Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings, service airbag reading, transmission warming sign, and emergency brake engagement without command. These failures have occurred multiple times and forced me off the road to avoid collisions. They mirror known recalls on this model year and create a clear risk of injury or death. Attempts to Repair: The selling dealer (Coral Springs Pre-Owned Superstore) and an authorized Jeep dealer (Arrigo Jeep in Margate, FL and Arrigo Jeep Tamarac,FL) have repeatedly failed to identify or repair the issues despite video evidence. They claim they cannot replicate the malfunctions, though the vehicle continues to fail monthly. Safety Concern: The Jeep Compass shuts down without warning at highway speeds, leaving me stranded in traffic. This is an immediate hazard and should be investigated as a systemic defect. Requested Action: Investigation into recalls/defects on the 2018 Jeep Compass, enforcement of repairs, and accountability for dealerships that continue to sell unsafe vehicles.
Jeep Compass steering lock-up problems
30 of the 3,736 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 30
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical mileage
- 63,500
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 13Engine failure 4Won't start 3Loss of power 2Screen failure 2Warning lights 1Sudden acceleration 1Shudder 1
What owners say
The vehicle shuts off while driving at any speed. Steering locks and will not allow driver to pull over to safety.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 8-10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the steering wheel seized, nearly causing a crash. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 20 MPH to the nearest dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated the steering wheel seized and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The local dealer informed the contact that the coolant temperature warning light was inaccurately illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,800.
Driving at freeway speed, the engine dies. Steering wheel locks up and I coast to a stop. Very dangerous. After 10-15 minutes, jeep will start and drive an unknown amount of time and same thing will happen. I took to a local garage because it is out of warranty. The shop manager said there is no engine code or direction for them to determine what is wrong. Internet search shows this is a huge problem with 2017-2019 jeep compass. However apparently not enough people know they can file a report with the federal safety agency or there would be a gigantic number more complaints than there are. Someone will die in a crash because of this well known issue. Hopefully something will be done before its too late. Batteries replaced, car serviced, and still continues to happen. Has happened around 5 times in last 2 weeks. An issue all over the internet and clearly a fault in manufacturing.
I was traveling northbound on ih35 near exit 329 outside of Waco, Tx travel to Dallas Tx I was in the middle of the highway during rainfall when my jeep completely shut down on me without warning all lights came on radio went black, brake was stiff, steering wheel locked. I had to have my jeep towed $300 later. My vehicle was in park and the vehicle said not in park. Vehicle wouldn’t start up. I was in the 3rd lane of a 4 lane highway when the vehicle stalled and shut off easily could have gotten hit from oncoming traffic. I was on the side of the road for 5 hours not knowing what was wrong with my vehicle. I had a full tank of gas and fluids were A1. I looked up my vin with no recalls being shown. Googled the issue and nothing has been done for anyone that has experienced this scary situation.
On October 28, 2023 I was making a turn at a major intersection and a coolant temperature high warning flashed on the dash display and the power to the vehicle shut down. Luckily this happened when it was not overly busy as I could have been killed by cross traffic as I was making a turn. At no time did the vehicle overheat and all that had to be done was to restart the vehicle to reset the error. If this had happened on the highway this could have caused a major accident as when the power goes out like this the steering locks.
I had just got back from a trip where my Jeep Compass ran perfectly fine. I had to go to work the next morning and my Jeep would not start. A warning came on that said "coolant temperature to high" and would not let me start my car. Keep in mind that the car had not even been running to have a high temperature. The engine would not turn over and the power steering locked up. This came without warning and I had no signs that something was about to happen. I have read that this has been occurring since 2021 and I wanted to add to the complaints of how dangerous this could be if my engine would have locked up and shutdown while driving on the highway like others have reported. The battery and auxiliary battery are not even two years old. This issue seems like it needs to be investigated more even though a investigation was opened up in 2022 and it is now 2023 and I have note seen anything from it.
On my way to work this morning 4:30 ish the same way I always take. My car decided to drive itself, every light on the middle console lit up, and the dashboard. I was going 50 when my car completely lost control while I tapped my brakes no response its locked, my steering wheel locked up, my brakes locked everything went haywire it would not let me steer or even shift to neutral all I could do was pray it stopped while it flipped off the road around 5:14 am with me still trapped inside. My seat belt wouldn't release my doors wouldn't unlock and my windows wouldn't roll down I was trapped breathing in airbag fumes for an hour until help finally came. They had to cut the windshield open to save me. I have no idea what went wrong but I could've died or have been burned to death my car acted like it went under water and not over it. I only had it for three days and I honestly feel like I have been robbed I am a mopar fan however after this I will never be again. No one believed me except for the two truck driver because the car kept trying to drive itself while he was loading it on his truck. Please save someone else I can't be the only one. I was three hours late for work and I'm always an hour early.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered inadvertently, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred while making a turn. The contact then shifted into park and turned off and restarted the vehicle until the vehicle responded as needed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Related recalls
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.
- Risk
- If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R68.
Recall number 15V878000 · Recall details
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
- Risk
- A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 11V315000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Compass steering lock-up
Which Jeep Compass years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (8 complaints), 2018 (7 complaints) and 2016 (3 complaints).
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