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Jeep Compass cvt failure problems

27 of the 3,736 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe cVT failure, most of them for the 2013 model year.

owner complaints
27
worst model year
2013
typical mileage
79,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed May 6, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · WY

Vehicle stopped acceleration at highway speeds on way to work in narrow highway stopping traffic and semitrucks narrowly missing collision. Dealership states the transmission cvt was leaking and therefore caused the issue that costly repairs are unaffordable for me. Bought used from private party a month before the incident now leaving me no funds to repair and no transportation to return to work.

Filed Aug 30, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · SC

I have had problems with Jeep suddenly losing all power while driving with NO WARNING! Everytime ive had it checked they could not find anything wrong with it. Just recently it happened again and since then when I drive it doesn't seem to want to accelerate. There are no noises,instrument lights on any codes showing up. I had to wait a month for my appointment at the dealership and then another month for them to even tell me what was wrong. They said i need a new transmission which is ridiculous since my car only has 89,956 miles and a majority of those miles are from military moves. The only thing they did was run a diagnostic test (nothing showed up) and said they had 2 people test drive it ( but my mileage was the same going in and going out) They told me it would cost 7500 before taxes for the transmission. They could not give me a clear answer when I asked what exactly is wrong with the transmission. I was told that its something internal but they couldn't tell me exactly the problem because that would require them to take it apart. I asked if I should get a transmission flush to make sure it wasn't that since I just learned that cvt should be flushed earlier than usual and he told me probably not. I decide to take my car home and will never use them again. I went two months without a car and was unable to work because they did not offer me any time of vehicle while I had to wait. Im concerned because Mopar discontinued the transaxle package with torque converter, part number 68000676AH that is for my vehicle because it is known to be defective. I bought this car brand new and thought it was clear of any defects or safety issues. A new transmission for a car that is less than 10 years old is ridiculous and seems like a lemon. Since Jeep knows this Jatco transmission is defective and also discontinued it with a different part then why arent they offering a goodwill repair or at least a warranty adjustment. I will now have to quit my job or buy a new car.

Filed Nov 25, 2023 · Engine · GA

I was driving to work and my car stopped accelerating on its own. My speedometer read 0 and I rolled into a parking lot. I was not able to drive any longer. I turned the car off, then turned it back on. The car made a loud grinding noise, then turned on. I was able to leave the parking lot and started driving home, less than half a mile away. I entered my driveway and it happened again. I rolled to a stop in front of my house then turned the car off. This also happened to my 2008 Jeep Compass. Car parts.com states “: the CVT transmission on their Jeep Compass would overheat whenever the outside temperature is high or when they’re driving at high speeds on the interstate. Their vehicles would suddenly produce unusual whining noises and lose the ability to maintain their speed.” This is what happened to me, 3 times in the last week.

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Transmission · OH · crash · 1 injury

This vehicle before had the cvt transmission replaced as it was over heating/inoperable. Complete replacement. Flash forward not even a year I was driving and thr transmission made a noise and basically locked up causing the driver to hit curb at high rate of speed along the freeway. The vehicle again is disabled with a transmission defect and requires replacement. 2nd transmission failure and will need replacement and caused injury during collision with curb at high rate of speed without any indication lights of a mechanical issue prior to impact.

Filed Feb 11, 2022 · Suspension, Transmission · MO

I bought this vehicle in nov of 2021 took it to local mechanic who quoted me 1000 to fix it completely so I did a little at a time the suspension control arms and rockers completely bad! Now the vehicle only has130000 miles on it and the CVT worst transmission ever is going out which is 5000 to fix I can’t believe there is no recall knowing these vehicles have and are know for bad transmissions so now I am not only out a vehicle I am out the money I spent on buying this vehicle not to mention what I have spent to fix it!

Filed Dec 9, 2021 · Transmission · VA

Cvt transmission slips cause car to stumble in pulling out from stop when turning front wheels feel as if skipping n or not turning does this until transmission shifts then goes away. If cut transition control it does drive little better ti transmission shifts... .had 2shop look at jeep..both stated cvt transmislipping / failing ... Less then 150000 miles on vehicle Transmission has been inspected n fluid checked on several occasions fluid is never low

Filed Jan 31, 2021 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · OR

My 2016 jeep compasses transmission has failed at 96000 miles. It has the 2.0l i4 with the CVT, its fwd. I was traveling at 35mph when it failed.

Filed Aug 12, 2020 · Transmission · 1 miles · NC

Cvt transmission over heating during normal driving conditions. Dangerously dropping into limp mold at highway speeds without warning or ability to override for safety. Early full system transmission failure without no options for repair. Finally died by making whining noise, going into limp mode and staying there. The excessive cost of replacing the transmission makes not cost effective. Only option is to replace the vehicle altogether.

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Transmission · 194,000 miles · MI

Cvt overheats at highway speeds. When the CVT trans oil heat light comes on the car rpms increase and acceleration is lost. It was scary losing speed on the highway.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Driver assistance · 50,000 miles · KY

Electronic throttle control and electronic stability control indicator lights turn on and vehicle goes into "limp" mode creating the inability to accelerate over 10mph. When pulling out in front of oncoming traffic, the jeep stalls and then goes into limp mode. Serious safety concern with not being able to accelerate in these scenarios. Has happened ever since the jeep had 50,000 miles and has continued to the point the vehicle is no longer drivable as of june 2020 (issues began in jan 2019). Extreme hesitation has occurred when trying to accelerate on an on-ramp also creating a safety hazard as to not get up to the appropriate speed to safely merge with traffic. Cvt transmission began overheating at 55,000 miles, also causing the jeep to go into limp mode.

Related recalls

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported May 9, 2017 · 4,705 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.
Risk
If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.

Recall number 17V301000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported October 9, 2008 · 712 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Risk
This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 08V528000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Compass cvt failure

Which Jeep Compass years have cVT failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2013 (8 complaints), 2007 (5 complaints) and 2011 (5 complaints).

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