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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Jeep Compass engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass have filed 60 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 29,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Compass | 15 |
| 2016 Compass | 92 |
| 2017 Compass | 23 |
| 2018 Compass | 200 |
| 2019 Compass (this page) | 60 |
| 2020 Compass | 18 |
| 2021 Compass | 4 |
| 2022 Compass | 14 |
| 2023 Compass | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 60 engine complaints filed for the 2019 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 60 engine 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 16 model years of Jeep Compass in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2019 Jeep Compass owners describe a cluster of engine shutdowns and stalls occurring at low mileage (as early as 556 miles, ranging through 141,000 miles, but most commonly under 60,000). The most common failure is sudden engine shutdown while driving at all speeds—from idle at traffic lights to 75 mph on highways—sometimes with warning ("coolant temperature too high" message), often with none. Owners report the vehicle restarts after seconds or minutes, coolant levels check normal, and dealerships cannot duplicate the problem or find diagnostic codes. Some owners cite oil consumption issues, low oil pressure warnings, and misfire before shutdown. A subset describes the automatic start/stop system stalling when lifting off the brake at traffic lights. Engine overheating, blown head gaskets, and cylinder failure requiring full engine replacement are documented at higher mileages. Oil consumption between changes—dropping 5+ quarts despite scheduled maintenance—is reported multiple times. Battery and electrical failures are secondary issues; some owners mention battery replacement or auxiliary battery changes as dealer "fixes" that did not solve the stalling. Owners express frustration that Jeep dealers acknowledge the problem exists, reference ongoing or closed NHTSA investigations, yet cannot provide a lasting repair. Loss of power steering and brakes during shutdown creates stated safety concerns, particularly on highways.
Same Jeep Compass engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine shutdown/stall while driving
Engine suddenly shuts off without warning or with false 'coolant temperature too high' message while vehicle is in motion at all speeds. Coolant level and temperature gauge both normal. Restarts after brief pause. Dealers cannot duplicate or identify cause via diagnostic codes.
When: 556 miles to 141,000 miles; most reports 40,000–81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: sudden engine shutdown mid-drive; loss of power steering and brakes; false or intermittent 'high coolant temperature' warning message; no warning lights prior to shutdown; no stored diagnostic trouble codes; vehicle restarts normally after 20 seconds to several minutes; occurs at all speeds including highway (25–75 mph); happens multiple times over vehicle's life (up to 20 occurrences reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate or repair; reported attempted fixes include thermostat replacement, housing replacement, fuel pump replacement, auxiliary battery replacement, battery replacement, PCM/ESD replacement, computer software update, oil change. None resolve the issue long-term.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Closed NHTSA investigation (December 2023); manufacturer referred owners to dealers; declined reimbursement offers; case numbers issued but closed without resolution. No recall or TSB identified in narratives.
Automatic start/stop system stalling
Vehicle stalls when automatic start/stop system attempts to restart engine after stop at traffic light. Driver lifts foot off brake, system activates start, but vehicle stalls on acceleration. Requires full restart.
When: As early as 556 miles; reported up to 65,000+ miles; ongoing for 2+ years in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: stall during start/stop restart at traffic light; engine struggles to engage when accelerating from stop; dashboard error 'Auto Stop/Start Not Ready/Unavailable'; brake light may illuminate; can occur multiple times per day or once weekly; high risk of rear-end collision during stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted battery replacement (both main and auxiliary), but remedy is short-lived. No permanent repair identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or TSB cited for this specific failure mode.
Engine overheating and coolant system failure
Engine exhibits persistent overheating symptoms, false high-coolant-temperature warnings, and eventual mechanical failure including blown head gasket and cylinder failure requiring engine replacement.
When: 50,000–141,000 miles; one case at 4,000 miles with low oil level
Symptoms owners cite: coolant temperature warning light illuminated repeatedly; 'coolant temperature too high' message flashing; oil mixing with coolant; misfire during acceleration and deceleration; engine requires coolant addition on multiple occasions; eventual cylinder failure and complete loss of power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Engine cooling system failure warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner diagnosed with blown head gasket requiring engine rebuild or replacement at 65,000 miles. Another owner required full engine and radiator replacement. Owner at 50,000 miles outside 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep (Stellantis) refused coverage citing warranty expiration. One owner reported ongoing investigation referenced.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns oil at abnormally high rate between scheduled oil changes, despite regular maintenance. Oil level drops 4–5.5 quarts between service intervals (5,000 miles).
When: Present at service intervals starting early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: oil level drops 4–5.5 quarts between 5,000-mile service intervals; oil pressure warning light illumination when low; low oil level contributing to stall/shutdown events
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers advised oil consumption testing at 500-mile intervals up to 1,500 miles; no resolution achieved. PCV valve replacement attempted on one vehicle but issue persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or extended warranty cited.
Intermittent starting failure and battery depletion
Vehicle fails to start consistently or draws battery down repeatedly. Start/stop system depletes auxiliary battery, which then pulls from main battery and alternator, weakening entire electrical system.
When: As early as 100 miles on new vehicle; ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: intermittent starting—will not start consistently; no warning lights to alert driver of low battery; battery completely depleted with no warning; engine cranks but does not turn over; vehicle stranded mid-traffic or mid-highway; start/stop system drains auxiliary battery repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement, but issue recurs within days to weeks. One owner required jump-start and experienced cell depletion. No permanent fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall identified. Owner with new vehicle (under 100 miles) noted dealership acknowledged problem but stated no software fix available.
Electrical system malfunction
Intermittent electrical gremlins including windows failing to operate, door locks not responding, and various undiagnosed electrical shorts coinciding with engine and coolant warnings.
When: 60,000 miles; timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: windows fail to open or close; door locks fail to lock/unlock; unstated electrical malfunctions; occurs intermittently (approximately 12 occurrences reported); correlates with false coolant warnings and acceleration loss
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner did not bring vehicle to dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer not contacted; manufacturer not informed.
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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.
Was driving on the highway and my Jeep just cut off and would not start back up, it locked up everything. Had to get it towed to the dealership and they said they have heard of these problems, they tested everything out and said it was possibly the battery, got the battery replaced with a new one, one week later it did the same thing while at a stop light and could not get it to start, towed to…
As I was exiting one interstate and merging onto another one the engine stalled. A message displayed telling me the cruise had shut off (my cruise was on but not in use when the engine stalled). This is the second time this has happened - both on the highway.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart on various occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the failure codes were cleared; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2019 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 60 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 4,000 and 55,000 miles, with the median around 29,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,000; a quarter make it past 55,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.