In July 2024 the engine blew a rod causing catastrophic engine failure causing our daughters Jeep while driving down [XXX] in San Antonio to lift off the ground from the force and leaving her no where to get to safety with no shoulder. Only being some months and 1505 miles out of warranty they denied any goodwill. This specific engine was the same motor that was involved in the Wood, et al. v. FCA US, LLC class action lawsuit. The Jeep was well maintenanced and no indication of any problems prior to the abrupt explosion under the hood while she was driving causing all fluids to immediately start pouring from the Jeep and leaving her little time to get to safety before the Jeep came to a stop and shut down. Where she was stranded was on one of the most dangerous parts of the highway on [XXX]. Now all motor mounts that we had just replaced in March of 2024 are bad, leaving to wonder if it was because a new engine was put onto compromised motor mounts in 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jeep Compass engine failure problems
86 of the 3,736 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe engine failure, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 86
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,500
- typical mileage
- 34,000
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 28Oil consumption 19Check engine light 14Overheating 10Won't start 7Start-stop 7Loss of power 6Steering lock-up 4
Trouble codes mentioned
U110A 1P0117 1
What owners say
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.
On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop recommended engine replacement at an estimated cost of $9,221.49. Jeep confirmed that the vehicle was associated with Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 concerning excessive oil consumption and potential engine stalling, as well as XB1, the 2.4L excessive-oil-consumption warranty extension. Jeep stated that XB1 expired on September 20, 2025. I am concerned that abnormal oil consumption or a related engine defect may have caused progressive internal engine damage and created a stalling or loss-of-power safety risk. I request that the federal safety agency document and investigate this failure. Jeep customer-care reference number: 97940025.
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle restarted. The driver waited for several minutes before attempting to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Midas, where it was diagnosed with a CAM shaft sensor failure. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. Approximately one year later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to Midas. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor connector, CAM shaft sensor, crank shaft, and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor was the only part available. The contact was informed that the CAM shaft sensor connector, crank shaft, and the wiring harness were not available and were on back order. The CAM shaft sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the parking brake independently activated. No warning lights were illuminated. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The failure had occurred while the [XXX] was an occupant of the vehicle. The failure reoccurred. While attempting to start the vehicle, the battery warning light illuminated; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PCM failure. The contact was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine failed while driving on the expressway putting us in a dangerous spot on the outer lane. It was towed to Etscorn’s in Louisville, KY and we were told despite everything looking ok on the outside, there was an internal engine failure of some kind and it would cost $900 to take it apart just to find out. I don’t have that kind of money.
2019 jeep compass, 65k miles Car started having misfires while accelerating and decreasing speeds.It stayed pretty consistent at all speeds! Shortly after the car overheated and stated coolant temperature too high. Had it diagnosed and it was confirmed oil is mixing in with the coolant meaning blown head gasket and more than likely engine rebuild/new engine. All regular maintenance has ALWAYS been done. It is absolutely unacceptable that so many people are reporting this same exact issue and nothing is being done. Every other comment is someone stranded or the vehicle has shut off while driving, for the ones whose engine hasn’t failed they are on the verge of doing so. The investigation into this needs to be reopened, how is this not a major safety concern with an obvious engine defect. Is it gonna take several bad accidents, or worse a death ? This needs to be addressed immediately.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the engine was running and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact made several attempts to move the vehicle; however, the steering wheel and the gear shifter were seized. The contact called a neighbor to the scene for assistance, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer failed to determine the cause of the check engine warning light being illuminated; however, the contact was informed that the steering rack was loose and needed to be repaired. The steering rack was covered under warranty and was repaired. Recently, upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
- Risk
- If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Recall number 17V670000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
- Risk
- If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Recall number 16V907000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
- Risk
- If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
Recall number 13V552000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Compass engine failure
Which Jeep Compass years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (38 complaints), 2019 (10 complaints) and 2016 (8 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Jeep Compass?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,500 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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