Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Compass cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Jeep Compass have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control, typically surfacing around 72,629 miles at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Compass | 3 |
| 2011 Compass | 5 |
| 2012 Compass | 7 |
| 2014 Compass (this page) | 26 |
| 2015 Compass | 9 |
| 2016 Compass | 14 |
| 2017 Compass | 7 |
| 2018 Compass | 14 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 26 cruise control complaints filed for the 2014 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
Of the 10 model years of Jeep Compass we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 26.
Owners have filed 26 cruise control 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 cruise control 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.
Speed Control Operates Intermittently
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor. Blockage can occur from mud, ice, snow, front end damage, bracket damage, the sensor not attached to the bracket properly or an aftermarket fascia installed. This fault can occur intermittently in muddy or icy/snowy conditions and is considered normal operation. Under some circumstances, a misaligned sensor can also cause the C1266 DTC, please complete an alignment procedure. No replacement is required.~ 2) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displayi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Compass exhibits a pervasive electronic throttle control defect that appears in over two dozen complaints. Most common is sudden loss of power on highways, with the vehicle dropping from 60-70 mph to a hard speed limit of 10-25 mph, even with the accelerator floored. The Electronic Throttle Control light and Check Engine light illuminate when this happens. Owners describe jerking, sputtering, hesitation, and rough idle. Temporary fixes include restarting the engine or shifting to neutral and back to drive, but the problem recurs.
Dealers have replaced throttle bodies, spark plugs, and accelerator pedal assemblies, yet failures continue. One owner needed two throttle body replacements (2017 and 2020). At least two owners say Jeep denied warranty coverage beyond 30,000 miles.
A secondary but equally dangerous failure involves cruise control not disengaging during emergency braking at highway speed. One owner at 70 mph had to steer into a ditch and shift to neutral to stop. One owner reported accelerator stuck in the wide-open position, causing a collision.
Owners note that other Jeep models (Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler) have recalls for cruise control not disengaging, yet the Compass does not—despite identical complaints. Multiple owners say Chrysler has not responded to their reports or opened meaningful investigations.
Same Jeep Compass cruise control reports on nearby years: 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Failure - Limp Mode/Reduced Power
Vehicle enters limp mode and severely restricts acceleration to 10-25 mph regardless of throttle input. Electronic Throttle Control light and Check Engine light illuminate. Owners report loss of power in traffic, highway speed drops from 60-70 mph to 15-25 mph. Requires restart or shifting to neutral and back to drive to temporarily restore function.
When: Various mileage; one case at 53,900 miles, another at 72,629 miles; no clear pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle speed limited to 10-25 mph despite full throttle input; Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light illumination; Check Engine light illumination; Traction Control or Electronic Stability Control lights may illuminate; Jerking and shuddering during acceleration; Sputtering and hesitation; Engine idle at 2000 rpm in park
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement cited multiple times; one dealer quoted throttle body, spark plugs, and accelerator pedal assembly. Costs not specified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported manufacturer denied warranty coverage at 53,900 miles (beyond 30,000-mile warranty). Another owner stated Chrysler opened a case but provided no resolution. No recall issued despite multiple reports.
Cruise Control Failure to Disengage
Cruise control does not deactivate when brake pedal is depressed in emergency situations. Two separate incidents at highway speeds (70 mph) forced owners to shift to neutral or take evasive action to stop. Owner notes that recalls exist for other Jeep models (Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler) for the same issue but not for Compass.
When: At highway speeds; one case at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control remains engaged despite brake pedal depression; Vehicle continues accelerating or maintains speed during emergency braking; No disengagement in dangerous traffic situations
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted recalls exist for other Jeep models (Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler) for cruise control not disengaging, but no recall for Compass.
Unintended Rapid Acceleration
Vehicle accelerates rapidly when accelerator pedal is depressed, without warning. One incident resulted in collision with a sign at 47,000 miles; airbags did not deploy. Problem recurred after body repairs but root cause was not diagnosed.
When: 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid uncontrolled acceleration when accelerator pedal depressed; No warning lights reported; Airbag non-deployment during collision
Repairs/costs cited: Body repairs performed but throttle control failure not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Inconsistent Acceleration - Transmission or Throttle Issue
Vehicle sputters and jerks between 25-45 mph, particularly during 2nd to 3rd gear shifts. One mechanic suggested transmission defect, but pattern suggests throttle body involvement. Vehicle recently purchased with dealer rating but problem present since purchase and worsening.
When: Less than 100,000 miles; recently purchased vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Sputtering and jerking between 25-45 mph; Occurs during 2nd to 3rd gear shift; Issue present at purchase and worsening
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suggested transmission defect; no repair attempted.
Startup Hesitation and Limited Acceleration
Vehicle fails to start normally; key hesitates to turn to ON position. When it does start, it cannot accelerate above 5 mph for the first mile. Oil pressure warning light illuminates. Problem continues despite dealer visit that yielded no diagnosis.
When: 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Key hesitation turning to ON position; Oil pressure warning light illumination; Severely limited acceleration (under 5 mph) on initial drive; Problem persisted through January 2016
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer did not diagnose or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
This car I bought on 9-/14/2019 had an open recall on it for a catalytic converter and was told it was completed. I now find out it is not and the car will not ho over 20mph. I have an appt with the dealer who is over 30 miles via interstate and it has to be towed I dont have tow insurance and it will cost over200 to get it there will I be reimbursed.
Upon driving on a busy highway, my car came to a sudden stop causing traffic to shutter around me and my now 60mph car jerked to a 20mph speed. This was unsafe and now the car will not move above 20mph. Thousands of people are mentioning this online and someone needs to take note!
While getting off of pm shift, around 2330, I was driving and all of a sudden my car began to slow down only 3 miles into driving. I could not accelerate more than 15 miles an hour in a 40mph zone. The lightning bolt for electronic throttle control was flashing, then stopped, then my check engine and my anti skid(?) was lit up. I pulled over to a side street, put in park only to have my engine…
Squeaky brakes and acceleration problems. When I have a need for speed, the car down shifts and then accelerates is the best description I can give. *tr
Had cruise control trouble with your 2014 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 cruise control problem on the 2014 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 61,000 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 72,629. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2014/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.