Emissions recal U67 Catalytic Converter Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Jeep Compass have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 70,100 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
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Compass | 5 |
| 2011 Compass | 31 |
| 2012 Compass | 26 |
| 2013 Compass | 25 |
| 2014 Compass (this page) | 30 |
| 2015 Compass | 10 |
| 2016 Compass | 40 |
| 2017 Compass | 38 |
| 2018 Compass | 145 |
3crashes
2fires
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 describe repeated, sometimes dangerous powertrain failures on their 2014 Compasses. Transmission problems dominate: vehicles stop moving with no warning at highway speeds; transmission fluid leaks onto tow trucks; one car failed at 365 miles on the lot with the hood so hot the owner could barely touch it. Multiple owners had transmissions replaced under warranty only to see the same failure return around the same mileage—one vehicle needed a third transmission after the second replacement at 122,000 miles.
Engine stalling and complete electrical shutdowns are frequent, with some owners reporting the vehicle locks up entirely (steering wheel won't turn, won't shift to neutral) for 20 minutes or more before restarting. A few Compasses caught fire under the hood—one while the owner was on the road, another in traffic. Loss of acceleration under load is common; owners report pressing the gas pedal with no response, or sudden deceleration from highway speed to 5 mph. Some vehicles exhibit throttle control problems requiring ECM replacement. Oil pressure drops, thermostats fail to regulate, and coolant gets contaminated with engine oil. One owner was struck by his own vehicle after it rolled away from a parked position, with airbags that did not deploy. Dealers often cannot find fault codes to explain the failures, and warranty coverage is inconsistent.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure / loss of drive
Transmission complete loss of function or inability to shift into drive/gear, often accompanied by fluid leaks and overheating. Multiple owners report transmission failure requiring full replacement at low mileage; some replacements have failed again at similar mileage.
When: Early ownership (365 miles to 80,000 miles); recurrence at 66,000 miles after replacement at 33,000 miles; 122,896 miles after 2017 rebuild
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stops moving or loses all power while driving at highway speeds; Inability to shift from park to drive; Transmission fluid leaking onto ground; Jerking and rough shifting at low speeds; Check engine light illuminated; Loud noises or grinding from transmission; Vehicle will not move even with pedal floored; Transmission overheating warning on dashboard
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, U0401 (ECM/PCM communication), Circuit low warning (torque converter)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report transmission replacement or rebuild; one owner had transmission replaced at 33,000 miles and failed again at 66,000 miles; another paid for transmission rebuild in 2017 that failed again by 2019; parts on national backorder in early cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied or limited; one dealer stated rebuild did not extend warranty; manufacturer did not provide assistance in some cases
Engine stall / complete electrical shutdown while driving
Vehicle shuts down completely while operating, with no warning lights in some cases. ABS light flashes before shutdown. Owner reports matching a December 2013 recall for same issue but VIN not included in recall.
When: Various speeds and conditions (highway, city streets, intersections); recurs after restart following 20+ minute wait
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving at any speed; Complete electrical shutdown with no dashboard response; ABS light flashes then entire system shuts off; Vehicle restarts after brief waiting period; No warning lights before failure in some instances; Failure occurs while turning, driving straight, or idling
Codes mentioned: ABS light, No fault codes in some cases (dealer diagnostic found nothing)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: December 2013 recall issued (NHTSA campaign number not specified in narrative); manufacturer states owner's VIN does not fit vehicles recalled despite identical symptoms
Engine fire
Vehicle caught fire under the hood while driving. Owner reported oil pressure and check engine light cycling on and off prior to fire; dealership stated issue was not dangerous. No warning lights illuminated in second fire incident.
When: 58,000 miles; after check engine/oil pressure light cycling issue
Symptoms owners cite: Loud 'pop' from under hood followed by deceleration; Burning wire smell; Smoke coming through vents; Fire visible under front hood; Oil pressure and check engine light cycling on/off (precursor in one case); Engine began to decelerate
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Oil pressure light
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle total loss; second vehicle not inspected or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep denied association with incident in one case; Ennis Ford directed owner to contact insurance
Transmission overheating / forced deceleration
Automatic transmission overheating warning appears on dashboard. Vehicle stalls or is forced to decelerate to 15 mph. Thermostat replacement did not resolve issue; dealer advised turning off vehicle to cool it but did not permanently repair.
When: 80,000 miles (thermostat case); 25,440 miles (safety feature deceleration case)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheating warning message on instrument panel; Vehicle stalls while driving at 60 mph; Automatic deceleration from 50-55 mph to 15 mph; Transmission failure indicator illuminated
Codes mentioned: Transmission overheating warning, Transmission failure indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replaced but failure persisted; dealer refused further assistance and advised owner to turn off vehicle when warning appeared
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated unable to provide further assistance; vehicle not fully repaired
Throttle control / ETC system failure
Loss of acceleration control or throttle response. Check engine, throttle control (ETC), ESC and other warning lights illuminate. Vehicle loses power going uphill or on busy roads. Engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) defective.
When: Various mileages; one case at 90 degrees ambient temperature; others at 55 mph and on busy roads
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration response even with pedal floored; Check engine light illuminated; ETC (electronic throttle control) light on; ESC (electronic stability control) light on; Vehicle loses power to 5 mph or less on highway; Loud engine noises; Vehicle shudders and stalls at low speeds; Loss of power control while driving in heat
Codes mentioned: Check engine light / MIL, ETC light, ESC light, Throttle control warning, Code U0401 (ECM/PCM communication)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle control sensor replacement claimed not covered under warranty in one case; ECM/PCM replacement required in another case but not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated throttle control sensor not covered under warranty; manufacturer stated could not assist
Loss of oil pressure / engine knock
Sudden loss of oil pressure indicated on dashboard. Loud ticking or knocking noise at bottom pulley. Engine oil getting into radiator/coolant system.
When: Various mileages and driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure light cycling on and off; Loud ticking sound at bottom pulley; Engine knock noise when coming to stop; Engine oil in radiator hose; Radiator cap collecting engine oil instead of coolant
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure light, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator and related components replaced by dealership but problem recurred within 6 months
Reverse/gear selection malfunction
Vehicle shifts into wrong gear or moves in opposite direction from selected gear. Vehicle went forward when shifted into reverse, striking parked vehicle. Occurred on second occasion for one owner.
When: 46,000 miles (second occurrence noted)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves forward when reverse is selected; Vehicle unable to move as expected when gear selected; Vehicle collision with parked vehicle as result
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic; repairs not completed
Sudden acceleration / unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input while attempting to park or while foot is on brake. Vehicle jumped curbs and struck parked vehicles.
When: Low-speed parking maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration while in low-speed parking; Vehicle accelerates despite foot on brake; Vehicle jumped curbs and struck parked vehicle; Loss of brake control or acceleration override
Rolling away after parking
Vehicle rolled away after owner parked and exited vehicle. Owner struck by vehicle causing multiple fractures and injuries. Airbags did not deploy. Parking brake engagement unclear.
When: Mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolled away after parking; Airbags failed to deploy upon impact; Vehicle struck owner causing injuries
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken for diagnostic testing or repairs
Engine control module (ECM) / Powertrain control module (PCM) failure
Complete loss of engine control with no response or ability to start. Vehicle becomes immobilized with no electrical response to ignition. Coincides with circuit low warnings and acceleration loss.
When: Various conditions; one instance while returning to work from lunch
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not respond to ignition; Complete loss of engine control; No dashboard lights or response; Vehicle stops dead while driving at 65 mph; Unable to turn steering wheel or shift to neutral
Codes mentioned: Circuit low warning
Repairs/costs cited: ECM/PCM replacement identified as needed but not performed
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain 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 $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 58,000 and 96,000 miles, with the median around 70,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 96,000. 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/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.