Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Jeep Compass electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Jeep Compass have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 52,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Compass | 5 |
| 2009 Compass | 6 |
| 2010 Compass | 9 |
| 2011 Compass | 15 |
| 2012 Compass (this page) | 23 |
| 2013 Compass | 10 |
| 2014 Compass | 30 |
| 2015 Compass | 15 |
| 2016 Compass | 49 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 23 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button requires a double (2x) button press versus the original single (1x) button press to cancel the remote start function and turn the vehicle off.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of electrical failures in 2012 Jeep Compass vehicles, ranging from complete power loss to uncontrolled limp mode. The most frequent complaint is engine stalling without warning while driving—often in city traffic or highway conditions—with no retrievable diagnostic codes. Mechanics and dealers cannot reproduce the issue or identify a root cause, leaving repairs unfinished.
Total electrical blackouts occur both at rest and in motion, killing all lights, hazards, power steering, and engine. These events last minutes before power returns. Owners describe limp mode failures where throttle becomes unresponsive and the vehicle is limited to 10–20 mph with traction control and ABS lights illuminated. One owner paid $800 labor to replace a throttle body sensor not covered under warranty.
The Integrated Power Module (IPM) is reported failing without warning, cutting voltage to the fuel pump and preventing start. One owner reports having the IPM replaced twice in 18 months while using the vehicle for work, each time stranding them on a busy highway.
Less frequent but critical: two narratives describe fires—one in the dashboard at 25 mph and another spontaneous ignition in a driveway, both attributed to electrical issues with unknown root cause.
Additional failures include unintended door locks trapping an infant in a hot vehicle, a stuck ignition key preventing engine start, and CAN bus communication loss rendering all dash functions inoperative.
Dealers and independent mechanics consistently report inability to retrieve fault codes or replicate problems. Owners also report safety-critical recalls with parts unavailable for extended periods.
Same Jeep Compass electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Integrated Power Module (IPM) Failure
IPM loses output voltage, stopping fuel pump activation and preventing engine start. Vehicle dies without warning, leaving occupants stranded.
When: At rest and while driving; Narrative #1 reports failure after 12 July 2012
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start or starts then dies immediately; Complete loss of electrical power; No voltage to fuel pump; Vehicle dies suddenly without warning
Repairs/costs cited: IPM replacement required; Narrative #1 reports 15-day lead time for part acquisition plus repair labor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known part failure acknowledged by Chrysler dealer in Mexico; Narrative #8 reports two IPM replacements in 18 months/32,000 miles
Complete Electrical Power Loss
Total loss of all electrical systems—lights, hazards, power steering, engine—with power restoring after minutes. Occurs both parked and while driving, creating imminent collision hazard.
When: At rest and while driving; Narrative #3 reports both instances; Narrative #14 at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical systems go dead (no lights, no hazards, no power steering); Power returns after 1–2 minutes; Loss of steering assist while vehicle in motion; Engine stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #14 resolved with battery replacement and loose terminal repair; other narratives report no root cause found
Engine Stall—Intermittent with No Fault Code
Engine shuts off without warning while driving at city speeds and low traffic speeds. Vehicle restarts immediately but issue recurs repeatedly. Mechanics cannot retrieve diagnostic codes or reproduce failure.
When: While driving city streets and county roads, low-speed traffic; persistent across multiple instances in Narratives #2, #5, #7, #18, #20
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle restarts immediately and runs normally; Recurring failure pattern; No diagnostic codes available; Difficulty accelerating briefly before stall
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer and independent mechanic visits unable to retrieve fault codes or duplicate failure; Narrative #5 reports dealership cannot fix without reproducing problem
Limp Mode / Reduced Power Operation
Vehicle enters limp mode with severe throttle lag, unable to exceed 10–20 mph for extended periods. Traction control and ABS lights may illuminate. Power steering may fail simultaneously.
When: While driving; Narratives #2 (August 2014 onward), #4 (45 mph highway driving), #10, #11 (65 mph highway)
Symptoms owners cite: Severe throttle lag or unresponsiveness; Maximum speed limited to 10–20 mph; Traction control light illuminates; ABS light illuminates; Power steering fails; Check engine light flashes or illuminates; Vehicle bucks and power oscillates; Cannot steer vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #4 reports throttle body sensor replacement at $800 labor cost (September 2019); Narrative #10 remains unresolved after recalls completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #4 references catalytic converter efficiency recall (early 2019); throttle body sensor not covered under warranty or recall per dealership
Fuel Pump / Battery Warning and Stalling (Cold Weather Correlation)
Check battery light illuminates and engine stalls while driving. Problem occurs in cold, damp weather and recurs in warm weather. Vehicle restarts but fails again after short distance.
When: January cold/wet weather and subsequent warm weather; Narrative #5
Symptoms owners cite: Check battery warning light illuminates; Engine stalls while driving; Intermittent stalling after restart; Issue recurs in multiple weather conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate or repair; Narrative #5
Unintended Door Lock Activation
All doors lock automatically when remote start is pressed, even though engine does not start due to open door. No unlock mechanism available once doors lock. Creates entrapment hazard.
When: At rest, hot day (90°F ambient)
Symptoms owners cite: All doors lock when remote start pressed with door open; Doors cannot be unlocked via interior or exterior controls; Engine does not start but locking mechanism activates
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #6 required emergency window break to extract child from locked, heating vehicle
Ignition Key Stuck / No-Start with Key Retention
Vehicle fails to start on first attempt; key cannot be extracted from ignition. Vehicle starts on its own after seconds of delay. Problem is intermittent and cannot be replicated in dealer service.
When: At start-up; Narrative #13
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start on first key turn; Key cannot be pulled from ignition; Vehicle starts spontaneously after brief delay; No diagnostic codes retrieved
Repairs/costs cited: Three dealer visits unable to diagnose; Narrative #13
Electrical Fire—Dashboard and Liftgate Area
Smoke emerges from dashboard while driving. Vehicle catches fire near liftgate. Fire department extinguishes. Root cause never determined. Vehicle is total loss.
When: At 25 mph driving speed; 19,000 miles; Narrative #15
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke emerges from dashboard; Fire ignites near liftgate; Total vehicle destruction
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no repair possible
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified per Narrative #15
Spontaneous Vehicle Fire in Driveway
Vehicle catches fire in driveway with no warning. Inspector attributes fire to electrical issues. Narrative provides minimal detail.
When: At rest in driveway; Narrative #22
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle spontaneously ignites
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Inspector determined electrical cause per Narrative #22
CAN Bus Communication Loss ('No Bus' Message)
Instrument cluster displays 'NO BUS' message. All dashboard functions disabled—turn signals, speedometer, warning lights do not operate. Vehicle cannot communicate via CAN network.
When: While driving; Narrative #21
Symptoms owners cite: NO BUS displayed on dashboard; All dash lights non-functional; Turn signals inoperable; Speedometer inoperable; No warning lights
Recall Parts Unavailability—Extended Delays
Recall parts remain unavailable months or years after recall issuance. Owners report inability to have vehicles repaired despite multiple dealership contacts and manufacturer notification.
When: Narratives #9 (campaigns 13V233000, 16V668000), #23 (September 2016 recall)
Symptoms owners cite: No electrical/safety parts available for installation; Recall repair delayed beyond reasonable timeframe
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9 reports James Serenity Greenville (MS) confirmed parts unavailable; manufacturer unable to confirm availability date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but parts not manufactured or distributed timely; Narratives #9 and #23
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
2012 Jeep compass engine shuts down while driving on city streets and county roadways. Loss of power and steering control. Engine will crank again after waiting for a few minutes. Check engine light comes on prior to shutting down.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep compass. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning and the check engine and battery warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as an electrical issue. The battery and alternator were replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…
Driving on the turnpike 11/10/2016 at 530am nearing ext. 6 my truck shut off, I made it to the car shop and they stated it was the sensors. I proceeded to call the Jeep dealer and they stated senors are not covered in any warranty and that my extended warranty does cover it as well. Im very disappointed in the pointless purchase of my warranty, and the fact that I could have been killed on the…
Had electrical trouble with your 2012 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 electrical problem on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 19,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2012/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.