2019 Jeep Compass problems
The 2019 Jeep Compass has 323 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2019 Jeep Compass has 323 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 116 complaints, typically surfacing around 34,069 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Compass | 289 | 1 |
| 2017 Compass | 228 | 2 |
| 2018 Compass | 929 | 3 |
| 2019 Compass (this page) | 323 | 0 |
| 2020 Compass | 136 | 1 |
| 2021 Compass | 76 | 0 |
| 2022 Compass | 218 | 2 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Jeep Compass SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 Jeep Compass? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 116 owner reports · tends to show around 34,069 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 60 owner reports · tends to show around 35,235 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 36 owner reports · tends to show around 35,898 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- steering — 19 owner reports · tends to show around 33,586 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 33,586 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2019 Jeep Compass
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2019 Jeep Compass
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~29,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~34,989 mielectrical~$850
- ~39,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Took it for regular maintenance and was told both batteries needed to be replaced. Replaced them a month later car wouldn’t start, got it to start and completely shut off while going 60 mph.
Stopped at stoplight. Engine start/stop was selected on and stopped engine per usual. Released brake and engine didn’t restart leaving vehicle un-powered in traffic. Shifted to park. Let vehicle recycle on/off power a few times. Engine was able to be restarted several minutes…
The screen that shows the radio, backup camera, car play etc is 2/3 blank. It has been going out for over a month but now is just out all together. I did grow up in the era where you didn't have backup cameras however the way these new cars are made and all the blind spots,…
First my screen started glitching then went black, then about a week later car kept saying start/stop unavailable, then car decided it didn't want to start (not even after being jumped) I haven't had my vehicle not even 3 years yet and I'm still making payments on it.. but why…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Jeep Compass reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Jeep Compass is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2019 Jeep Compass?
The 2019 Jeep Compass is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Jeep Compass?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 116 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 34,069 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Jeep Compass a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 323 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 34,069 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Jeep Compass?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 116 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 34,069 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 34,069 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Compass has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Jeep Compass?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 323 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.