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Jeep Compass key fob problems

23 of the 3,737 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
23
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
28,000
Is there a fix? There are 5 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    12
  • 2017
    4
  • 2016
    1
  • 2012
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical · 104,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, multiple warning lights illuminated, including the start/stop warning light. The contact stated that multiple attempts using the key fob were required to start the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system displayed a blank screen due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

When I first purchased my car, for some reason it kept starting, and then the engine would turn off in the middle of driving. As of lately the Key fob has been undetected in the car or battery is low. I have replaced my key fob twice. I have also replaced my batteries in both of the key fobs. After I replace the key fob, the check engine light came on in the car is stalling not starting properly. Sometimes I have to press the multiple times for it to start up. Recently I was driving and my car just stalled and I could not get it to start again. I have had this happen to me over 10 times. There was a recall for exactly what was happening to my car. the federal safety agency Recall 18v-524 just that my car was not recalled. I am now without a car and it clearly is experiencing EXACTLY what the recall says. over 5 times I was on the road when the car stalled / stopped while I was driving. It just stopped in the middle of the road. Now my car will not start at all. I have not even had the car for two years. The car has 40,000 miles on it. I got the car at 20,000 miles. They have been 6 recalls for cars like mine however my specific VIN was not included. The recalls that I am most concerned with. u87 and w20.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AL

Key fob not found, tpms not reading but sensors are good, backup camera beeping when things are not behind and continues to beep in drive, engine stalling, worn motor mounts due to no reason

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Electrical · VA

Two recurring issues that happen at the same time. The auto stop/start feature stops working. Error message "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System" is displayed. If this were to happen at a traffic light, the failure to restart the vehicle could cause accidents. At the same time, the door locks become inoperative in one of several ways. They may not unlock by using the in-car button on the door. At the same time, using the key fob may or may not unlock the door. If you are outside of the vehicle, the key fob may not unlock the doors. If you are in the car when it happens, you may be trapped. That is an obvious safety issue. If you are trying to lock or unlock, using the key fob, from outside the car and the door locks are not responding, your safety can be compromised by not being able to enter the car in a dangerous situation. These issues have been confirmed and reproduced by a Jeep dealer on three different occasions in less than two months. They have replaced both car batteries. The door lock assembly has been replaced three times. The Body Control Module has been replaced three times. The latest failure was on 2/2/2025.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OH

In February I took my car for an oil change. I went out of town and when I returned my car would not start. I replaced my key fob battery and I charged the battery because a jump did not work. Once battery was charged we were able to get my car to turn on. I took the car for battery testing at auto zone and nothing came back. I took the car to the dealership (Jeep Dealer) they said both batteries were original and needed to be replaced. I paid for both to be replaced. A few days later I was driving m, came to a stop light and when the light turned green I went to press the gas the car dashboard glitched and turned completely off I was in the middle of the road. I started the car back up and called the dealer immediately and took it in for service. The dealer said it was a reset that needed to be done and computer update. A few days later my car did the same thing only this time it gave a few messages on the dashboard and I was able to turn it back on. The deal ship kept my car for a couple more days. The did more updates and returned the car. I had no issues for a few weeks with turning off however when I turn the car on it would glitch as if it did not want to start. Also, the start/stop feature stopped working completely. One morning I started my car on my way to take my child to daycare the car glitched again but turned on I drove maybe 500ft and I got a message on the dashboard “stop safely vehicle will turn off soon” I pulled over and turned the car off and back on the message was gone. A month later I got the same message but I kept driving and nothing happened. A week later I drove to drop off my child, the car was off completely and moments later when I returned the car would not start the radio dashboard lights all turned on and I could hear the car trying to start but it did not. AAA came to assist jumping my vehicle and I was able to drive the car to the same dealership. They kept the car for a week and found nothing.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Electrical · IN

Two times while driving the car shuts completely down, No acceleration, no warning lights, hard to steer. Both times luckily I was on a low traffic road. After it completely stopped and I tried to restart the car it would sound like it wanted to turn over but never did. It sounded like when someone floods a car. Another time it was -20 outside and I was starting it from my key starter ( I don't have one of the newer key fobs)...mine has a normal key with an electric lock and auto start buttons. Anyway I pushed the starter button and it acted like normal with the headlights blinked twice and normally it starts in about 3 seconds. When I went to get in my car it was off and stone cold. I went to start it and acted like I previously stated. The master mechanics can't find anything wrong with it both times I've had my car towed to the repair shop. They replaced the sparkplugs and battery and it happened again after it was "fixed" .

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Driver assistance · MO

In the past 5 days my car has died/lost all power while in drive, driving down the road. The first time that it happened I was driving down and alley. I brought the car to a complete stop and put the car in park. I hit the push button start and it shut off completely. I was able to start my car again. When I got it started the check engine light was on and the system had shut off the emergency pedestrian braking system. I turned the emergency pedestrian braking back on and the next day before I could get my car looked at, the check engine light was off. I still made an appointment but not for another 6 days after as they were booked until then. Later that night driving down the road at about 25 mph it shut off again and tried to turn on the emergency brake. Right after that happened there was a message on the screen that said something about the emergency pedestrian braking but I was unable to read it because another message that said service emergency brake showed up. I was able to come to a complete stop and start my car again. I attempted to accelerate and my car died again. I was able to restart my car and once again the check engine light was on and emergency ped braking was off. I left it off for the weekend and there were no issues in that time. The check engine light did turn off after 2 days. I just got my car looked at today by the dealership. They stated that they can see the codes that were stored from when the check engine light was on but it could be a million different things. They stated that I would have to bring it in after it does it so that they can pinpoint the issue while it is happening.

Filed Jun 29, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Key fob not detected since I bought certified pre-used. There’s an oil consumption issue. There’s a stall issue that completely cut my Jeep off in the middle of rush hour traffic almost causing an accident. I’ve replaced batteries 2x and had to dealer 3x with them unable to reproduce symptoms. They didn’t do the oil consumption test. Just changed oil. This Jeep is a serious hazard!!

Filed Jan 26, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OK

Please see uploaded documents for a personal account of all issues on the 2022 Jeep Compass. Yes, it is available for inspection. No warning indications prior to incidents. I went to dealership & they are aware of issues with the mechanical & electrical system, however they did not offer any resolution. No, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or anyone else. The issues began within a few days of being bought on 9/12/22. The incidents are random, ongoing, and increasing. No, the issues have not been reproduced or confirmed by anyone. I live 2 hrs from the dealership, however I have made numerous trips to them & on 1/24/23 did make them aware of the problems in writing. I have tried returning the vehicle on several occasions. No one would work with me, return phone calls or emails. They did agreed to a trade but with a $10,000 charge for trading this vehicle in for another one just like it but cheaper cash price of $32,595. That was 9/22/2022, 10 days after signing the contract. However I have been calling & email the salesman & business manager from day one. I am convinced they sold me a Lemon & are preditory lenders considering how they have treated me. The salesman tore the window sticker off the Jeep, waded it up & threw it away the night it was bough. He also did not give me my trade in license plate, or my extra key fob to the new vehicle. I have since gotten the key fob on a trip there. The license plate is gone. I have called & went by numerous times with no one willing to work with me concerning the Jeep on all situations. I have since learn Base MSRP is $26,525. My contract was written for $38,864 in total. Cash price was $35,305. They also financed a down payment through a credit card company when told I had no down payment of $3,000, which is a separate payment. I am not sure this is where I complain about Preditory Lending but I thought it wouldn't hurt to share my situation considering the issues I am having with the physical vehicle.

Filed Dec 1, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · MI

I was on the entrance ramp for the freeway and the gas pedal disengaged. I could not accelerate and my car slowed down. A message on the display said to service electronic throttle. This has happened to me twice. My car is barely six months old. I was going 40 mph at the time. Today, I was getting into my car after picking up lunch and as I sat down, the alarm went off for close to 4 minutes. I unlocked and locked the key fob, I started the car and turned it off, and repeated everything about twenty times. I'm in a very public place sitting inside of a car whose alarm won't shut off...anyone could've called the police on me. Someone probably did. The alarm is supposed to shut off at 90 seconds, why didn't it? Why have an alarm that won't disengage? When I press the button to disable the auto stop/start, my car will jerk a few times and a message will pop up to service the auto stop/start. This first happened two days after I got the car (less than 100 miles on car) and it's probably happened close to ten times by now. I'm usually going about 30 - 40 mph when this happens.

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 key fob

Which Jeep Compass years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (12 complaints), 2017 (4 complaints) and 2022 (2 complaints).

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