Jeep Compass start-stop problems

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · OH

I am reporting ongoing safety concerns involving my 2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, including unexpected engine shutdowns, repeated battery failures, electrical malfunctions, and recurring check engine warnings despite regular maintenance and multiple repairs. In 2023, the vehicle’s automatic start-stop system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to shut down completely while I was traveling on the expressway. This created an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed for inspection, but no problem was identified. After being jump-started, the vehicle operated normally. In September 2024, both the main battery and auxiliary battery were replaced. However, the vehicle continued shutting down and requiring jump-starts. I subsequently took it to the dealership, where wiring connected to the battery system was replaced. The vehicle operated normally for several months following this repair. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have also experienced intermittent electrical malfunctions involving the radio and infotainment system. The radio unexpectedly shorts out, and the display screen goes completely black before eventually restoring itself. Additionally, during each of my last four routine oil changes, the vehicle has died or failed to restart, requiring a jump-start. Approximately one to two weeks after these maintenance visits, the check engine light illuminates. The vehicle has consistently received regular maintenance, yet these problems continue despite battery replacements and dealership repairs. My greatest concern is the possibility of another unexpected engine shutdown while driving, particularly at highway speeds. The 2023 expressway incident placed my safety and the safety of other motorists at risk. I am requesting an investigation into potential defects involving the automatic start-stop system, electrical system, battery management system, and related components. I am also requesting a review of similar complaints, recalls, and manufacturer servic

Filed Oct 10, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

I purchased my 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude FWD brand new on April 4, 2022, from AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Houston. Just eight days later, on April 12, 2022, I began reporting serious engine stalling and Auto Stop/Start malfunctions. The vehicle repeatedly shuts off in traffic and fails to restart automatically, requiring me to shift into Park, turn the vehicle off, and manually restart it. These incidents have occurred at traffic lights, on public roadways, and even on railroad tracks. On February 3, 2023, my vehicle shut off in traffic around 2:45 PM while I was picking up my niece and nephew from school. I was nearly rear-ended because the vehicle unexpectedly stopped operating. I immediately contacted the dealership and brought the vehicle in for inspection. The service department reportedly advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and kept it for further repairs. Despite numerous dealership visits, a complete transmission replacement in October 2022, and additional repairs in February 2023, the problem continued. On February 27, 2023, I notified Jeep Customer Care that the vehicle had stalled again shortly after being returned from repairs. Jeep/Stellantis has been aware of these safety concerns since 2022 through multiple dealership repair orders and Customer Care case #84688408. As of October 2026, the vehicle has approximately 63,773 miles. The Auto Stop/Start warning remains illuminated, and the vehicle has recently failed to start normally on two additional occasions. This is a recurring safety concern that has existed since the vehicle was brand new and has never been permanently resolved despite repeated manufacturer-authorized repairs. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this recurring engine stalling and restart failure as a potential vehicle safety defect.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

Multiple electronic/body-control systems fail intermittently, confirmed by dealer diagnostics (DTC summary report, 5+ service visits): Active Lane Management/Blind Spot system shows "blind spot alert unavailable" and lane-keep faults, mainly during turns and lane crossings (DTC U0422-00, "Implausible Data Received From Body Control Module," stored across ACC, LBSS, RBSS modules). Rear camera intermittently fails to display (DTC B217A-87 "Rear Camera-Missing Message," B217A-9A "Rear Camera-Component or System Operating Conditions"). 4WD system shows "Service 4WD System" warning during sustained highway driving over 60 mph, clearing after 1-2 minutes. USB port intermittently shows "USB ERROR/Device_No_Response" and stops recognizing phones (possibly DTC B15A1-00 "Media Port 1 Connection"). Auto start/stop malfunction was also previously observed. Safety risk: The lane/blind-spot systems fail during the exact maneuvers where they matter most—turning and crossing lane lines into driveways/parking lots—so the driver may rely on a system that's silently unavailable during higher collision risk. Both ALM and 4WD faults trigger sudden, unexpected warning chimes while driving, startling the driver and diverting attention from the road at critical moments. Rear camera dropout adds risk while reversing. Dealer confirmation: Yes. Technicians confirmed the ALM fault, recalibrated the lane sensor multiple times, and replaced part BBAUX101AB—none resolved the issue. U0422-00, B217A-87, and B217A-9A were confirmed via dealer diagnostic scan. The 4WD and USB faults self-clear before the vehicle can be brought in live. Other inspections: Dealer service department only; not inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · MA

The central Uconnect infotainment display completely failed, went black, and is entirely inoperable. Because the screen is dead, the rear backup camera fails to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse. This creates a severe safety hazard, drastically reduces rearward visibility, and places the vehicle in direct violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (FMVSS 111) regarding mandated rear visibility.Furthermore, this total hardware failure completely locks out access to all internal vehicle safety, climate, and driving settings that are exclusively controlled via the touchscreen. The system failed prematurely roughly one year after purchase under normal operating conditions. This issue mirrors the symptoms of major backup camera recalls issued by Stellantis for newer model years, but my 2019 VIN is currently excluded. The manufacturer has quoted over $2,000 to repair this known component defect, which consumer data shows is linked to inadequate internal thermal management and overheating design flaws. I am filing this report to urge the federal safety agency to investigate and mandate an expansion of the backup camera recall to include vulnerable 2019 vehicle batches. The Uconnect screen failure occurred simultaneously with a total loss of the Engine Stop/Start (ESS) system and a complete loss of illumination on the electronic gear shifter assembly, indicating a critical cascading failure within the vehicle's low-voltage electrical distribution network

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CO

automatic start-stop system causing actual engine stalls instead of a smooth restart is commonly triggered by failing auxiliary/main batteries, a dirty throttle body, or faulty charging sensors It has stalled on highway in stand still traffic. Issues with getting it to go. Have to turn off the car and restart. Has occurred 3 times - downtown of a major city in traffic, on a busy highway and at an exit of a highway. Due to its nature we are stand still as traffic is moving Problem has been confirmed by dealer and has occurred to other compass owners Not inspected by insurance There is an error that appears on the dash right before it stalls.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

While driving through a tunnel in Boston, MA, the vehicle shut off completely without warning and could not be restarted. The dashboard displayed multiple warning lights and the engine would not crank (clicking sound only). I was stranded inside an active tunnel in live traffic, requiring a Massachusetts State Police response and a tow. The dealer diagnosed a shorted starter, and during the same repair found the radiator leaking from its lower corner seam with no coolant remaining in the system (dealer repair order 316800, at 66,453 miles). An independent repair shop had documented dried coolant residue under the radiator three months earlier at 63,656 miles, indicating the leak had been developing. This vehicle also has a history of auxiliary battery failures affecting the stop/start system: the auxiliary battery failed at 22,517 miles and was replaced under warranty, and failed again at 58,094 miles. A sudden engine shutdown in a tunnel with no ability to restart is a serious safety hazard, and I am filing this complaint to document the failure. Repair invoices are available and can be uploaded.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Electrical · OH

The Stop/Start function malfunctions frequently. On multiple ocassions, the computer system glitches causing the automatic parking brake to engage, the gear shift to lock, and the vehicle to become stuck. This has happened several times while the car was idling at a stop light, causing traffic safety issues each time. There is no warning light or system notification. Regular mechanics are not able to diagnose or fix these issues because of the computer system, requiring a specialist that is not always accessible. There is no notification when the auxillary battery is dead or dying, the car just won't turn on.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Electrical · TX

The auto start/stop feature will fail at random when I come to a stop. My vehicle will shut off and the parking brake will turn on, leading to delays in traffic and unsafe traffic situations. I have had my battery replaced, so this has occured with new batteries and nothing wrong with my car.

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 May 12, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

While cruising at 36mph, we decided to initiate the cruise control. Upon reaching a slow-down traffic ahead, the brakes were applied to slow the vehicle, however the cruise control did not disengage and the brakes did not stop the vehicle. The brakes were pressed three times and still the car could not stop. We were in a two-lane road with an opposite direction lane on the other side of the grassy median. We saw an opening in between the stopped vehicles and crossed over from right to left lane into the grassy median, hit a ditch, and did a sharp turn into opposing traffic, almost hitting another vehicle as they moved out of way, and stopped the vehicle on the opposite side of the road. When the vehicle hit the ditch crossing the median, the right front tire popped and helped in stopping the vehicle. Four family members including myself were in the vehicle and there were several cars already stopped in the lanes. This incident caused great safety concerns for my family and the vehicles around us. Had we hit the cars while crossing over, it would have caused a chain reaction of "hits" as the cars were already lined up and stopped. We brought the car to the Jeep dealership and they did confirm that the internal valve body failure and TCM fault contributed to improper communication within the transmission. They did replace the TCM and valve body assembly, reprogrammed the module and road tested the vehicle. The auto stop/start warning light came on after the incident. They performed a battery test for the main and auxiliary, and both failed load test and read at low voltages. Both batteries were replaced and fault codes cleared. Upon receiving the vehicle, I tested the cruise control component and it has been working for the past three months now.