Emissions recal U67 Catalytic Converter Efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Jeep Compass have filed 40 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 52,000 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
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Compass | 26 |
| 2013 Compass | 25 |
| 2014 Compass | 30 |
| 2015 Compass | 10 |
| 2016 Compass (this page) | 40 |
| 2017 Compass | 38 |
| 2018 Compass | 145 |
| 2019 Compass | 36 |
| 2020 Compass | 26 |
When does it fail?
Of the 40 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Jeep Compass in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 report powertrain stalling across a wide mileage range (30,000 to 118,000 miles) with no warning at various speeds and conditions. The engine cuts out, power steering fails, and brakes become unresponsive—all while driving in traffic, on highways, or at stops. Restarting requires a key cycle; some owners wait 10+ minutes for the engine to turn over. Many dealerships cannot recreate the issue or identify the root cause even after multiple visits. One owner reports crankshaft position sensor and frayed wiring repairs that did not resolve recurring stalls.
Transmission failures appear repeatedly: CVT units failing as early as 72,500 miles with grinding noises, metal shavings, and slipping gears. Manual 5-speed units fail at similar mileage. Owners cite transmission replacement costs of $4,000 to $7,500. One owner replaced the transmission twice under warranty before 30,000 miles, then faced a third failure at 101,500 miles out of warranty. Mopar has discontinued the defective transaxle (part 68000676AH), yet no goodwill repairs or warranty extensions have been offered.
Poor acceleration and limp mode are common, with electronic throttle control lights illuminating and vehicles refusing to accelerate despite full throttle input. One owner reports no acceleration from the day of purchase. Electrical gremlins surface throughout: all dashboard lights coming on at once, flickering clusters, wiring harness faults, and mysterious power losses. One owner replaced ignition coils four times in six months.
Jerking and violent shaking during normal driving occur without warning lights, making mechanics unable to diagnose. Brake failures coincide with stalling events, leaving owners without stopping power in traffic. A few owners mention start problems requiring gas pedal pressure or remote starters.
Recall 16V907000 was issued for certain 2016 Compass builds (May 9–July 15, 2016 with 2.0L/2.4L engines), but at least one owner confirms the repair did not prevent recurrence of the stalling issue.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling / Loss of Power While Driving
Engine cuts out without warning at various speeds (25–70 mph) and driving conditions (traffic, turns, highway, acceleration). Power steering and brakes fail when stalling occurs. Vehicle requires key cycle to restart; sometimes takes 10+ minutes to restart.
When: Varies widely; examples: 30,000 mi, 51,117 mi, 76,000 mi, 79,000 mi, 118,000 mi; some owners report multiple incidents over 2 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of braking power; Traction control light illuminates; Check engine light on; RPM gauge drops to zero (still battery active); Occasional lag (2–5 seconds) when power resumes
Codes mentioned: C1221, Check engine light (code not specified in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to duplicate; crankshaft position sensor replacement, frayed wiring repair, and throttle body replacement performed in some cases without resolving issue. One owner replaced throttle body 4 times in 6 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued for May 9–July 15, 2016 builds with 2.0L/2.4L engines; one owner confirms prior repair under this recall did not resolve recurrence. Chrylser Case #59096741, Case #64914088 filed; no resolution reported.
Poor Acceleration / Sluggish Response / Limp Mode
Reduced or no acceleration despite pushing throttle to floor; vehicle stuck in 'top gear' feel or enters limp mode limiting speed to 10 mph. Check engine or electronic throttle control light illuminates.
When: As early as purchase (one owner reports 'no acceleration from the beginning'); examples at 45 mph restarting from parking lot, freeway merging
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate (throttle unresponsiveness); Vehicle stuck in high gear or limp mode; Electronic throttle control light on or blinking; Check engine light on; Manual shift mode does not engage despite shifter input; Issue resolves after engine restart
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control code (specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented; catalytic converter and O2 sensor replacement attempted without resolving issue. Mechanic tools report 'invalid data' and cannot identify fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall S89 mentioned by one owner for 2016 Compass (May 9–July 15, 2016 build with 2.0L/2.4L); owner notes vehicle within date/engine range but no clarity on whether recall was applied.
Transmission Failure / Hard Shifts / Slipping
Complete transmission failure (CVT and manual 5-speed), metal shavings in fluid, grinding noises, slipping out of gear, grinding when attempting to shift, erratic shifting. Internal damage not identifiable without disassembly.
When: As early as 72,500 mi (manual 5-speed), 89,956 mi (CVT), 96,000 mi (CVT), 101,500 mi (third replacement); failures reported between year 3 and year 5 of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into gears or shifts erratically; Horrendous grinding noise; Slips out of second gear while driving; Metal shavings in transmission fluid; Vehicle stalls or loses power on acceleration; Transmission overheats in summer (stays under 2,000 RPM); Transmission slips on every drive
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement quoted $7,500 (before tax), rebuild needed in some cases, $4,000+ repair costs cited. One owner replaced transmission twice under warranty before 30,000 mi, third failure at 101,500 mi out of warranty. Jatco CVT unit (part 68000676AH) discontinued by Mopar.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or warranty extensions mentioned. Owner reports Mopar discontinued the defective transaxle package with torque converter but no goodwill repair or warranty adjustment offered.
Electrical / Wiring Issues
Intermittent electrical faults causing loss of power, ground faults with flickering lights, wiring harness defects. All dashboard lights illuminate unexpectedly; vehicle loses motive power and cannot restart.
When: Ongoing since purchase (one owner reports since 2019); one incident at 30–40 mph in wet/misty conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on or flickering; Airbag light on; Anti-skid/traction control light on; ABS light on; Lightning bolt warning light on; Headlights, cabin lights, and cluster flicker; Vehicle loses power while driving; All lights come on simultaneously with no power to vehicle
Codes mentioned: C1221
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced ignition coils 4 times in 6 months; professional auto care center identified ground issue and wiring harness defect. Airbag deployment function questioned by one owner's mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Jerking / Violent Shaking / Misfiring
Vehicle jerks suddenly, shakes violently, or misfires during acceleration, normal driving, or highway speeds. Feels like stalling imminent but engine continues; jerking causes steering and control difficulty.
When: One incident post-catalytic converter repair (65,000 mi initial, 76,000 mi recurrence); ongoing issue for another owner (87,000 mi+)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden jerking or violent shaking; Misfiring sensation; Loss of steering control or hard steering; Feels like imminent stall; Occurs during acceleration or straight driving; No dashboard warning lights in some cases; Witnesses present but mechanic cannot duplicate
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced; issue recurred. Mechanic unable to duplicate; no codes thrown; repair not performed on second visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Brake Failure / ABS Malfunction
Brakes fail without warning; loss of braking power during stalling events. ABS warning indicator illuminates; brake warning lights stay on continuously.
When: One incident at 51,117 mi during acceleration loss
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of braking power; ABS warning light on; Brake warning light on continuously; Brakes fail to respond during vehicle stall events
Repairs/costs cited: New brake pads with sensors and pad locks installed; failure recurred without root cause identified. One owner replaced brakes and rotors under warranty before 30,000 mi.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Start / Ignition Issues
Vehicle will not start with key; requires pressure on gas pedal or use of automatic starter to engage. Ignition system malfunction.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not start vehicle; Requires gas pedal pressure to start; Requires automatic starter remote to start; Eventually will not start at all with key
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Fuel Efficiency Degradation
Dramatic drop in fuel economy; vehicle consumes significantly more fuel than normal.
When: One incident after 6 months of ownership (~10,000 mi)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel consumption increased to 1/4 tank in 30 miles (versus normal consumption)
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Rear Hub Bearing Failure
Noise from rear of vehicle while driving; diagnosed as rear hub bearing failure.
When: 60,000 mi
Symptoms owners cite: Whomp, whomp noise from rear; Noise most noticeable at 45–55 mph on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Rear hub bearing replaced; repair cost $613.00 before tax.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Power Transfer Unit Failure (4WD)
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure; vehicle loses 4-wheel-drive capability. Vehicle stutters, slows, and loses power at freeway speeds without any warning light.
When: Unknown mileage; issue ongoing for past month at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Periodic stuttering and loss of power at freeway speeds; Loss of 4-wheel-drive functionality; No check engine light or warning indicator lights; Vehicle slows unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosis only; repair cost estimated over $2,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
We were driving down the road and the car started violently shaking, the check engine light went on and the car wouldn't move. The car needed to be pushed to the gas station and we almost got hit with my son in his car seat. I do believe this is a safety concern that needs to be looked into for a possible recall. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt.
Sometimes when driving it stutters and acts like it can't catch up to the speed that I'm going.
I have been having issues with my vehicle for the past month or so. I took it to a mechanic and they said that my Power Transfer Unit is bad and my vehicle currently doesn't have 4 wheel drive capability. My vehicle periodically stutters, slows and looses power while driving at freeway speeds. During all of my issues, not once has my check engine light or any sort of indicator has lit up letting…
My car power train went out as I only have the car for 11 months and transmission is not working well I was driving home and the car RPM was going to 6
As a mother of three children, the youngest only being two years old, I do not feel safe driving my 2016 Jeep compass. Every single time I drive the vehicle the motor randomly stalls out while driving several different times. My car is very well maintained and driven easily and even with the gas pedal under light load it stalls out leaving me immobile or the vehicle misfiring and jerking forward…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 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?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 41,000 and 72,500 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 72,500. 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/2016/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.