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Jeep Compass loss of power problems

159 of the 3,737 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
159
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$1,400
typical mileage
65,700
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 47Check engine light 36Power steering loss 26Jerking 16Overheating 13Won't start 10Transmission failure 8ABS 7

Trouble codes mentioned

P0171 2U0402 1P2AF5 1P2173 1P2135 1P1064 1P0339 1P0304 1P0121 1P0117 1

What owners say

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 Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical · 43,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power and completely stalled. The warning message "Performance limited—fuel system error" illuminated. Approximately one week prior, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the same failure. The failure was diagnosed as a software glitch, and a secondary battery was installed; however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · TX

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly as: “Vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power.” Because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · TX

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly as: “Vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power.” Because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · TX

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly as: “Vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power.” Because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 86,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode to the dealer. The "D" on the instrument panel was flashing during failure, and there was an electrical odor inside the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was unable to reproduce failure but serviced the auxiliary battery and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Vehicle 2018 Jeep compass, 2.4 l tiger shark multi-air space safety defect summary, my vehicle is experiencing a severe recurring safety hazard causing unexpected vehicle stall and loss of power while driving at high speeds on the highway while operating normally the vehicle abruptly jerks and immediately forces itself into neutral or defensive lip mode leaving me unable to accelerate and placing me in immediate danger of a high-speed collision concurrently the dashboard displays severe failure messages including service electronic throttle control and service transmission the vehicle is also suffering from the documented 2.4 l tiger shark excessive oil consumption defect burning oil at a rapid pace and shutting down without a low oil warning indicator light additionally the coolant levels behave erratically causing the vehicle to falsely signal overheating and the vehicle has previously dropped six active safety recalls from its public then history without the mechanical defects actually being repaired the manufacturers temporary software patches have failed to resolve the structural engine and powertrain failures. I have also going to attach a screenshot of the six open recalls I found with my specific Vin number from the Kelley Blue Book website last July in 2025. And now searching my VIN number there’s no open recalls and this is very concerning. This has became a huge safety issue with me and I’ve tried reaching out to y’all before and y’all still have not tried to reach out to me, I’m taking it to the dealership this week.

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 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 Aug 19, 2026 · Driver assistance · GA

Subject: Vehicle Lost Power While Driving – Potential Battery/Electrical Safety Issue On August 15, 2026, my vehicle suddenly began malfunctioning and lost power while I was driving my daughter to a medical appointment. I was on/near Highway 20 and had to maneuver the vehicle into a parking lot to avoid being struck. My daughter and I were extremely fortunate not to be injured. The vehicle was subsequently towed to Mall of Georgia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for evaluation. The dealership stated that both the main and auxiliary batteries need to be replaced and indicated that the main battery purchased from AutoZone may be faulty. The main battery was purchased from AutoZone on June 20, 2026. After an earlier vehicle failure, AutoZone tested the battery on July 24, 2026, and reported it as 100% charged/good. AutoZone Corporate has since stated that its testing equipment is functioning properly, while the dealership maintains that the battery is faulty. I am concerned that there may be an underlying battery, electrical, charging, or vehicle-system safety issue that caused the vehicle to lose power while being driven. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this incident and determine whether it may represent a safety defect or a broader vehicle safety concern. I can provide the battery purchase receipt, AutoZone test results, dealership service records, towing records, and other documentation upon request.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported October 24, 2017 · 357 vehicles affected
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: engineReported December 16, 2016 · 42,231 vehicles affected
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

EngineReported November 6, 2013 · 521 vehicles affected
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 loss of power

Which Jeep Compass years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (30 complaints), 2014 (20 complaints) and 2019 (20 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix sudden loss of power on the Jeep Compass?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,400 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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