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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Jeep Compass have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 84,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Compass | 13 |
| 2009 Compass | 8 |
| 2010 Compass | 5 |
| 2011 Compass | 31 |
| 2012 Compass (this page) | 26 |
| 2013 Compass | 25 |
| 2014 Compass | 30 |
| 2015 Compass | 10 |
| 2016 Compass | 40 |
When does it fail?
Of the 26 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 26 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed Replacing OE transmission 05106789A$/68042789A$ with reman transmission R8142073A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 26 complaints center on the CVT transmission and related engine-driveline issues. The most common failure is transmission overheating during highway driving, especially in warm weather or with AC running. Owners report the transmission overheat light comes on, the vehicle drops into limp mode and won't exceed 30-45 mph, and the car becomes stranded until it cools. Dealers run diagnostics and find no codes; some tell owners this limitation is described in the manual and not a warranty issue.
Sudden stalling and complete loss of acceleration occur at various mileages and speeds, with the check engine and transmission warning lights illuminating. One vehicle stalled on railroad tracks at 10 mph; another lost power at 45 mph and came to a complete halt. Vehicle restart may restore temporary operation, but the failure recurs.
A distinct physical failure involves the transmission dipstick tube breaking off at relatively low mileage (42,000 to 60,000 miles) with no accident or owner contact—the tube simply snaps and hangs from the undercarriage. This creates an opening for water and debris to enter the transmission.
Owners also report harsh engine deceleration when lifting off the throttle, sputtering and shaking with power loss during acceleration, transmission shift reluctance at startup, and one case of the parked vehicle rolling away repeatedly. Dealership responses are inconsistent: some claim these behaviors are normal, others replace components without fixing the problem, and Chrysler has declined to offer solutions in several instances.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission overheating and limp mode
CVT transmission overheats during highway driving or extended trips, activating a warning light and electronically limiting vehicle speed (typically 30-45 mph), requiring the vehicle to cool before normal operation resumes.
When: During long highway drives (2-3+ hours), hot weather (90+ degrees), with AC on; occurs repeatedly
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheat warning light illuminates; Speed electronically limited to 30-45 mph despite pressing accelerator; Loud whining or grinding noise from transmission; RPMs increase but vehicle will not accelerate; Vehicle must cool down before continuing
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (unspecified codes in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer diagnostics found no fault codes even after 3-day inspection; another owner states transmission replacement recommended at 136,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep advised one owner that the condition is described in the manual and does not warrant warranty repair; advised another owner to use parking brake as temporary remedy
Transmission dipstick tube breakage
Transmission fill/dipstick tube fractures and breaks off from the transmission, becoming visible under the vehicle or dragging from the undercarriage with no apparent cause or impact.
When: At low mileage (42,000 to 60,000 miles reported); occurs without owner contact or accident
Symptoms owners cite: Metal tube observed dragging under vehicle or hanging from undercarriage; Clanking noise heard while driving; Tube found broken or snapped, creating opening to transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report the tube must be replaced; one noted this creates an opening for debris and water to enter transmission
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned; owner noted Jeep Wrangler was recalled for same issue
Sudden stalling and loss of acceleration
Vehicle stalls abruptly during normal driving at various speeds, fails to accelerate when pedal is depressed, or hesitates severely when merging. Check engine light often illuminates; vehicle may resume operation after restart but failure recurs.
When: At low mileage (1,000 to 128,000 miles range); occurs during city and highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving 10-45 mph; Complete inability to accelerate when pressing throttle; Engine RPMs increase to 6,000 but vehicle does not move; Check engine warning light illuminates; Transmission warning indicator comes on; Vehicle stranded on roadway requiring tow
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Transmission warning indicator
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed transmission failure at 86,000 miles; another replaced power train module and core return without success; another replaced fuse and sensors after recall repair with problem recurring
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported unknown catalytic converter recall; dealer performed recall repair but vehicle failed again; Manufacturer advised to return to dealer; one dealer performed unknown recall repairs
Harsh engine deceleration on lift-off throttle
Vehicle decelerates suddenly and aggressively when driver lifts foot from throttle rather than applying brakes, creating a dangerous traffic hazard. Occurs during normal driving; repeated service visits unable to reproduce or diagnose.
When: Occurs intermittently during highway driving at 67 mph and slower speeds; first instance within initial ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid deceleration when releasing accelerator pedal; Deceleration more severe than expected, startling following drivers; Creates safety hazard of rear-end collision
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealers could not duplicate problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service personnel told owner this is normal CVT operation and owner would have to adjust; owner disputes this, stating other CVT vehicles do not behave this way
Engine sputtering, shaking, and hesitation with loss of power
Engine sputters and shakes during acceleration, causing loss of power despite pressing throttle. Check engine light illuminates. Dealers unable to diagnose or find permanent fix; multiple service attempts unsuccessful.
When: Occurs during normal city and highway driving; issue persists across multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering and shaking; Loss of power when accelerating; Check engine light comes on; Vehicle may almost stall
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, 4th cylinder misfire (P0304 implied)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced entire engine block; problem persisted; dealer then indicated transmission sensor failure requiring tube compartment replacement; another dealer claimed issue is normal 4-cylinder behavior
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claimed no knowledge of repair; one dealer assistant service manager acknowledged it as a problem but Chrysler had no solution
Vehicle rolling away in Park
Vehicle rolls away from driveway on its own after being parked, occurring multiple times. Transmission unable to hold vehicle in Park reliably.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (2,751 miles); recurs multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle independently rolls away from parked position; No warning prior to rolling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; technician unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledged CVT would periodically fail; advised owner to use parking brake as temporary workaround; no fix offered
Transmission shift reluctance and high idle
Transmission reluctant or unable to shift into Drive or Reverse on startup. Engine idles high with RPM climbing to 5,000. Occurs repeatedly; gear shifter adjustment attempted without permanent resolution.
When: Occurs multiple times during early ownership (29 to 336 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift will not enter Drive or Reverse on initial startup; Engine idles abnormally high; RPM increases to 5,000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer adjusted gear shifter lever; failure recurred or did not resolve
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Two hours into highway driving, transmission overheated and would not accelerate above 40 MPH. Took the nearest exit and cooled down and made the rest of the trip without problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep compass. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle independently came to a complete halt without warnings. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three different occasions. The technician diagnosed that the power train module and core return needed to be replaced. The remedy failed to correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
A month or so after buying my car (used) it started to struggle going up hill. As time went on the struggle uphill turned into stalling. Then it progressed to extreme difficulty getting up to speed when just getting on the freeway. Soon it started to over heat if driven longer than an hour. With all of the issues put together it ha become very stressful and scary to drive. We took it into the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 44,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 84,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.