Before replacing the RDM, please be aware that NVH from differential gears is typical and within the acceptable limits. Do not replace RDM for NVH issue.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 39,000 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
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Compass | 10 |
| 2016 Compass | 40 |
| 2017 Compass | 38 |
| 2018 Compass | 145 |
| 2019 Compass (this page) | 36 |
| 2020 Compass | 26 |
| 2021 Compass | 8 |
| 2022 Compass | 15 |
| 2023 Compass | 6 |
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
948TE Transmission Reaction Shaft Service Bushing Kit Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P1DB7-00 - Torque Converter Clutch Performance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ? P06E9 - Engine Starter Performance (NA Only). ? P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. NOTE: If DTC P0456 is present use the wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) to determine if a leak is present in the system. ? P141B - Starter Control 1 Circuit Performance. ? P141C - Starter Control 2 Circuit Performance. ? P26E4-64 - Starter Control 2 Circuit Signal Plausibility Failure. ? P0615-64 - Starter Control Circuit Signal Plausibility Failure. In
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following DTCs have been set: P06E9 - Engine Starter Performance (North America Only). P0456 - EVAP System Small Leak. If DTC P0456 is present use the wiTECH Small Leak Verification test (SLVT) to determine if a leak is present in the system. P141B - Starter Control 1 Circuit Performance. P141C - Starter Control 2 Circuit Performance. P26E4-64 - Starter Control 2 Circuit-Signal Plausibility Failure. P0615-64 - Starter C
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass describe a powertrain dominated by stalling and loss of power—the most consistent complaint thread across these 35 reports. Stalls occur without warning while idling at lights, decelerating on highways, or during normal acceleration, sometimes forcing owners to restart the vehicle multiple times. Several owners report the auto start-stop feature triggering stalls when it engages and fails to restart when the light turns green. Loss of acceleration follows a pattern: the engine revs but the vehicle refuses to speed up, trapping owners on highways at dangerously low speeds (50 mph on 70 mph highways).
Multiple owners cite false "coolant temperature too high" warnings that trigger limp mode or shut-downs despite normal coolant levels and no actual overheating—a repeating failure point. One major thread involves coolant and transmission fluid mixing, with owners reporting this leads to blown head gaskets, transmission failure, and engine seizure, sometimes within warranty mileage limits. Battery and electrical issues surface frequently: failed auxiliary batteries, hard-to-diagnose electrical faults, and PCM failure detected at a dealer. Transmission issues span harsh shifting, jerking, hesitation, and complete refusal to engage gears. Owners report dealers unable to replicate failures or provide lasting repairs, with some vehicles requiring multiple service visits over years. CV axle premature wear appears in at least two reports. Dashboard warning lamps often illuminate erratically or fail to alert owners to actual problems.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling / loss of power while driving
Vehicle stalls without warning while idling at traffic lights, during deceleration, or on highways. Engine revs but vehicle refuses to accelerate. Multiple restarts required to resume operation. Occurs with or without auto start-stop feature engaged.
When: Varies widely: as early as 75 miles, up to 95,000 miles; often recurs multiple times over vehicle lifetime
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down at stop lights or stop signs; Vehicle decelerates unexpectedly while highway driving; Engine revs but car won't accelerate; Dashboard warning lights illuminate erratically or all at once; Hard brake pedal pressure after stalling; Vehicle must be restarted (often multiple times) to resume driving; Reduced power or limp mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose in most cases; one owner reports PCM replacement recommended; another received software reprogramming that only temporarily resolved the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case filed with NHTSA; partial repair offered in one case with owner cost still unaffordable; no recalls identified for this failure mode in these narratives
Coolant temperature warning and limp mode (false readings)
Vehicle displays 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warning on dash despite coolant gauge reading normal, reservoir at correct level, and no actual overheating. Warning triggers limp mode, loss of drive capability, or sudden stall. Vehicle restarts normally after ignition cycle.
When: Reported from recent model year through 95,000+ miles; one owner reports four separate incidents within weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant temperature warning flashes on dash; Vehicle enters limp mode with reduced power; Vehicle loses ability to shift or drive; Stall while idling at traffic light or during acceleration; False warning recurs after restart; No check engine light or other warning indicators; Gauge reads normal despite warning
Repairs/costs cited: Sensors and water pump replaced in at least one case without resolving the issue; owner reports vehicles restart normally after power cycle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls for this specific fault in these narratives; one owner recently had main battery replaced prior to incidents
Coolant and transmission fluid mixing / blown head gasket
Internal mechanical failure allows coolant to leak into transmission case or vice versa. Transmission fluid becomes contaminated ('like chocolate milk' per one owner), causing overheating, loss of power, and vehicle shutdown. Requires engine replacement or major rebuild.
When: Reported from 8,000 miles to 74,000 miles; described as 'common problem for this year's models' by one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls in middle of freeway without warning; No prior warning lights or symptoms; Transmission fluid discoloration (mixing with coolant); Engine overheating; Vehicle becomes inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer-confirmed faulty internal part; repairs cost approximately $14,000+; one owner was charged for oil change never performed; another reported out-of-pocket cost unaffordable despite warranty claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep denied full coverage in at least one case despite being a known issue; partial repair discount offered in another; case filed but no recall identified in these narratives
Auto start-stop feature malfunction and failure to restart
When auto start-stop feature engages at traffic lights or stop signs, engine shuts down but fails to restart when driver releases brake pedal. Vehicle requires manual restart via ignition button or Park/Start sequence. Feature can be disabled but stalling continues without it.
When: Occurs as early as ~75 miles; reported across multiple years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down when auto start-stop activates at traffic light; Vehicle does not restart when brake pedal released; Stop/start indicator turns orange instead of green; Manual restart button press required; Stalling continues even after disabling auto start-stop feature
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to identify cause; one owner reports multiple service visits with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified in these narratives; owner requests manufacturer recall action
Transmission jerking, harsh shifting, and gear engagement failure
Transmission exhibits harsh shifting, jerking during acceleration, hesitation when in gear, or complete failure to engage gears. Vehicle can become stranded when transmission refuses to shift.
When: Reported across various mileages; one instance at 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking while accelerating; Harsh or delayed shifting between gears; Hesitation when vehicle is in gear; Complete failure to shift into gear; Vehicle stuck in first gear on freeway; Flashing 'R' or 'D' symbols on dash; Vehicle lunges forward or backward unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: Multiple communication errors (reported in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Software reprogramming performed in one case (TCM and BCM replaced); failure recurred one month later; dealer unable to replicate in another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case filed with manufacturer; another case showed 69 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved but dealer refused to repair without live replication during test drive
Battery and electrical system faults
Auxiliary battery failure, main battery failure, or undiagnosed electrical faults causing repeated stalling, hard restart, and multiple warning lights. Battery replacement does not permanently resolve the issue in some cases.
When: Early in vehicle life (~75 miles) and throughout; one battery replaced recently prior to new coolant warnings
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power while driving; Hard brake pedal pressure; Battery warning light illuminates; Vehicle fails to start or requires multiple attempts; Multiple warning lights illuminate at once; Daytime running lights 'low' message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Auxiliary and main batteries replaced at Jeep dealer; failure recurred two months later in one case; dealer unable to determine cause in another
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cases filed with manufacturer; no permanent fix identified in these narratives
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) failure
Engine control computer fails, typically diagnosed after stalling and failure to restart. PCM replacement recommended by mechanic but not performed in reported case due to back-order status.
When: At 45,000 miles (one documented case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seized; Parking brake independently activated; No warning lights illuminated before failure; Vehicle fails to start after stall; Battery warning light illuminates during restart attempts
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement needed; part was on back order until mid-March 2019; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; case filed; owner advised to contact NHTSA; uncertain if related to existing recalls 18V524000, 17V670000, or 16V907000
CV axle premature wear and failure
CV axles wear out well before typical service life. One owner's axle broke while driving through snow, causing loss of control and collision.
When: At 50,000 miles in one case; one case involved driving through snow
Symptoms owners cite: CV axle breaks while driving; Vehicle loses control and spins into divider; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Axle broke on left side; vehicle had to be towed; dealer claimed damage not covered under warranty because accident caused the break (though owner states break caused the accident)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied; 2017 Jeep Compass had recall for driver side CV axle—possible same issue exists on 2019 model
Check engine light and unknown diagnostic faults
Check engine light illuminates without clear diagnostic path. Dealer retrieves many trouble codes but cannot determine root cause or replicate failure for repair.
When: Various mileages; one case at 60,000 miles showed unknown internal leak
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle acceleration limited (max 10 MPH in one case); Jerking while accelerating; Flashing check engine light
Codes mentioned: 69 diagnostic trouble codes retrieved in one case, Multiple communication errors in another
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown internal leak detected in one case but vehicle not repaired; another case with 69 codes could not be repaired without live replication
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No permanent repair achieved in these cases; manufacturers not always notified
Oil consumption and transmission fluid contamination
Excessive oil consumption with transmission fluid becoming contaminated. Related to possible engine-to-transmission fluid mixing issue. Recommended oil change interval lowered by dealership without resolution.
When: Early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; Transmission fluid contamination
Repairs/costs cited: Oil change interval reduced from 5,000 to 1,000–2,000 miles by dealership; issue persists despite maintenance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to provide root cause explanation; owner disputes 200-mile test drive adequacy to replicate issue
Steering wheel looseness and detachment
Steering wheel feels nearly detached or very loose. Turning the wheel produces creaking or breaking sounds. Costly repair needed.
When: At 72,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels almost completely detached; Creaking or breaking noise when turning; Unsafe steering operation
Repairs/costs cited: Expensive to repair; no specific cost cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2019 Jeep Cherokee for the same issue; owner requests same recall for Compass
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Noticed oil on ground and took car in for check and mechanic said there might be a defect with transmission case as it is leaking atf. Also left transmission axle inner boot is leaking.
Three times since 8/2025 the vehicle flashed a “coolant temperature too high” warning despite the gauge reading normal and no check engine light. Coolant reservoir was at appropriate line. This immediately caused the vehicle to enter limp mode after idling in the drive thru. The vehicle remained in drive with full power but would not allow me to drive or shift to park until i turned the vehicle…
There is a large system failure in the Jeep Compass, in which the oil is getting mixed with fluid, causing the transmission fluid to become like chocolate milk. This failure is all in the way the vehicle is manufactured that it causes damage to both the transmission and engine costing approximately more than 14k in repairs. The problem has been confirmed at a dealership, as well as too other…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 14,246 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,246; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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 $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/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.