failure where the screen is glitching and unusable. The issue persists after restarting the vehicle and appears to be a hardware malfunction. This affects visibility of navigation, backup camera, and vehicle settings, which creates a potential safety concern while driving.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Compass
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Other model years
20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2021 Jeep Compass
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass reliable?
Owners have filed 82 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Compass, fewer than a typical Compass model year.
What is the 2021 Jeep Compass year score?
The 2021 Jeep Compass scores 87 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 2021 Jeep Compass?
Electrical system, with 34 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is engine (22).
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Compass have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Jeep Compass have the most electrical problems?
The Jeep Compass model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (380 complaints), 2019 (145 complaints) and 2022 (105 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Jeep Compass get?
Official estimates for the 2021 Jeep Compass range from 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22 city and 31 highway.
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