Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Jeep compass. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the driver saw flames in the rearview mirror. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over and the driver saw flames underneath the hood. The driver attempted to open the hood, but was unable to do so. The fire department was called, but before they arrived, there was a loud explosion and…
2013 Jeep Compass electrical problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 10 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 Compass with electrical problems is a serious gamble—fires under the hood and in mirrors, throttle control failures that can strand you on the highway, and costly TIPM shorts are recurring issues across multiple examples. Walk away unless it's had extensive dealer service records documenting electrical repairs and recent comprehensive inspection.
Owners report five distinct electrical failure patterns on the 2013 Compass. Most common and dangerous: electronic throttle control faults at 41,000–80,000 miles that cut power mid-acceleration, force vehicles into limp mode capped at 30 MPH, cause stalls on highway on-ramps, and trigger multiple warning lights. Dealerships diagnose throttle body and wiring failure.
A TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) short causes cooling fans to run indefinitely even with the ignition off and AC blowers to cycle erratically; one owner faced $2,500+ in repairs with no guarantee of resolution.
Two separate fire incidents stand out: one vehicle ignited under the hood at 38,000 miles with no warning lights, exploding and totaling the car; another fire started in the motorized heated mirror while parked and unoccupied. The first owner reports the manufacturer promised investigation but never sent anyone and withheld knowledge of related recalls.
One owner describes intermittent deacceleration that resolved briefly then recurred. No clear diagnostic pattern emerged in the narratives for this mode.
Same Jeep Compass electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine fire / underhood fire
Flames observed underneath the hood while driving, culminating in explosion and total vehicle loss. No warning indicators present before ignition.
When: 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: flames visible in rearview mirror; flames under hood; loud explosion; vehicle engulfed in flames; hood would not open
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; no repairs possible. Fire department responded.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated investigator would be sent; no investigator appeared. Owner did not receive notice of NHTSA campaign 16V668000.
Electronic throttle control failure / limp mode
Electronic throttle control light illuminates; vehicle loses power, stalls, or enters limp mode limiting speed to 30 MPH or preventing acceleration. Occurs during highway merging and acceleration. Dealership diagnosis points to throttle body electrical failure.
When: 41,000–80,000 miles; also at 46,000 and 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: electronic throttle control light on; vehicle stalls; loss of acceleration; vehicle coasts; lagging on gas pedal; pulsation while accelerating; delayed throttle response; stays in first gear (automatic); check engine light; traction control light; red lightning bolt light; slow acceleration
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed throttle body replacement needed; also wiring replacement cited. One owner reported throttle body regulates fuel flow to engine (electrical failure).
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) electrical short
TIPM develops internal short in electrical relays, causing cooling fans to run continuously even with ignition off and AC blower to cycle on and off intermittently.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: cooling fans do not shut off when ignition is off; AC blower fans turn on and off intermittently
Codes mentioned: TIPM short
Repairs/costs cited: All relays replaced, all sensors replaced, total repair cost $2,500+. TIPM replacement ($1,500 part alone) pending. Dealership unable to guarantee repair would resolve issues.
Heated side mirror fire
Motorized driver's side exterior mirror with heating element experiences internal electrical fault generating sufficient heat to melt mirror housing and ignite. Vehicle was parked and unoccupied.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: mirror melted; fire in mirror housing; smoke/flames from mirror
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified.
Intermittent deacceleration / performance loss
Vehicle experiences unexplained deacceleration during commute; issue resolves briefly then recurs. Cyclical nature with no clear trigger identified.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: deacceleration during driving; intermittent performance issues
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 44,700 and 67,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,700; a quarter make it past 67,000. 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/2013/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.