Emissions recal U67 Catalytic Converter Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Jeep Compass have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Compass | 31 |
| 2012 Compass | 26 |
| 2013 Compass | 25 |
| 2014 Compass | 30 |
| 2015 Compass (this page) | 10 |
| 2016 Compass | 40 |
| 2017 Compass | 38 |
| 2018 Compass | 145 |
| 2019 Compass | 36 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗(Rev. A) Power Inverter Load Ratings
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of this 2015 Jeep Compass consistently report powertrain failures that repeat despite repairs. The most common issue is camshaft sensor failure: multiple owners had their sensor replaced three or more times within weeks, only to see the same P0365 code and symptoms return—check engine light, traction control light, loss of power, and hesitation. One owner replaced both camshaft and crankshaft sensors during summer 2020, then dealt with the same failure again in January 2021.
A second major pattern involves the engine stalling mid-drive with no diagnostic codes. One owner reported at least 10 stalls over time, each requiring an ignition reset to resume driving. Dealerships scanned the vehicle repeatedly but found nothing, claiming they needed to reproduce the issue to fix it—leaving the owner stranded and frustrated.
One owner experienced a catastrophic computer module failure at just 4 months old, losing all power and steering in traffic. The same failure recurred two months after replacement. Another owner's vehicle suddenly lost power while driving 55 mph on the highway with no warning light. A third reported throttle body failure causing rapid power loss while driving.
Other issues include gear shifter cable failure that recurred after replacement, and a failure of the 4WD system to engage when traction is lost on any slippery surface. Throughout these reports, owners express frustration with dealership inability to diagnose intermittent failures and lack of accountability for recurring defects.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Camshaft and Crankshaft Sensor Failure
Camshaft and/or crankshaft sensors fail intermittently, triggering check engine and traction control lights. Owners report repeated sensor replacements (up to 3 times in one month in some cases) with persistent recurrence of the same diagnostic code.
When: 50,000–78,000 miles; reported at various intervals including multiple occurrences within weeks or months
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and traction control light illuminate simultaneously; Engine power loss or reduced acceleration; Engine hesitation and random acceleration; Complete engine shutdown; Vehicle speed limited to 10 mph or inability to accelerate past certain threshold
Codes mentioned: P0365
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced camshaft sensor multiple times (up to 3 replacements reported); crankshaft sensor also replaced in at least one case. One owner reports dealership replaced both sensors; problem persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs covered under warranty in some cases; dealership attempts to diagnose and repair but issue recurs despite sensor replacement.
Engine Stalling and No-Code Limp Mode
Engine shuts down or goes into limp mode without warning, often with no diagnostic trouble codes retrievable by dealership scanners. Dealership unable or unwilling to reproduce the issue for diagnosis.
When: 50,000 miles; intermittent, occurring at least 10+ times over owner's experience
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down with no warning while driving; ESC (Electronic Stability Control) activation/malfunction light illuminates; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn; No engine RPMs despite pressing accelerator fully; Vehicle will not accelerate or drive after stall; requires ignition reset; Vehicle must be turned off and restarted to resume operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership scanned vehicle four times with no codes found; vehicle went into rental status; dealership states inability to reproduce issue prevents repair diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to diagnose; states they need to reproduce the issue in order to fix it.
Complete Powertrain Control Module Failure
Engine control computer/powertrain control module fails completely, causing total loss of engine, steering, electrical components, and all powertrain function. Issue recurred on the same vehicle within two months of initial replacement.
When: 4 months old (early failure); recurred within 2 months of first repair
Symptoms owners cite: All engine lights illuminate simultaneously; Electrical components cease functioning; Vehicle speed limited to 10 mph maximum despite full accelerator input; Complete engine shutdown in traffic; Power steering fails; All electrical components and engine refuse to work
Repairs/costs cited: Entire computer system replaced at dealership; took 6 days for repair. Same failure occurred again two months later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty; dealership states it will be fixed, but owner reports dealership does not acknowledge the severity or pattern of the defect.
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / 4WD Engagement Failure
When front tires lose traction on any slippery surface (mud, snow, ice, slush), the vehicle loses engine power and fails to engage 4WD or maintain front-wheel drive. 4WD light illuminates with exclamation point and flashes; rear drive shaft does not engage.
When: 78,000+ miles; occurs intermittently in poor traction conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power when front tires slip on any surface; 4WD light flashes with exclamation point on dashboard; Rear drive shaft fails to engage; Vehicle has no front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capability; Vehicle described as useless in mud, snow, or icy conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects PTU failure; estimates repair cost at $2,500 or more. No repair details provided by owner.
Electronic Throttle Body Failure
Electronic throttle body fails while driving, causing rapid loss of engine power and requiring immediate stop. Identified by flashing lightning bolt warning symbol on dashboard.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Flashing lightning bolt symbol on dashboard; Rapid loss of engine power; Vehicle must be stopped immediately
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired at Rick Hendrick Jeep dealership; owner describes it as a very expensive repair. Specific parts/costs not detailed.
Gear Shifter Cable and Shifter Mechanism Failure
Gear shifter ceases to function, failing to shift out of neutral into drive. Replaced but failure recurred on the same vehicle.
When: 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter stuck in neutral; Failure to shift into drive gear
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed need for shifter cable and gear shifter replacement. Repaired but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed of the failure per owner report.
Abrupt Engine Stall Without Warning Lights
Vehicle comes to an abrupt stop while driving at highway speed with no warning lights illuminated. Cause not diagnosed by local mechanic.
When: 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt vehicle stop at 55 mph; No warning lights illuminated prior to stall
Repairs/costs cited: Local mechanic inspected but could not diagnose the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure; complaint filed.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The minute the front tires start to slip on any surface, I lose power in the engine, I don't have front wheel drive or 4x4. The 4x4 light comes on the dash with an exclamation point and flashes. It rear drive shaft doesn't engage. This makes my vehicle useless. The smallest amount of mud, snow or ice/slush-the vehicle just doesn't work. Its very dangerous to be driving when this happens! I've…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 73,784 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2015/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.