Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Compass electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Jeep Compass have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 69,481 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Compass | 9 |
| 2011 Compass | 15 |
| 2012 Compass | 23 |
| 2013 Compass | 10 |
| 2014 Compass (this page) | 30 |
| 2015 Compass | 15 |
| 2016 Compass | 49 |
| 2017 Compass | 66 |
| 2018 Compass | 302 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 30 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WIRING, Body Before replacing this harness, please contact FCA Redacted Content to see if a repair kit is available for your application. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. Please email pictures of harness defects to FCA Redacted Content
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 electrical complaints break down into two major problem categories: uncontrolled stalling with power loss, and widespread control module electrical faults.
Stalling and Power Loss. Multiple owners report the engine stalling while driving at speeds from 20 to 60 mph. The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light typically illuminates, sometimes alongside a check engine light, traction control warning, or a red lightning bolt symbol. The vehicle may limp along at 10-40 mph, or shut down completely requiring a manual restart. Mechanics report they cannot diagnose the fault without the check engine light present, though some have recommended throttle body replacement. Dealers have been unhelpful—one noted the throttle body is "a known issue in other vehicles" but refused warranty coverage.
Electrical Control Faults. The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) and main control module fail repeatedly, causing no-start conditions, spontaneous horn honking, interior lights and wipers activating on their own, and power window failures. One owner's TIPM was replaced but the failure recurred within two weeks. Mechanics and owners alike flag these as recurring patterns that should be recalled.
Other Electrical Failures. Infotainment screens go black without warning, alternators fail prematurely, battery systems drain despite replacement, the engine starts on its own, and multiple warning lights cascade on and off. One Compass caught fire due to faulty headlight wiring—a total loss.
Owners consistently report mechanics cannot reproduce faults for diagnosis, and Chrysler has offered no remedies or recalls for these patterns.
Same Jeep Compass electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Touchscreen / Infotainment System Failure
The primary infotainment display (handling radio and backup camera) went completely black, with the radio stopping. Button lights around the screen flicker intermittently. Owner reports no prior warnings before complete failure.
When: May; consistent since failure event
Symptoms owners cite: Fuzzy image on screen followed by complete blackout; Radio stops working; Button lights flicker intermittently; Loss of backup camera functionality
Engine Stalling and Power Loss Under Driving
Vehicle stalls or loses power while driving at various speeds (20–60 mph). Engine often restarts after 10–15 seconds or on manual restart attempt. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light frequently illuminates. Multiple owners report mechanics cannot replicate the fault without check engine light on, yet spark plugs and coils have been replaced multiple times. Some vehicles entered 'limp mode' with loss of acceleration.
When: Throughout ownership; one owner reports starting ~2 years ago, increasing in frequency
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling while driving; Sudden loss of power and acceleration capability; Vehicle limited to 10–40 mph in limp mode; Engine restarts after 10–15 seconds or on manual attempt; Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light illuminates; Check engine light may or may not appear; Traction control light illuminates alongside ETC warning; Shaking/shuddering before stall
Codes mentioned: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning, Check engine light (intermittent), Red lightning bolt (engine/electrical warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced multiple times; coils replaced 6+ times; one dealer diagnosed throttle body converter as faulty; throttle body replacement recommended; one owner paid for repair at mechanic but problem persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer noted throttle body is not covered under powertrain warranty despite being a known issue in other vehicles. No recall or official fix identified by owners.
Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Electrical Failures
Vehicle exhibits intermittent electrical control problems traced to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). Symptoms include no-start conditions, horn honking on its own, dash lights and radio coming on without key turn, and power rear window not responding. One owner's TIPM was replaced after two shop visits, but the issue recurred within days.
When: July–August 2017 (one documented case); can occur after overnight parking
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start (requires jump-starting or multiple attempts); Horn honks spontaneously; Dash lights and radio activate without key in ignition; Power rear window intermittently fails to raise; Multiple start attempts needed
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement performed at dealer; cost not covered under standard or extended warranty; issue recurred within 2 weeks of repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair not covered under either standard or extended warranty
Electrical Control Module Faults (Main Control Module)
Faulty main control/electrical module causing widespread electrical component malfunctions. Interior lights, wipers, and other systems activate on their own without user input. Mechanic identified the main control module as defective and suggested it should be under recall due to pattern of failures.
When: Timing varies by owner
Symptoms owners cite: Interior lights turn on by themselves; Windshield wipers activate on their own; Other electrical components activate without input
Repairs/costs cited: Identified as main control module failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic indicated this should be covered under recall due to repeated pattern
No-Start and Cranking Issues
Vehicle fails to start or cranks but will not catch, particularly in early ownership. Multiple dealers and technicians unable to diagnose the cause after extensive testing. Chrysler was contacted but offered no remedy or recall. Issue sometimes correlates with alternator failure but persists even after alternator replacement.
When: Early ownership; one case noted within first weeks of purchase (Feb 2014); another case at 58k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to crank properly; Will not start after refueling (one case); Requires jump-starting; Engine cranks but won't catch
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted but failure persisted; alternator replaced on one vehicle but issue continued; no successful repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler contact indicated no recall available for crank issue; one dealer (Brooks Motors) tested vehicle 50 times with no fault found
Alternator Failure
Alternator failure occurring early and repeatedly. One owner replaced alternator twice within one year of ownership, with second failure accompanied by other electrical issues.
When: One vehicle: first day of ownership; second failure within 1 year
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle breakdown requiring alternator replacement; Repeated alternator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement performed twice within 1 year; out-of-pocket cost; second failure accompanied by thermostat failure, hoses, and fuel pump replacement
Battery and Charging System Faults
Vehicle fails to start or start intermittently due to battery or charging system issues. Battery appears to drain or fail to hold charge. Replacement battery did not resolve the underlying electrical fault for some owners.
When: Various; one case at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start without jump; Repeated start failures; Abnormal noise from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: New battery installed but failure persisted
Spontaneous Engine Starting
Vehicle starts on its own without key in ignition or without driver action. One owner exited the car with keys in hand, stepped 10 feet away, and the engine started, then locked the doors automatically.
When: One case approximately 2 weeks before report
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts without key in ignition; Doors lock automatically upon spontaneous start; Owner fearful of unintended backup or movement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Pending dealer service (owner noted difficulty due to distance)
Warning Light Cascades and Sensor Faults
Multiple warning lights illuminate together (ABS, stability control, 4WD, check engine, ETC) often during startup or during brief driving, then may extinguish or flicker. Some vehicles exhibit this pattern repeatedly. Battery replacement did not resolve the issue in one case.
When: One case at ~75k miles; recurring on multiple drives
Symptoms owners cite: Anti-lock brake system fault indicator on at startup; Stability control indicator on at startup; 4-wheel drive indicator (with exclamation point) on at startup; Lights briefly turn off 15 seconds into driving; 5-second stall with stability control blinking; Lights turn back on after stall; Pattern repeats on multiple test drives
Codes mentioned: ABS fault, Stability control warning, 4WD exclamation point warning, Check engine light, Lightning bolt (ETC/engine warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed but issue remained
Steering Wheel Position-Dependent Start Issue
Engine fails to start unless steering wheel is perfectly straight while in Park. Shifting to other gears does not resolve the issue.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start when steering wheel is not straight; Can shift out of Park but engine won't catch; No issues when steering wheel is straight
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Malfunction
Tire pressure warning light illuminates persistently despite tire pressure being correct. Issue occurs with new tires. Mechanic inspection found no actual pressure problem. Light reappears within 1 day of filling tire to proper pressure.
When: Ongoing since December 2021
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light illuminates on nearly every drive; Warning light returns within 1 day of tire fill; Occurs on new tires with correct pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic found no tire pressure issue
Rear Window Power Control Failure
Power rear window fails to raise after being lowered. Issue is intermittent and may resolve on second attempt.
When: One case; intermittent; another case noted rear window dropping while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Power rear window will not raise after lowering; May raise on second attempt; Rear window drops automatically while driving without driver input
Air Conditioning Failure
AC system stops working properly. Dealer initially had no record of appointment; service later sent information to Chrysler for known issue but no recall or fix was available.
When: Three weeks before report (one case from 2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioner stops working properly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer noted this issue has been seen in other vehicles and sent information to Chrysler; no recall or fix was available at time of report
Engine Overheating
Engine overheating issue that persists even after mechanic inspection and paid repair attempt. Owner must run windows down and heat on to cool cabin regardless of weather. Warning light sometimes illuminates despite correct coolant level.
When: Since April; ongoing for duration of complaint period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Need to run windows down and heat on constantly; Coolant warning light comes on despite appropriate fluid level; Cabin reaches unsafe temperatures (child's face becomes bright red)
Repairs/costs cited: Paid mechanic to fix but problem persisted
Electrical Fire
Vehicle caught fire resulting in total loss. Fire was determined to have originated from the headlight electrical system.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle caught fire; Total loss
Repairs/costs cited: Total loss
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My car stalls while driving often. I’ve also experienced my car shutting off while driving a few times. It sometimes shows a red lightning bolt. I am very scared for my life and the lives of other drivers while I drive this vehicle because I never know if or when my car will stall in the middle of me driving at speeds above 50 miles per hour. The car will usually stall for about 10-15seconds and…
My car caught fire and is a total loss. It was determined that it was electrical and started from the headlight
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2014 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 30,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 69,481. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. 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/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.