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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Jeep Compass electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass have filed 49 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Compass | 49 |
| 2017 Compass | 66 |
| 2018 Compass | 302 |
| 2019 Compass | 116 |
| 2020 Compass (this page) | 49 |
| 2021 Compass | 28 |
| 2022 Compass | 93 |
| 2023 Compass | 10 |
| 2024 Compass | 17 |
When does it fail?
Of the 49 electrical complaints filed for the 2020 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Electrical accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 49 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.
Passive Entry Exterior Door Handle Inoperative When Touched To Lock And Or Unlock.
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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report that their 2020 Compass displays a "Coolant Temperature Too High" warning and shuts down the engine even when the coolant gauge shows normal operating temperature and the engine is not overheating. This happens at idle, traffic lights, and highway speeds (65–80 mph). The vehicle requires manual restart, which may take seconds or up to 15 minutes. Owners say it occurs multiple times per year and puts them at serious risk—loss of power steering and braking at speed on freeways, nearly causing rear-end collisions, and stranding mothers with children.
In parallel, the auto start/stop system fails unpredictably, causing the engine to stall every time the vehicle stops (red lights, stop signs, intersections) even when the owner hasn't engaged that feature. A separate group reports complete electrical blackout while driving—all power lost, vehicle immobilized mid-freeway, no lights, no visibility to other drivers.
Dealerships have replaced both main and auxiliary batteries multiple times, swapped out thermostats, flushed coolant, replaced the powertrain control module (PCM), and in one case replaced a $4,500 wiring harness. One owner had an entire engine replaced ($10,000) after perceived electrical failure. Despite these costly repairs and direct customer requests, dealers consistently say they cannot replicate the issue or find any stored diagnostic codes, even when owners provide photos of warning messages. Door locks fail simultaneously with start/stop failures in some vehicles; infotainment screens go black; transmission temperatures climb to 230+ degrees with no corresponding code generation on the dealership diagnostic machine. Jeep has issued technical service bulletins but has not recalled the vehicle. Owners report being told repairs are not warranty items and are responsible for loaner car costs while the vehicle sits in the shop undiagnosed for weeks.
Same Jeep Compass electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
False high coolant temperature warning / spurious shutdown
Engine shuts down spontaneously in response to a 'Coolant Temperature Too High' dashboard message, even when the coolant gauge shows normal operating temperature and the engine is not actually overheating. The message appears and disappears rapidly. Vehicle must be restarted manually. Occurs at idle, traffic lights, highway speeds, and sometimes on cold start. Often accompanied by loss of power steering and braking.
When: Occurs from early ownership (within months) through years of vehicle operation; happens at any ambient temperature or driving condition
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant Temperature Too High message appears on dashboard despite normal gauge reading; Engine shuts down completely or attempts to shut down; Loss or degradation of power steering; Loss or degradation of braking power; Vehicle requires manual restart, which succeeds after seconds to 15 minutes; Electrical systems flicker or shut down partially (radio, lights, climate control affected); Occurs multiple times per year, sometimes multiple times in one trip; False low coolant temperature message also reported by some owners
Codes mentioned: Coolant Temperature Too High message (not a stored diagnostic code), Service Electronic Throttle Control, Check Engine Light, Engine Control Module (ECM) error code
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership unable to replicate issue or find stored codes despite vehicle displaying warnings; replaced thermostats, flushed coolant, checked radiator caps, replaced water pumps, and replaced auxiliary batteries—none resolved the issue. Dealerships claim no error codes are stored even when owners provide photos of the warning. One owner reports $10,000 engine replacement after perceived electrical/coolant system failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) addressing the start/stop system and related electrical faults, per complaint narrative. No recall issued despite multiple owner complaints and dealer confirmation of systemic defect.
Unexpected engine stall with auto start/stop system failure
Engine stalls at traffic lights, stop signs, and during low-speed driving, often when operator attempts to accelerate from a complete stop (pressing gas pedal at green light). Distinct from the false coolant temperature issue in that stalling occurs without that specific warning message. Dashboard may display 'Stop/Start Unavailable' or 'Service Stop/Start System' message. Vehicle requires manual restart via brake and start button or key.
When: Random occurrences throughout ownership; some owners report it happening every time the vehicle stops
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at red lights, stop signs, and intersections; Occurs when pressing gas pedal to accelerate from complete stop; Stop/Start Unavailable or Service Stop/Start System message displayed; Infotainment screen remains on during stall; shift knob lights blink; Vehicle does not recover on its own; manual restart required; Parking brake may engage automatically during stall; Steering wheel lock-up reported in at least one instance
Codes mentioned: Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System, Service Stop/Start System message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced both main and auxiliary batteries multiple times with no resolution. Body Control Module (BCM) replaced three times in one case without resolving recurring stalls. One owner reports $4,500 wiring harness replacement estimate after PCM replacement failed to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple TSBs issued for start/stop system defects per complaint narratives. No recall initiated despite repeated failures across many vehicles and confirmed reproduction by dealership technicians.
Complete electrical power loss while driving
All electrical power to the vehicle shuts down suddenly during operation—engines off, power steering inoperable, brakes heavily compromised, dashboard dark, lights off. Vehicle becomes immobile in traffic or on roadway. Distinct from false coolant shutdown in that it is a total electrical event rather than a controlled engine shutdown triggered by a false sensor message.
When: Occurs during normal highway and city driving; one incident cited January 2024; another cited while on freeway at 65–80 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine shuts down; no power to steering; Brakes become heavy and nearly inoperable; All lights go out; vehicle becomes invisible to other drivers; Infotainment system shuts off completely; Vehicle immobilized in traffic or roadway; Occasional surging (power cycling on and off) before complete loss; No dashboard warning lights prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Low auxiliary battery warning (may appear days or weeks before complete failure), ECU/PCM-related codes in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to reproduce; no stored diagnostic codes found. Owners speculate PCM or wiring harness based on prior replacement history. One owner had auxiliary battery warning addressed at dealer prior to complete electrical failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives; dealership unable to diagnose or repair.
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and wiring harness failure
PCM fails or wiring harness (particularly the harness connecting PCM to other vehicle systems) develops faults, resulting in inability to start vehicle and uncontrolled electrical behavior. Replacement of PCM does not always resolve the issue; subsequent diagnostics may reveal wiring harness damage as root cause. These interconnected failures affect communication between PCM and other systems.
When: Failure timeline spans 2021–2024 in one detailed narrative; starts with unexpected stall in traffic, progresses through multiple diagnostic cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Illuminated dashboard warnings and automatic parking brake engagement on startup; Vehicle stalls unexpectedly in traffic; Failure persists after battery and starter replacement; Vehicle remains inoperable even after PCM replacement; Intermittent start/no-start behavior
Codes mentioned: PCM fault codes (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Southern Jeep in Norfolk, Virginia, estimated wiring harness replacement at $4,500. Battery and starter replaced first without resolution. PCM replaced at some point; wiring harness identified as root cause afterward. Repairs span weeks of diagnostic effort.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall initiated; Jeep has issued TSBs addressing PCM and start/stop system defects per narrative. Owners left to pay repair costs out of pocket.
Auxiliary battery and main battery rapid depletion
Vehicle batteries (main and auxiliary) fail or deplete rapidly, resulting in start-stop events and inability to start vehicle. Auxiliary battery warning may appear weeks before complete failure. Multiple battery replacements do not resolve the underlying electrical drain or fault. In some cases, the computer/electrical system is suspected of overcharging or excessively draining the batteries.
When: Can occur within months to a year of vehicle ownership; one owner had two battery replacements within first year; another had to replace battery twice and auxiliary battery once
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; requires jump starts; Low auxiliary battery warning on dashboard; AAA and insurance roadside assistance called multiple times; Vehicle dies while driving, requiring restart; Multiple battery replacements within short timeframe (2–3 batteries in 2–3 years); Batteries test good at independent shops yet vehicle still fails to start; One owner reports electrical wires burnt out by computer in vehicle
Codes mentioned: Low auxiliary battery warning message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommended replacing both batteries for $600; independent testing (AutoZone) found batteries tested good. Owners report purchasing jump boxes as temporary solution. One owner reports dealership claimed electrical wires burnt out by the computer after third battery replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented; dealership unable to identify root electrical fault.
Transmission overheating false warning and limp mode
Transmission temperature reading climbs to 230–295 degrees Fahrenheit without corresponding symptoms of actual overheating. Vehicle enters limp mode (severely reduced power) or loses throttle response. Check Engine Light and Service Transmission message appear. Dealership unable to replicate even when owner drives vehicle to elevated temperature in front of technician.
When: Random occurrences while driving highways, neighborhoods, interstates; happens 4–5 times over vehicle ownership; one owner reports transmission temperature runs over 200 degrees daily
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission temperature reading displays 230–295 degrees Fahrenheit on dashboard; Vehicle enters limp mode (acceleration limited or unavailable); All power lost to gas pedal; unable to accelerate; Check Engine Light illuminates; Service Transmission message displayed; Overheat warning message displayed; Vehicle stalls during limp mode event; Electrical surges; lights dim or flicker; Steering and braking affected during event
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Transmission message, Overheat warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership hooked vehicle to diagnostic machine multiple times and received no error messages. One service advisor stated transmission should never exceed 200 degrees; vehicle was brought back at 230 degrees but still no codes generated by dealership's 'machine.' Vehicle was 'in service' for 4 weeks with no resolution. One owner asked to pay for loaner car despite unresolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned for this specific failure; dealership informed owner issue cannot be replicated or diagnosed.
Infotainment / touchscreen system failure
Infotainment display becomes pixelated, distorted, or goes completely black. Screen may flicker, display lines, or shut off after start-up. Loss of touchscreen functionality disables rear-view camera and access to vehicle settings. Radio may fade in and out. In some cases, the radio unit is confirmed defective.
When: Can occur early in ownership (one case at 32,000 miles) or later (one at 54,000 miles); may be intermittent initially then worsen
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen displays pixelated or distorted image; Screen goes blank or completely black; Multiple lines appear on screen before failure; Rear-view camera inoperable due to screen failure; Radio fades in and out; Screen shuts off after start-up and will not respond; Dashboard screen and center touchscreen both affected; Auto-light button switches to manual mode on its own
Codes mentioned: Radio/infotainment system fault (not OBD codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed radio as defective and recommended replacement; one dealer offered to cover half the cost. Another owner reports screen reset button did not resolve issue. Screen failures have persisted across weather changes and vehicle shut-downs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in at least one case and provided case number but no recall or warranty coverage details noted in narratives. Dealer offered partial cost-sharing in one instance.
Door lock inoperative / body control module failure
Door lock assembly fails intermittently or completely, preventing lock/unlock via in-car button, key fob from inside vehicle, or key fob from outside vehicle. In some cases, occupants trapped inside vehicle unable to unlock doors. Coincides with auto start/stop system failures. Body Control Module (BCM) has been replaced multiple times without permanent resolution.
When: Failures reproduced by dealer on three separate occasions within less than two months; latest failure reported 2/2/2025
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks do not respond to in-car door button; Key fob lock/unlock commands do not work from inside or outside vehicle; Occupants trapped inside vehicle unable to unlock doors; Occurs at the same time as Stop/Start Unavailable message; Intermittent failures; sometimes key fob works, sometimes it doesn't
Codes mentioned: Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System (appears concurrently)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced door lock assembly three times and Body Control Module three times within two months; failures recurred. Both main and auxiliary batteries also replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or extended warranty program noted; dealership covered repairs under original warranty during the timeframe described.
Oil cooler failure and false coolant warnings
Oil cooler fails, allowing engine oil to mix with coolant. This failure can trigger false high coolant temperature warnings and lead to engine damage if not caught. Appears to be a secondary failure related to the broader electrical/coolant sensor issue.
When: One case documented 12/27/2023; owner then experienced subsequent false coolant warnings
Symptoms owners cite: High coolant temperature warning light illuminates; No visible overheating but warning persists; Oil cooler failure confirmed on diagnostic inspection
Codes mentioned: High coolant temperature warning (false positive)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler replacement at significant cost (owner reports 'big bucks'); after repair, vehicle returned to owner but false coolant warnings resumed one week later, followed by additional stalling incidents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Engine control system malfunction / limp mode with severe acceleration loss
Vehicle enters a reduced-power state in which acceleration is severely limited (5 mph maximum in one case) or completely absent. Engine light and service messages illuminate. Vehicle may have stalled prior to entering limp mode. Turning engine off and allowing it to rest may temporarily restore function.
When: Occurs during normal driving and at stops; in one case on 1/3/2024
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not exceed 5 mph or other severe speed limitation; Gas pedal becomes unresponsive or ineffective; Check Engine Light illuminates; Service messages displayed; Prior stall event may precede limp mode; Temporary recovery after engine shut-down and rest
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service messages (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had vehicle towed to dealership after limp mode event on 1/3/2024; vehicle sat at dealership for two weeks without inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives; dealership unable to schedule timely inspection.
False tire pressure warning / TPMS system malfunction
Tire pressure monitoring system reports incorrect tire pressures repeatedly despite owner purchasing multiple sets of new tires (four sets cited by one owner). The system appears to malfunction independently of actual tire condition.
When: Ongoing issue; owner purchased four sets of new tires attempting to resolve
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure warnings displayed on dashboard; Warnings persist despite proper tire inflation; Warnings recur after replacing tires
Codes mentioned: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) fault (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased four new tire sets attempting to resolve; issue persisted, suggesting sensor or module fault rather than tire issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
My engine light kept on coming on esc failure I replaced the aux battery then reg battery then alternator went bad then the u connect is not working at all it will not load the maps on the screen it’s doesn’t recognize my phone I bought this jeep brand new
Vehicle started indicating High Coolant temperature then engine would shut down. It would restart after shut off. Radio would fade in an out . While vehicle was in motion the engine should shut down and had to pull over and restart the vehicle. This happened on several occasions before the vehicle completely shut down. Towed vehicle to dealership with a repair of $700 to replace both batteries.
Stopped at red light and coolant over heating warning came on screen and vehicle would not move. Powered vehicle down and back up and engine was revving aggressively. Turned vehicle back on after a few minutes and it was fine like nothing happened. At no point was the vehicle actually overheating.
Electrical transmission problem. Car stopped working in the middle of street almost got in accident. Won’t accelerate over 20 miles. Problem turning on after turns off automatically. Seen so many people with this problem. This car needs to be investigated is not safe.
2020 Jeep compass shuts off randomly while driving in traffic and sometimes will not start back up after. Says the coolant temperature is too high but the temperature is fine. Car is a danger to Public safety and is one of many that is experiencing the issue.
The primary issues involve the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), wiring harness, and auxiliary battery system. These interconnected problems compromise vehicle reliability, pose safety risks, and create undue financial burdens on owners. Overview of Defects The vehicle failed to start on [XXX], with illuminated dashboard warnings and automatic parking brake engagement. Initial diagnostics led to…
Car had high coolant temperature warning come up on dash and car went into limp mode but then just cleared and continued to drive fine. Recently had auxiliary battery replaced due to auto start/stop not working.
While driving the 2020 Compass a message will s poradically appear on the dashboard display about "High Coolant Temperature" and immediately sends the vehicle power to shut down and after a couple of seconds the error disappears and the temperature returns to normal. It once shut the engine down completely in the middle of the street and I had to put car in park in middle of traffic and then…
An issue with my 2020 Jeep Compass has been reoccurring, regardless of the engine temperature whether at operating temperature or cold, the vehicle will flash a message of "Coolant Temperature too High", the vehicle will shut itself down and the operator will need to press the brake, press the start/stop button to fully turn the vehicle off, press the brake again and press the start/stop button…
Driving down the road, in neighborhoods, interstate, etc - random times the vehicle transmission will overheat up to 295 degrees, and cause the vehicle to stall engine wise. All power is lost to the gas pedal and I'm not able to accelerate. Sometimes the electrical will shutter, lights will dim. Another time vehicle was completely immobilized and all power was lost. The overheating and stalling…
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 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?
Based on the 49 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 33,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.