Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Jeep Compass electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass have filed 116 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 34,989 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
116
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Compass | 15 |
| 2016 Compass | 49 |
| 2017 Compass | 66 |
| 2018 Compass | 302 |
| 2019 Compass (this page) | 116 |
| 2020 Compass | 49 |
| 2021 Compass | 28 |
| 2022 Compass | 93 |
| 2023 Compass | 10 |
2crashes
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 116 electrical 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 electrical 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.
Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Compass exhibits a widespread and unpredictable electrical failure pattern that creates life-threatening driving situations. The core issue: the engine unexpectedly shuts down or stalls during normal operation—at stop lights, while accelerating, on highways at 65+ MPH, and in intersections—with no warning and no reliable recovery method. When stalling occurs, power steering locks up, brakes stiffen or lock, and the vehicle becomes immobile in traffic. Restart times vary from immediate to several minutes; some owners wait 10–15 minutes.
A false "high coolant temperature" warning precedes many shutdowns despite actual coolant being normal. An electronic parking brake engages spontaneously, draining power. The automatic start/stop feature fails to restart the engine when the driver lifts their foot from the brake.
Push-button starting fails intermittently, requiring wait times or jumpstarts. The Uconnect touchscreen fails, becomes unresponsive, or displays black—eliminating the backup camera display. Gear shift position lights flicker or go dark.
Dealerships cannot replicate these failures during diagnostic visits, report no fault codes, and tell owners they "can't find the problem" or "can't locate the cause," even after weeks in the shop. Multiple repair attempts—battery replacements, module reprogramming, software updates—are temporary at best. Owners report visiting dealerships 3–15 times without lasting resolution. The unpredictable nature and dealership inability to diagnose mean owners face genuine fear of stalling in traffic with children in the vehicle.
Same Jeep Compass electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
False High Coolant Temperature Warning and Stall
Vehicle displays 'high coolant temperature' warning on dashboard despite actual coolant being at normal levels. Engine immediately shuts down or loses power. Issue is unrelated to actual thermal condition; coolant level, temperature readings, and systems check normal when inspected. Occurs randomly while stopped at traffic lights or while driving at highway speeds.
When: Intermittent, occurs over weeks or months; reported from early ownership through multiple years of operation
Symptoms owners cite: False high coolant temperature warning message on dashboard; Sudden engine shutdown or loss of power; Parking brake engages spontaneously during shutdown; Power steering locks up; Vehicle requires 30 seconds to several minutes to restart; Actual coolant level and temperature normal when checked; May happen multiple times in one week, then not for weeks
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose issue; some cite coolant flush, control module replacement, and software updates attempted without resolving problem
Intermittent Start Failure
Vehicle will not crank or start when ignition button is pressed, despite dashboard showing engine is 'on.' Affects new vehicles within weeks of purchase through older vehicles with higher mileage. Issue resolves spontaneously after waiting minutes to hours, or requires jumpstart. No warning lights present before event.
When: Can occur within first weeks of ownership; reported from 60 miles to 127,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button ignition does not engage engine cranking; Dashboard shows engine as 'on' but no engine rotation; Requires wait time (1–15 minutes) before successful restart; Jumpstart or charging battery enables restart; No prior warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: Service indicator with exclamation mark (A symbol)
Repairs/costs cited: Main battery replaced, auxiliary battery replaced, battery terminals replaced, starter replaced, PCM update TCB 18-035-19 applied; issues often recur within days or weeks post-repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PCM/software update available; some owners report Jeep declined warranty assistance due to mileage
Vehicle Shut-Off During Driving
Engine unexpectedly shuts down or stalls while vehicle is in motion, including at traffic lights, on highways at 65+ MPH, and in intersections. Loss of steering assist and brake control reported. Vehicle becomes immobile in traffic with no warning.
When: Reported from early ownership through multiple years; can happen at any speed or condition
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall during traffic light stop; Stall while accelerating from stop; Stall on highway at cruising speeds; All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Loss of power steering (steering wheel locks or hardens); Brakes lock or stiffen; Vehicle immobilized in traffic or intersection; Auto start/stop feature may show as unavailable after event
Codes mentioned: Check engine, Service ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Service transmission, Service shifter, Service brake, Traction control unavailable, 4WD unavailable, Dynamic steering torque service required, Hill start system service, ABS warning
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report multiple dealer visits with no codes found or reproduced; some mention TIPM or BCM malfunction as suspected cause; no lasting repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state no diagnostic codes present; unable to replicate; software reset or updates attempted; some owners mention Jeep cannot assist due to vehicle mileage
Electronic Parking Brake Spontaneous Engagement
Electronic parking brake engages without driver input, causing vehicle to lose power and stall, particularly during auto stop/start operation. No warning before engagement. Occurs at stop signs, traffic lights, and while driving in traffic.
When: Reported from 2020 onward; can happen multiple times within a week
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages without driver activation; Vehicle loses power and stalls; EPB indicator displayed on dashboard; Requires manual disengagement attempts or vehicle restart; No prior warning light; Occurs during low-speed driving and at complete stops
Codes mentioned: EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report multiple dealer visits (3–11 visits in one case) with no resolution; dealership states nothing found to repair
Auto Start/Stop Feature Malfunction
Automatic start/stop function fails to restart engine when driver removes foot from brake pedal. Vehicle stalls at traffic lights and stop signs with auto stop/stop engaged. Feature becomes unavailable or disabled due to repeated failures. Related to broader electrical/control module issues.
When: Reported from 2020 onward; recurring issue for some owners over months to years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart when foot lifted from brake at stop; Vehicle stalls at traffic light or stop sign; Auto start/stop feature shows as unavailable on dashboard; Service start/stop message displayed; Requires manual restart procedure by driver
Codes mentioned: Auto start/stop unavailable, Service start/stop
Repairs/costs cited: Owners disable the feature to avoid stalling; dealership visits have not resolved underlying issue
Loss of Acceleration / Limp Mode
Vehicle loses ability to accelerate beyond 20–30 MPH despite pressing accelerator pedal. Occurs while driving or when pulling out onto road. May be accompanied by multiple warning messages. Vehicle can become stuck at low speeds in traffic.
When: Reported at various mileages; can occur during first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal unresponsive or produces minimal acceleration; Vehicle limited to 15–30 MPH regardless of throttle input; Multiple dashboard warning messages (check transmission, check engine, etc.); May occur when pulling out onto road from stop; Vehicle may suddenly lunge forward at high speed with minimal pedal input
Codes mentioned: Check transmission, Check engine, Service transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite O2 sensor issues, spark plugs, coils replaced; some dealerships unable to diagnose; one owner reports Body Control Module (BCM) suspected but not confirmed
Dashboard Warning Message 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon'
Vehicle displays warning message while driving, indicating imminent shutdown. Often accompanied by battery/electrical system concerns. Message appears despite adequate battery and electrical testing. Vehicle may or may not follow through with shutdown.
When: Reported from 2021 onward; can occur multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Warning message displayed on dashboard while driving; Message appears at highway speeds (50+ MPH) and low speeds; Vehicle may stall or may not, creating uncertainty for driver; Occurs despite recent battery replacement; No visible reason for warning in battery/electrical diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Main and auxiliary batteries tested and found good; no underlying cause identified by dealerships
Uconnect Touchscreen Failure / Malfunction
Infotainment touchscreen (Uconnect) fails to display information, engages unintended functions, displays lines/distortion, or becomes completely black. Screen unresponsive to touch inputs. Backup camera display unavailable when screen fails. Issue worsens with heat and time.
When: Reported on vehicles with less than 40,000 miles; some failures occur within first months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Screen displays lines, distortion, or discoloration; Screen becomes unresponsive to touch; Screen displays nothing or black screen after 20–30 seconds of being in vehicle; Radio buttons press themselves without driver input; Screen engagement of functions (heating, braking) without driver action; Backup camera display unavailable; Screen worsens as vehicle heats up; Radio volume cannot be controlled from screen
Codes mentioned: Unable to Engage Service Brake Mode While Driving
Repairs/costs cited: Screen replacement required, estimated cost $500+; some dealerships attempt software updates first
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2020 and newer models per one owner; 2019 apparently not included despite similar failures
Gear Shift Lights and Display Failure
Illuminated gear position indicators (showing which gear is selected) fail to light or turn off/on intermittently. Driver cannot see gear selection at night. Shift knob may become completely dark/unresponsive. Related to broader electrical/control module issues.
When: Reported from 2019 onward; intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift position lights do not illuminate; Lights flicker on and off randomly; Driver cannot see which gear is selected, especially at night; Shift knob becomes completely black; Shift knob unresponsive to input
Codes mentioned: Service shifter
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership declined repair under warranty due to insufficient symptoms ('not broken enough'); warranty dispute ongoing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Added Care Plus warranty purchased through Jeep; dealership dispute over coverage
Instrument Cluster Failure
Instrument cluster (speedometer, gauge display, warning light display) fails to display information; screen goes black or ceases functioning. Can occur multiple times, requiring multiple replacements.
When: Reported at ~51,000 miles and higher; some failures recurrent
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster displays black screen; Speedometer and gauge information unavailable; No warning lights visible on cluster
Repairs/costs cited: Instrument cluster replaced; one owner reports two replacements since purchase (first in March 2022)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case filed with Jeep in at least one instance
Windshield Wiper Unintended Activation
Windshield wipers activate and move without driver input or engagement of wiper control. Related to broader electrical/control module malfunction.
When: Reported in May 2021 on vehicle with ~36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers move and operate without being turned on by driver; Accompanying dashboard messages (Service Shifter, brake lights, A/C quit working); Cannot turn off wipers using normal controls
Codes mentioned: Service shifter, Brake light warning, A/C system failure indication
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership held vehicle for nearly a week; no update provided to owner at time of complaint
Battery and Electrical System Exhaustion
Vehicle battery (main or auxiliary) drains completely despite recent replacement or no obvious parasitic draw. Vehicle goes completely dead and will not respond to jumpstart or charging attempts for extended periods. Fob functions disabled when battery dead.
When: Can occur after battery replacement; reported within months of ownership to several years
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle completely dead (no lights, no response); Battery drained overnight or after short period of non-use; Fob/key functions do not work when battery dead; Door locks, shifter, and other functions unavailable when dead; Recent battery replacement does not resolve issue
Repairs/costs cited: Both main and auxiliary batteries replaced in some cases; issue persists or recurs; one owner reports dealer suspects TIPM failure
Synthesized from 116 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
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 later. This happened before ~1 year ago and dealer replaced aux battery and torque sensors but couldn’t replicate…
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, it makes it more difficult to backup without the assistance of the rear view camera. I saw on the national news last week…
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 all of a sudden is ir not starting? All I hear is a click when I try to start it.
Vehicle stalled out and locked up after stopping and attempting to accelerate. The vehicles emergency brakes locked on, the vehicle could not turn off with the ignition button, and when looking under the hood the electrical components had a low buzz to it. Vehicle could not turn off emergency break, accelerate, and engine turned off...
My car kept giving me messages transmission, check engine, your car will shut down. All messages then came across the dash and it stopped running. I took it to keep dealer they put it on the diagnostic machine. Replaced my 12v start stop battery and said it’s all good to go. Drove about 25 miles and another message came on drive around in a circle and recalibrate. Drove another mile and a message…
The car has gone completely dead on at least 5 separate occasions since I got it about a year ago. There could be a plethora of reasons why but the dealer never seems to have an answer. The car can shut off for up to 5 minutes in my case and I’m usually stuck in traffic. It is dangerous and produces severe anxiety. When the car stops like that the e brake comes on and sometimes all I can do is…
I was driving and my car completely shut down for “high coolant temperature” and then just turned back on like nothing happened
I was driving down the road going about 40mph, it lost power, I coated into a nearby parking lot because there was no acceleration Pulled off the road, shut it off and it did restart The next morning it was dead It tried to turn over, then it did jump I went ahead and got a new battery and it has been starting
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 116 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 6,673 and 47,000 miles, with the median around 34,989. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,673; a quarter make it past 47,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2019/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.