Check a VIN

Jeep Compass battery drain problems

14 of the 3,737 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe battery drain or dead battery, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
49,895
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2021
    3
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    6
  • 2017
    1
  • 2007
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Electrical · NY

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

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

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

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

The vehicle has stalled in traffic multiple times, it sends emergency messages while operating that the vehicle must pull off of the road or shut down, it is constantly displaying "service stop/ start system" messages and service lights, it sometimes doesn't start after having gotten to a location but will start up without having the vehicle jump started later, it drains the batteries quickly, as well. I was on the highway with my son in the vehicle, not near any exit and in thick traffic, when it told me to pull off the road or it may shut down. On a separate occasion, I had my family in the car, we stopped for an event and the vehicle randomly didn't restart, stranding us until we could reach another ride. Another time I was driving to work and it the engine shut off and when I tried to go it randomly did not go and I had to shut the vehicle down while in traffic, restart the engine and put it back into drive before I could allow traffic to move again. I took it to an authorized Jeep/ Chrysler Dealership for these issues and no recalls were put out for my vehicle, despite these exact issues being a part of a recall of nearly 13,000 Fiat Chrysler vehicles under the federal safety agency 18V524000 (Chrysler recall U87).

Filed May 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NC

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.

Filed Nov 15, 2024 · Electrical · MI

The computer screen has failed (is still running but not visible), leaving no access to backup cameras, no access to steering wheel heater and seat heater causing over heating of the driver (the steering wheel gets too hot), draining the battery, and could cause potential wiring hazards. There are thousands of reports of Jeep radio screens not functioning properly and showing streaking, yet there have been no recalls.

Filed Feb 4, 2024 · Electrical, Visibility · SC

The car only has 47,000 miles on it and the steering wheel buttons stopped working, then while the car was off the windshield wipers started going and wouldn’t stop until the battery died, then when the car battery was charged and the car was started the windshield wipers stopped working, the brake lights stopped working and then the signal lights.

Filed May 31, 2023 · Electrical · FL

The Auxiliary battery has died 3 times in 4 years. The dealership each time has replaced it and has stated it is unknown why the battery keeps dying. I have brought to 2 different Jeep dealerships.

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Electronic Malfunctions The Jeep completely turn off. Energy lights did not turned on both batteries died. Unable to move the car to “N” to move it out of the freeway. CHP used flares to detour the traffic. Could have been a feral accident due to the electrical turning completely off on the freeway

Filed Mar 3, 2023 · Electrical · 44,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that she was unable to turn off the vehicle after shifting to park. The contact stated that the “Shift to Park” warning light was illuminated. The contact called a tow truck company, and the driver disconnected both batteries to turn the vehicle off. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing both batteries to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced the failure a second time. The video of the second occurrence show no "low battery" warning so is the low battery alert malfunctioning, Bob Baker Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat (5555 Car Country Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008: (760) 268-9032) where the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the trunk latch electrical system was draining the batteries. The manufacture had been contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was about 44,000.

Filed Jun 2, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · NY

I believe I received a faulty vehicle from Brooklyn Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram. Located at 2286 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234. I received this vehicle in October 2021 with a dead battery and a faulty engine. I returned the vehicle, and services claimed to fix all the issues. The next day my car completely shuts down on the highway in the middle of traffic nearly causing an accident. I immediately contacted Jeep to let them know my concerns. Since, the car has completely shut down in the middle of me driving multiple times. This is creating a hazardous environment for myself and others. I returned the car to Jeep and told them I am no longer comfortable driving this vehicle especially since I got it within reasonable mileage (18K). I was told that if I wanted to give the vehicle back I would have to pay $10,000 to do so. I expressed that I was not pleased with that amount. They then told me there was nothing they can do for me and I should get a lawyer to dispute this matter. Leaving me emotionally distressed and scared for my safety and the safety of others. I truly believe this car can get in a major car accident due to its condition.

Related recalls

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported August 14, 2023 · 181,999 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness level of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) may not be adjustable due to incorrect software in the body control module (BCM). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
An IPC display that is not bright enough may not clearly show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 88A.

Recall number 23V576000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported February 9, 2023 · 90 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Compass vehicles. The instrument panel center cluster display may be insufficiently illuminated and may not appear visible during daytime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Risk
An instrument panel display that is not visible to the driver may result in the inability to see safety-critical information, such as the fuel gauge and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the windshield and headlamp switch, add a light sensor module, and add a wiring jumper harness to allow the instrument panel center cluster display backlighting to function correctly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 15A.

Recall number 23V058000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported August 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported November 21, 2017 · 25,823 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk
An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.

Recall number 17V740000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported June 4, 2013 · 254,396 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Risk
In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Recall number 13V233000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Compass battery drain

Which Jeep Compass years have battery drain or dead battery problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (6 complaints), 2021 (3 complaints) and 2020 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Jeep Compass?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history