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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Jeep Compass have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 76,000 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
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Compass | 8 |
| 2010 Compass | 5 |
| 2011 Compass | 31 |
| 2012 Compass | 26 |
| 2013 Compass (this page) | 25 |
| 2014 Compass | 30 |
| 2015 Compass | 10 |
| 2016 Compass | 40 |
| 2017 Compass | 38 |
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 25 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 25 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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
Owners consistently describe a CVT transmission that overheats during normal highway driving, especially on hot days or extended trips. The transmission temperature warning light comes on, the vehicle loses power abruptly, and it drops into "limp mode"—crawling along at 10 mph—without warning. One owner was doing 60 mph when it happened; another at 70 mph on an interstate. Owners add transmission fluid as a quick fix, which sometimes helps temporarily, but the problem repeats within minutes or hours. Several had full transmission replacements ($3,000–$3,800) that didn't stick—one owner's replacement failed the same way within a year. Dealers often can't replicate the failure or find error codes, yet owners cite "way too common" internet discussions of the same problem.
A separate group reports electronic throttle control lights flashing continuously, killing acceleration at highway speeds and forcing repeated pullovers. Another owner describes unintended acceleration when braking, with engine refusing to shut off—forcing him to deliberately crash into trees to stop the vehicle.
Engine stalling and inability to exceed 45 mph round out the complaints. One Alaska owner spent months at a shop with Chrysler technicians opening technical cases, only to keep getting the vehicle back broken. Across all narratives, dealers either claim they cannot reproduce the defect or tell owners the vehicle is out of warranty.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Overheating and Power Loss
The CVT transmission overheats during normal highway driving, triggering a transmission temperature warning light and forcing the vehicle into limp mode—a severe power reduction that can drop speed to 10 mph or lower. Owners report this occurs repeatedly during long drives, especially on hot days or extended highway trips, and sometimes recurs within minutes of cooling down.
When: Typically 36,000–130,000 miles; often triggered by sustained highway speeds (65–75 mph), uphill grades, high ambient temperatures (above 80°F), and extended driving periods
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission temperature warning light illuminates; Vehicle suddenly loses power and decelerates dramatically; Whining or grinding noise from transmission area; Vehicle limps along at 10 mph or refuses to accelerate above 30–50 mph; Problem repeats after brief cooldown periods
Codes mentioned: Transmission overtemperature fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often add transmission fluid as a temporary fix. Full CVT replacement required in many cases; owners report costs of $3,000–$3,815 for replacement plus cooler installation. Some replacements made under warranty; others out-of-warranty due to mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler/Jeep refused to help in some cases citing out-of-warranty status. One owner reports CVT replaced under warranty, but the replacement transmission also overheated within a year. Dealers often cannot replicate the issue and refuse repair. No formal recall issued despite owner reports of systemic problem.
Unintended Acceleration and Loss of Engine Control
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input, typically when braking or during normal operation. Engine will not shut off and transmission will not shift. Occurs suddenly without warning, creating life-threatening situations.
When: One complaint at bank parking lot; circumstances unclear but suggests rapid onset during low-speed maneuvering
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates when brake pedal is pressed; Engine revs uncontrollably; Engine will not shut off; Transmission will not shift; Loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Owner was forced to crash vehicle into trees to stop it. Airbags failed to deploy. Vehicle not repaired; exact cause undetermined by owner.
Electronic Throttle Control Malfunction
Red lightning warning light flashes and vehicle loses ability to accelerate. Occurs repeatedly during everyday driving and highway operation, forcing owner to pull over frequently. Vehicle idles roughly and warning light remains illuminated even when parked.
When: Recurring; light present on startup and throughout driving
Symptoms owners cite: Red lightning throttle control warning light flashes continuously; Loss of acceleration ability without warning; Rough idle; Vehicle cannot accelerate with traffic flow; Light remains on at idle
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control fault
Engine Stalling and Failure to Accelerate
Engine cuts out and stalls repeatedly during normal operation. Vehicle struggles to exceed 45 mph and jarring occurs when attempting to accelerate, threatening to stall. Issue persists across multiple dealer repair attempts over extended periods.
When: Reported as beginning March 2019; ongoing diagnostic attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cutting out and stalling; Inability to exceed 45 mph without jarring sensation; Vehicle threatens to stall during acceleration; Intermittent starting and operation
Repairs/costs cited: Kendall Auto Group in Alaska had STAR cases open with Chrysler technicians; repeated repair attempts and returns without resolution. Vehicle repeatedly towed back for rediagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler technicians involved via STAR cases but issue remains unresolved.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Dangerously dropping into limp mode without warning or ability to override for safety. Early full system transmission failure without no options for repair. Finally died by making whining noise, going into limp mode and staying there. The excessive cost of replacing the transmission makes it not cost effective. Only option is to replace the vehicle altogether.
Jeep first issues was at 89k, not shifting. Second issues was at100k transmission over heated. Dealer/ warranty had me changed the fluid and filter for transmission. Third issue, 130k transmission made a whining noise and stopped. Jeep was towed to the shop. After doing some research, turns out that the transmission on several these Jeep’s have same issue. The transmission should be on…
Recurring problem- transmission fluid temperature light has gone on and vehicle slows or stops abrubtly during 1 hour or longer trip on highway. Had the car in Jeep dealer 3 times. Contacted Jeep corporate directly , they didnt return last calls. No progress. Port jeff Jeep dealer (where we purchased 6 months ago) is servicing vehicle. Concerned about the inability to accelerate as problem…
2013 Jeep compass latitude. CVT trans heard up and stops all power. Have to pull over and let cool and repeat process every 10 miles or so
There is a severe problem with the electronic throttle control. This started as a minor annoyance and now I cannot drive my car. Driving on the highway the red lightening light starts flashing and I lose all ability to accelerate my car. It is very dangerous driving 70mph and having to abruptly slow and pull to the side of the road. This now happens everytime I drive my car. I will be driving…
Transmission overheating while moving on cruise control for a long period of time that speeds between 65 and 75 miles per hour. Problem appears intermittent when ambient temperature is over 80 degrees fahrenheit. Dangerous shift to low-power mode making vehicle incapable of maintaining speed.
I already filed a complain about this incident. My purpose now is to notify the incredibly bad customer service and interest the Chrysler corp took regarding this incident. To start, they played every excuse to avoid going to the body shop to inspect the Jeep, and I kept telling them there was a burning smell right before the accident happened and the Jeep started malfunctioning and speeding on…
The vehicle was taken in for a recall of the catalytic converters and PCM software, July 2019. May 2021, while driving at highway speeds the transmission temperature light illuminated and an un-commanded deceleration occurred to about 10 mph, it would go no faster got to the nearest off ramp and to a rest area sat for an hour, then the vehicle performed normally. May 13, 2021, took the vehicle to…
The vehicle was in motion going uphill 3 separate times, once in a 30 minute drive (70 mile round trip), the other 2 times, both 3.5 hours in( 300 mile trip one way) and the transmission light came on. The car began to decelerate rapidly and on the 30 minute trip, I had to turn around and start going down hill as the car would no longer go up hill. The 2nd time, I happened to be by a walmart,…
While driving 70 MPH down i4 the automatic transmission light came on, vehicle would not accelerate anymore and was forced to pull over to wait for the vehicle to cool down. This is the 4th time this has happened with the vehicle since buying it brand new in 2013. The issues starting in april 2015, with 35000 miles on the car. Jeep continues to say that they cannot replicate the issue.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 36,500 and 101,340 miles, with the median around 76,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,500; a quarter make it past 101,340. 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/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.