2021 Jeep Compass: engine overheating

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Engine · FL

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.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Jan 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

Multiple times now at random, car will go from normal temp to overheating on the gauge for a moment. Shuts down in doing so regardless of being driven. Then will instantly think its cooling back down to normal. When it reaches normal it resumes normal driving abilities. While the temp is going up and down on the gauge the center of the cluster tells you "high coolant temperature". No codes or pending codes can be found. Thermostat housing and sensor have been replaced and still occurring at random. Researching online forms, lots of complaints of same issues with no resolve, spending thousands of dollars and trips to dealers and shops to not be resolved. This is a huge safety hazard as you can not move out of the way of others when it happens and occurs both when driving and stopped situations.

Filed May 28, 2025 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, a message indicating that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and added water to the coolant reservoir. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was not running properly while driving. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a burned coolant mark underneath the engine. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Transmission · KS

Several times a year since having my 2021 Compass, as I'm driving my car shuts off out of no where and a message on my dashboard lights up in regards to the coolant system. The car is never overheated when this happens and both of my batteries have been changed. It has happened to me in the middle of going through intersections, at stoplights, and while driving. It is NOT SAFE to have your car shut down without warning!! I have to put the car in park and restart and it starts up right away each time. There are SO MANY threads of this same complaint and customers having their Jeep dealer look at it with no resolve from any comment I've read. Please help fix this unsafe issue!!

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Engine · 50,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The contact's daughter resumed driving; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was able to restart. The overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.