Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Jeep Compass engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Jeep Compass have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 63,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Compass | 34 |
| 2008 Compass | 7 |
| 2010 Compass | 4 |
| 2011 Compass (this page) | 20 |
| 2012 Compass | 16 |
| 2013 Compass | 7 |
| 2014 Compass | 31 |
| 2015 Compass | 15 |
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some of the above-involved vehicles may exceed NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) emission level standards due to loss of catalytic converter efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached. If valve is found out of place please call Bob Jackson (248) 944-0466 bob.jackson@fcagroup.com, or Joe Lovell (734) 309-6467 joe.lovell@fcagroup.com before proceeding. If unable to reach after 15 minutes record the following information and proceed with oil pump replacement and hold part for return to FCA via Fastrack system
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Compass engine cluster shows a dominant pattern of unexpected stalling while driving—most often during turns, at traffic lights, or right after refueling—with no warning indicator. Owners report the engine simply shuts off, power steering locks, and they lose control. Most stalls happen within the first few months or year of ownership, sometimes as early as 8,000 miles. Dealerships frequently cannot diagnose or replicate the issue; computer diagnostics come back clean. One owner found a dealership had replaced 70 computer modules in a single week, yet the problem recurred.
A second major issue involves engine overheating and cooling fan failure, where the fan motor stops spinning and the control computer fails. One owner paid $1,100 to replace the module and fan, only to have overheating resume.
Several owners report transmission fluid overheating and automatic downshift to 55 mph during highway driving in hot weather, with eventual stalling—a problem dealerships acknowledge as common but refuse to cover under warranty.
Additional complaints involve the exhaust system shifting upward and melting the plastic rear bumper, catalytic converter and oxygen sensor faults triggering check-engine lights, and abnormal engine noise from subframe damage. Across all failure types, owners encountered dealership resistance to diagnosis and Chrysler refusal to issue recalls despite acknowledging some problems as widespread.
Same Jeep Compass engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Unexpected engine stall while driving
Engine cuts out without warning during normal driving, often during turns, at traffic lights, or after fuel fill-ups. Power steering locks up when stall occurs. Vehicle can usually be restarted, sometimes with difficulty. Check engine light may or may not illuminate. Happens repeatedly on the same vehicle.
When: Typically within first months/year of ownership; reported at 8,000 to 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; No advance indication before stall; Power steering locks up during stall; Check engine light may illuminate after stall; Vehicle can be restarted, sometimes after multiple attempts; Stalls often occur during left turns or at traffic lights; Frequent stalls after refueling; Steering becomes difficult to control
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (cause undetermined in many cases), Crankshaft Position Sensor fault (reported in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships often unable to replicate or diagnose the problem. Some owners report being told an engine code update is needed. Computer diagnostics frequently show no issues. One case mentioned crankshaft position sensor replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in multiple complaints; no recall issued. Dealerships advised waiting for problem to occur in their presence before diagnosis.
Engine overheating and cooling fan failure
Engine overheating occurs during idle or in traffic, with temperature gauge rising to 'H'. Fan motor does not spin, and the computer module controlling the fan fails (described as 'fried'). Problem recurs even after replacement of computer module and fan components.
When: Reported at 94,000 miles; also earlier in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rises to 'H' while in traffic or idle; Fan motor does not spin; Engine coolant warning light illuminates; Overheating occurs repeatedly after repair; Foreign object (transmission dipstick) found lodged in fan motor in one case
Codes mentioned: Engine Cooling System Warning Indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Computer module replacement cost $1,100 in one reported case. Dealership reportedly replaced 70 computer modules in a week. Problem recurred after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler extended warranty stated only engine covered, not computer module. No recall issued.
Transmission fluid overheating in hot weather
Transmission fluid overheating warning light illuminates during highway driving in high ambient temperatures, causing automatic downshift to 55 mph and eventual engine stall. Problem recurs multiple times. Dealership states it is a common problem but not warranty-covered.
When: Reported at unknown mileage; occurs in ambient temperatures of 102°F or higher
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid overheated warning light illuminates; Speed automatically reduces to 55 mph; Engine stalls on shoulder of interstate; Recurs multiple times under similar conditions; Occurs during sustained highway driving at 75 mph
Codes mentioned: Transmission Fluid Overheated warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,000 repair; not covered under warranty. Dealership advised driving at night and making frequent stops to avoid problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; dealership characterized as common problem but non-warranty item.
Exhaust system misalignment and bumper melting
Exhaust pipe shifts upward (approximately 2 inches higher than normal position) after impact or running over an object, causing the pipe to contact the plastic rear bumper cover and melt or burn it. Occurs on non-Limited models without chrome exhaust tip extension.
When: Timing varies; can occur from impact or debris strike
Symptoms owners cite: Rear bumper melts or burns; Exhaust pipe contact with bumper cover; Visible damage to bumper; Fire hazard situation created
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership/manufacturer had not developed official fix at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused to issue recall or warning at time of complaint. Multiple dealership owners were informing customers of the hazard directly since manufacturer would not.
Check engine light and emissions system faults
Check engine light illuminates intermittently or persistently. Diagnoses point to oxygen sensor failure or catalytic converter failure. Some cases require replacement of catalytic converter; oxygen sensor replacement does not resolve problem in other cases.
When: Reported between 52,000 and 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates intermittently over months; Check engine light remains on for extended periods; No drivability issues reported in some cases
Codes mentioned: O2 Sensor fault, Catalytic Converter fault
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensor replacement in one case did not resolve problem; catalytic converter replacement was then required. Multiple owners needed catalytic converter replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall was issued in March 2019 for catalytic converter issues, but some owners' VINs did not qualify despite having same symptoms.
Engine subframe damage
Abnormal sound coming from engine area with no warning lights. Independent mechanic diagnosis revealed damaged engine subframe.
When: Reported at 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from engine; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle status unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and referred owner to NHTSA.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Jeep Compass?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 8,000 and 102,880 miles, with the median around 63,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 102,880. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Jeep/Compass.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.