2007 Jeep Compass electrical problems

Engine shuts off without warning while driving, often at highway speeds (35–70 mph). Vehicle remains in gear but does not respond to accelerator input. Owner must coast to shoulder or pull over, then restart after a delay.

When: Intermittent; reported from 2,300 miles to 172,000 miles; can occur multiple times over days or remain dormant for weeks

Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off mid-drive; Difficulty steering after stall (power steering loss); Electronic throttle control light flashes or illuminates; Vehicle will not accelerate even when running; Restart after delay restores normal function temporarily

Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had throttle body assembly replaced at dealer, resolving issue. Other owners' stalling remained undiagnosed after multiple shop visits.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report dealer unable to diagnose; one owner states VIN not included in recall despite several recalls existing for this exact problem on same year/make/model

TIPM fails completely or partially, disrupting power distribution to multiple electrical systems. Failures recur frequently and can cause secondary damage to engine computer.

When: Reported across wide mileage range; one unit failed and was replaced, then failed again within less than one year

Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turn on and off on their own while driving; Wipers activate independently and do not shut off when key removed; Wiper switch does not respond when needed; Horn sounds continuously without cause; Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Multiple electrical codes thrown simultaneously; Engine stall due to power loss

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced TIPM; part is on backorder with 527+ pending orders. One owner's failed TIPM also fried the engine computer, requiring both replacements at approximately $2,000 total. One dealership refused to replace defective TIPM under warranty.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple owners state this is a 'known problem' Chrysler has 'tried to hide under the rug.' Owners claim many same-year Compasses have been recalled for this issue; some VINs reportedly excluded from recall eligibility.

Ignition switch fails to recognize key or engage starter. Key may turn and click but engine does not crank. Dashboard lights and warning indicators illuminate when failure occurs.

When: Reported early in vehicle life and at 41,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Key does not always read to unlock; Key turns and clicks but car will not start; Car will not start when steering wheel is not completely straight; Dashboard lights flash on and off; RPM, speedometer drop to zero; Airbag light stays illuminated after reset

Codes mentioned: Airbag warning

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced ignition switch, but failure recurred one week later. Another owner had to replace ignition switch, key, and reprogram computer system.

Instrument panel lights fail or dim while driving. Speedometer and other gauges drop to zero. Headlights dim significantly. Multiple warning indicators illuminate erratically.

When: Reported from 2,300 miles to 172,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: All lights on instrument cluster fail to function; Headlights dim, reducing visibility; Speedometer reads zero; Unable to accelerate above 30 mph during incident; Engine, emergency brake, four-wheel drive unavailable, collision center warning lights illuminate; Dashboard compass stops functioning

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer kept vehicle 67 days (August 29 to November 4, 2017) for diagnostic testing. Vehicle repaired, but engine indicator continued to illuminate. No specific part replacement cited.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed 'electrical failure' but could not fully resolve. Manufacturer informed contact technician was diagnosing. No recalls associated.

Windshield wipers activate on their own, fail to turn off when key is removed, or stop working completely. In wet weather, wipers become inoperable, making vehicle unsafe to drive.

When: Reported February 2017 in one case; weather-related failure (rain) reported in another case

Symptoms owners cite: Wipers turn on and off on their own; Wipers do not shut off when car is shut off; Wiper switch does not turn them on when needed; Wipers operate at full speed without input; Wipers fail completely during rain, making vehicle undrivable

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported TIPM replacement was performed by dealer but unit failed again within less than one year. Dealer unable to determine root cause despite week-long evaluation. Another owner reported wipers stopped working in bad weather; no repair information provided.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer determined TIPM failure in one case.

Horn sounds continuously without being activated by driver. Cannot be shut off by normal means. No fuse available to disable it according to owner's manual.

When: No mileage specified

Symptoms owners cite: Horn sounds continuously for extended periods; Horn will not stop blowing; Owner's manual indicates no fuse to disconnect horn

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer disabled horn as temporary fix but determined horn switch needed replacement. Part was on backorder with no delivery date. Vehicle kept at dealership 20+ days.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified horn switch as the faulty component but part unavailable; 527 orders pending on backorder.

Battery does not hold charge and drains rapidly, requiring jump-starts multiple times. Vehicle remains running but draws excessive electrical current.

When: Reported across cluster but specific mileage not always given

Symptoms owners cite: Battery does not last long; Vehicle requires multiple jump-starts (4 times in 5 days reported in one case); Vehicle dies intermittently when in operation

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported battery was not the fault; issue was determined to be horn switch drawing continuous current. No cost information provided for battery replacement.

Vehicle caught fire while being driven at moderate speed. Smoke originated from rear of vehicle. Vehicle was destroyed.

When: At 28,000 miles and 98,000 miles in two separate incidents

Symptoms owners cite: Smell of burning plastic; Smoke from rear of vehicle; Vehicle ignites and is destroyed

Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to salvage yard. No repair attempted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of at least one incident.

Electronic throttle control system fails, preventing acceleration or causing loss of power response. Warning light illuminates. Vehicle feels as though it is losing power mid-drive.

When: Reported 3 months prior to electronic throttle control light incident in one narrative

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate despite pressing gas pedal; RPM at maximum but vehicle barely moves (less than 5 mph); Vehicle feels like it will stall; Electronic throttle control light flashes or illuminates; Loss of power response during acceleration; Vehicle eventually loses power entirely

Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light, Lightning bolt icon displayed

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had throttle body assembly replaced at dealer, which resolved the issue. Vehicle was towed to dealer due to safety concern about highway operation.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes several recalls exist for this exact problem on same year/make/model but states their VIN was not included in recall despite being the same vehicle.

Pressing brake pedal at certain spot causes vehicle to stall or produce abnormal noise from brake assembly. Airbag warning light illuminates.

When: Mileage unknown; occurred while approaching a stop

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from brake pedal when depressed; Vehicle stalls when brake is pressed; Airbag warning light illuminates; Failure recurs on numerous occasions

Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired per the narrative.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of failure.

Check engine light illuminates and remains on. Multiple sensors are replaced (O2 sensors, oil sensor, heating sensor) but problem persists. Shops cannot pinpoint root cause.

When: Reported at 65,000 miles in one case

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Transaxle indicator light illuminates while driving at highway speed; Vehicle will not accelerate properly; Vehicle slows dramatically during highway driving; Check engine light recurs after sensor replacements

Codes mentioned: Check engine (multiple sensor codes), O2 sensor codes, Transaxle indicator

Repairs/costs cited: One owner spent $800 replacing O2 sensors, oil sensor, and heating sensor but issue persists. Shops report they cannot pinpoint problem and offer no warranty. One narrative mentions fuel pressure sensor replacement was performed but failure recurred.