This vehicle has shut down while on the street & on the dangerous highway with vehicles behind me. It wouldn’t start back up either I had to keep playing with the key or try starting it & it wouldn’t turn over
2012 Jeep Compass engine problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2012 Compass has a documented pattern of engine stalling without warning at highway speeds, sometimes with loss of steering and brakes—a serious safety hazard. Crankshaft position sensor failures and catalytic converter problems are common, and Jeep's responses have been inconsistent; get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on fuel system, sensor codes, and emissions history.
Owners describe unexpected engine stalls while driving at various speeds, most commonly on highways at 35–75 mph. The engine shuts down without warning and may not restart immediately; some owners wait hours, others wait ten minutes and try again. When the engine kills while the vehicle is moving, power steering and brakes are lost, creating a hazard. Owners report diagnostic codes P0335 and P0339 (crankshaft position sensor malfunction) in multiple cases; crankshaft position sensor replacement is the fix owners cite most often, though the problem recurs for some.
Check engine light appears frequently with code P0420, indicating catalytic converter efficiency failure. One owner notes a recall was issued for the catalytic converter but the failure happened again after repair. Another reports oxygen sensor and catalytic converter sensor problems requiring replacement.
A few owners report engine stalling immediately after refueling, losing all steering and engine power on busy streets. One owner's fuel pump stops filling every 0.2 gallons after a sensor replacement. Engine stuttering and sputtering during acceleration shows up in complaints alongside catalytic efficiency codes.
Dealers have told multiple owners they cannot find any problem even when the stalling occurs during the visit. One owner was unable to get any manufacturer support or reimbursement after a roadside breakdown.
Same Jeep Compass engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) Malfunction / Intermittent Stalling
Engine stalls without warning during normal driving at various speeds, often on highway. Vehicle may restart after a period of time or restart intermittently. Owners report loss of steering and braking control when the engine shuts down while in motion. Diagnostic codes P0335 and P0339 (crankshaft position sensor malfunction/intermittent) appear when issue is caught.
When: Occurs at various mileages: reported at 460 miles, 12,000 miles, 13,800 miles, at high altitude, and intermittently throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving; Stalling occurs at highway speeds (35–75 mph) and city speeds; Vehicle may restart after waiting or attempt multiple restarts; Loss of power steering when engine stalls; Loss of braking when engine stalls; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Electronic throttle control (ETC) light illuminates; No codes thrown for extended periods (up to 4 months in one case)
Codes mentioned: P0335, P0339
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report crankshaft position sensor replacement; one owner mentioned possible computer failure and transmission issues after extended stalling.
Catalytic Converter Degradation / Efficiency Failure
Check engine light illuminates with code P0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold). Vehicle fails emissions testing. One owner reports a recall was issued for catalytic converter, which was repaired but the failure recurred. Another reports oxygen sensor and catalytic converter sensor threading issues requiring sensor replacement and converter replacement.
When: Reported at 130,000 miles and 146,000 miles; one case shows recurrence after initial recall repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates intermittently or continuously; Vehicle fails emissions testing; Engine stutters when accelerating; Catalyst system efficiency below threshold
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement; oxygen sensor replacement; one owner researched parts and suspected fuel tank transfer tube issue may be related.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for catalytic converter (referenced in narrative as of March 2019 per cars.com article); one owner's recall repair did not prevent recurrence.
Fuel System Issue (Post-CPS Repair, Gas Pump Shutoff)
After crankshaft position sensor replacement, owner experienced gas pump stopping every 0.2 gallons and clicking. Tank fuel bubbles and overflows even when only one-quarter full. Owner suspects fuel tank transfer tube or full tank replacement needed.
When: Within same week of CPS sensor replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pump stops filling every 0.2 gallons; Gas pump clicks repeatedly; Fuel bubbles and overflows despite low tank level; Gas pump won't fill regardless of nozzle position
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; owner suspected fuel tank transfer tube or complete fuel tank replacement required.
Engine Stalling After Refueling
Vehicle stalls within approximately one minute after refueling at gas pump. Occurs repeatedly (4–5 times per refueling event). Loss of power steering occurs during stall. Engine shuts down completely while vehicle is in motion, creating hazard during turns and on busy streets.
When: Triggered by fuel tank fill-up; occurs about one minute after refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls after refueling; Complete loss of steering power; Engine shuts down entirely; Occurs on busy streets and during turns; Repeats 4–5 times per refuel event
Engine Stuttering During Acceleration
Engine stutters or sputters when accelerating, worsening over time. One owner reports this has occurred for a couple of years and is steadily getting worse. Owner notes check engine light with catalyst efficiency code also present.
When: Ongoing for couple of years, progressive worsening
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stutters when accelerating; Engine sputters when stopping; Acts as if insufficient fuel reaching engine; Progressive worsening over time; Nearly caused crashes due to lack of power
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs attempted; owner states recalls show as repaired but believes repairs not actually completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall listed as repaired on vehicle record, but owner disputes completion.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 57,000 and 146,000 miles, with the median around 77,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,000; a quarter make it past 146,000. 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 $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/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.