The vehicle has been in motion every occurrence and happened on a highway. The Jeep has shut off while I was driving. I had the automatic off turned off and when I stopped at a stop light the Jeep powered down, dash and lights went crazy, and my Jeep would not start back up. It took over 5 minutes to get the Jeep to come back on. There is also a popping noise and a very hard shift at times. When…
2017 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
severe 38 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
38
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 38 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 38 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 #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2017 Jeep Compass with powertrain or electrical problems is a significant risk. Owners report unresolved issues including harsh transmission shifts, unexpected stalling, excessive oil consumption, drivetrain failures, and cascading electrical faults that persist or recur even after dealer repairs and part replacements.
The 2017 Jeep Compass shows a pattern of serious powertrain and electrical failures that dealers have struggled to fix. Transmission problems are frequent: harsh downshifts at specific speeds (often 31 mph) that jolt passengers, hard upshifts, and transmission refusal to shift or stay in gear. Many owners say flash updates to the transmission control module provide no lasting relief.
Engine stalling is widespread. Owners report sudden shutdowns while driving on highways or city streets, with restart times stretching 10–15 seconds—or no restart at all, forcing roadside tows. Some vehicles stall multiple times in a single day.
Excessive oil consumption appears endemic. Owners describe burning 3–3.5 quarts between regular oil changes. Jeep dealerships deem this acceptable and advise carrying spare oil. When oil depletes, the engine cuts off mid-drive, creating hazardous situations.
Electrical gremlins cascade unpredictably: backup cameras freeze, windows fail, turn signals die, instrument clusters light up like a Christmas tree, and interior lights flash randomly. Dealers have identified faulty body control modules, but even replacements fail within days.
Stop-start systems fail to restart at traffic lights, leaving drivers stranded mid-roadway with the parking brake engaged. Multiple battery replacements haven't resolved the issue, and dealers cite backorder parts with no delivery date.
Braking and acceleration failures also appear: unintended acceleration with locked brakes, rolling vehicles in Park, and loss of throttle response. Some owners report near-miss collisions.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Harsh downshifts and transmission shift quality problems
Transmission experiences aggressive, hard downshifts (often at specific speeds like 31 mph) that feel jarring, throw passengers forward, and produce concerning sounds. Owners report the vehicle downshifts violently during normal driving. Some narratives mention the transmission receives TCM/PCM flash updates to address shift quality, but issues persist after repair attempts.
When: Intermittent but frequent; often tied to specific speeds (31 mph mentioned); some cases from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: aggressive downshifts at specific speeds; hard shifts that jerk passengers; transmission hesitation or hiccup before catching; grinding or clanking metallic sounds during shifts; sounds like something will snap
Codes mentioned: TCM shift quality codes, transmission-related DTCs
Repairs/costs cited: TCM/PCM flash updates performed; transmission replacement mentioned in one case (~$cost unknown); some owners report updates ineffective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TCM flash updates available; some dealers cite waiting on parts/backorder
Vehicle stalling and loss of engine power while in motion
Engine shuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, in traffic, on highways, at turns, or at stop lights. Owners report no warning lights or intermittent warnings. Restart requires several attempts (5–15 seconds) or manual restart after shifting to Park. Vehicle may not restart immediately, creating hazardous roadside situations.
When: Intermittent to recurring; can happen early in ownership (reported at 6,000–42,000 miles); some cases ongoing over months
Symptoms owners cite: engine cuts off or stalls without warning; loss of power while driving; vehicle shuts down in middle of road or highway; multiple restart attempts required; long crank time (10-15 sec) to restart; stalling at turns or stops; stalling at 35 mph highway speeds
Codes mentioned: Internal electrical failure (suspected), unknown warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacements attempted; no definitive repair found in many cases; dealers unable to replicate or diagnose root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented; vehicle VINs not included in related recalls per owners
Excessive oil consumption and low oil pressure warnings
Engine burns or consumes oil at abnormal rates (3–3.5 quarts between regular oil changes). Low oil pressure warning light flashes while driving. Jeep dealership advises this is 'acceptable' and owners should check oil at every fill-up and carry spare oil. No leak is visible. In worst cases, vehicle shuts off automatically when oil is depleted during driving.
When: Occurs during normal ownership; reported at 20,000+ miles on 2017 model purchased new
Symptoms owners cite: low oil pressure warning light flashing while driving; oil level 3-3.5 quarts low between changes; no visible oil leaks; automatic engine shutdown when oil depleted; brief low oil pressure message before stalling
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changes performed; no repair attempted; Jeep dealership states consumption is within acceptable limits per owner's manual
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep deems oil consumption acceptable; advises checking oil at every fill-up
Transmission fails to shift and limp mode engagement
Transmission refuses to shift gears or shifts erratically. Vehicle displays messages demanding shift to Park while in Drive, even on highways or in motion. Transmission slips out of gear. Vehicle enters limp mode, loses acceleration capability, or cannot move despite being in gear. Parking brake may engage automatically and prevent restart.
When: Intermittent and recurring; some cases early in ownership (8,500 miles reported); others at 20,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission will not shift gears; message 'must shift to Park' while driving; transmission slips out of gear; vehicle cannot accelerate despite engine running; vehicle enters limp mode; unable to shift into any gear; parking brake engages automatically; brake locks preventing restart; gear selector blinks
Codes mentioned: Shift-to-Park messages, limp mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement recommended in one case; multiple dealer visits unable to diagnose root cause; no repairs completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate failures; case managers assigned in some instances but no repair offered
Stop/start system failures and battery issues
Auto start-stop system fails to restart engine at traffic lights, leaving vehicle stranded in traffic with parking brake engaged. Vehicle experiences repeated battery drain, requiring multiple battery replacements. Stop-start battery on backorder at dealerships for extended periods.
When: Fall/winter 2021 mentioned in one case; another case October/November; recurring over months
Symptoms owners cite: stop/start system fails to restart at lights; parking brake engages in roadway; battery dying every few weeks; frequent need for jump starts; battery replacement required multiple times
Codes mentioned: Campaign 17V740000, Campaign 17V301000
Repairs/costs cited: Stop-start battery replacement recommended; parts on backorder for extended period (1 month+ noted); dealer unwilling to expedite or provide alternative fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign numbers referenced; stop-start battery from Mopar awaiting delivery; dealers cite backorder status
Widespread electrical malfunctions and body control module failures
Multiple electrical systems fail simultaneously or in cascades: backup camera freezes, windows inoperable, turn signals disabled, interior lights flashing, radio cracking or not responding, instrument cluster malfunction, HVAC blower codes, ABS warnings, hazard lights, 4WD inoperable, odometer flashing, steering wheel lock. Root cause attributed to faulty body control module (BCM) with internal failure. Even after BCM replacement, problems recur within days or weeks.
When: Early in ownership (reported at 1,700 miles on new vehicle); recurring after initial repairs
Symptoms owners cite: backup camera frozen or stays on; windows stop working; turn signals disabled; interior lights flashing randomly; radio cracks or unresponsive; instrument cluster lights up with errors; HVAC blower malfunction; ABS warning flashes every 2-5 minutes; hazard lights inoperable; 4WD inoperable; odometer flashing; steering wheel locks; brake pedal locks; burning electrical odor from vents
Codes mentioned: Multiple DTCs across turn signals and lamps, Blower fan codes, Blend door codes, 4 pages of diagnostic errors
Repairs/costs cited: Body control module (BCM) replaced; vehicle out of service 10+ days; problems resurface within 1 week after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BCM identified as faulty and replaced; recall/backorder of replacement parts mentioned; multiple service attempts at dealerships with stop-sale notices observed
Unintended acceleration and brake failures
Vehicle accelerates while brake pedal is depressed. Brakes fail to engage or lock up while driving, including locking up the driver-side front tire and pulling vehicle into oncoming traffic. In Park, vehicle rolls away without being able to stop with emergency brake. Vehicle continues in limp mode or locked-brake state, creating loss of steering control and collision risk.
When: Various speeds including highway and city streets; one case at ~10 mph; another in carwash at idle
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle accelerates while brake depressed; brakes fail to engage; brake pedal locks and vehicle cannot be restarted; brakes lock up driver-side tire; vehicle pulled into oncoming traffic from brake lock; vehicle rolls while parked in Park with emergency brake applied; loss of brake control while reversing or driving forward
Codes mentioned: Brake-on warning indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement mentioned in one case; vehicle towed; no repairs completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance documented
Drivetrain component wear and failure (half-shafts, drive shaft, transfer case)
Drivetrain components fail prematurely: fractured half-shafts, excessive play in front axles, drive shaft and transfer case failures. Vehicle produces grinding or clanking noises, hesitation during acceleration, steering wheel shakes, and burning odors. Vehicle stalls or loses power as a result.
When: High-mileage cases (68,900–100,851 miles); one case fractured at ~90,862 miles
Symptoms owners cite: grinding or clanking metallic sounds; steering wheel shaking; burning odor; transmission fails to shift as intended; excessive play in passenger-side front axle; abnormal sound from front of vehicle; vehicle stops unexpectedly while accelerating; loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Half-shaft replacement recommended; drive shaft and transfer case repairs needed; vehicle towed; no repairs completed in documented cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 17V301000 referenced but vehicle VINs not included in recall per owners
Four-wheel drive system malfunction and engagement on turns
4WD system engages unexpectedly when making turns, backing up, or even turning into parking spots on normal roadway. Produces grinding noise. System worsens daily. Dealer states Jeep is aware and waiting for recall; dealer refuses to provide documentation or fix.
When: Within 3 months of ownership reported
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD engages during left or right turns on roadway; 4WD engages backing up or turning into parking spot; grinding noise during engagement; feels like something grabbing in front or back; worsens daily
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to fix; states awaiting recall from Jeep; no documentation provided to owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep aware of problem per dealer; recall pending
Throttle and acceleration control failures
Throttle body fails or becomes unresponsive. Engine hesitates during acceleration. Vehicle loses power when accelerating on highways. Throttle assembly warning light and traction control warning light illuminate. Vehicle does not accelerate when first starting after ignition on or after reaching 40+ mph.
When: Various speeds; reported during highway acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: engine hesitates on acceleration; throttle assembly warning light; traction stability warning light; vehicle will not accelerate; loss of power on acceleration; idle throttle does not respond to gas pedal; does not accelerate first after starting; no acceleration above 40 mph
Codes mentioned: Throttle assembly warning, Traction control warning, Alternator light blink
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body diagnosed as bad; no repair completed in documented case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented
Dashboard and instrument cluster malfunction with warning light cascades
Instrument cluster and dashboard warning lights illuminate, flicker, or flash en masse during operation. ABS warning flashes repeatedly every 2-5 minutes with audible ding. Pull-over and limp-mode warnings display. Multiple unrelated warning lights activate simultaneously. Some cases show 4 pages of diagnostic error codes.
When: Recurring and intermittent; can happen multiple times per week or daily
Symptoms owners cite: all warning lights illuminate at once; ABS warning flashes every 2-5 minutes with ding; pull-over safety warning displays; limp mode engages; random errors flash monthly or more often; odometer flashing; multiple unrelated warning codes
Codes mentioned: Multiple DTCs, 4 pages of diagnostic error codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: TCM/PCM flash updates provided; no lasting resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer updates attempted; no permanent fix
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
My struts as well as 2 of my cousins with the same make and model jeeps have all been a problem. So there has to be an issue with Jeep compass struts
2 times the same incident occurred 6 months apart, once in june 2019 mileage 22046 and once in december 2019 mileage 28423. Bought the car brand new in 2017. Oil is dissappearing!! The oil pressure low light will flash on - there is a loss of power - while driving - no warning! Then the light will go off. Drive to oil change business to have them check the oil level and the Jeep will be 3 to 3.5…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 38 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 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 68,900 miles, with the median around 37,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 68,900. 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/2017/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.