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 ↗2020 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
moderate 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 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.
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
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 ↗"Various Models - Engine Valley Cap (Flywheel Side) - Oil Leakage - Service Solution Customers may experience the following: ● Oil leaks from the engine compartment, engine/transmission coupling. This bulletin supersedes Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 09-021-24, date of issue November 23, 2024, which should be removed from your files. All revisions are highlighted with **asterisks** and include new Labor Times."
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 one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)s: P24D1-00 - Particulate Matter Sensor Regeneration Incomplete. (RSU VINs Only). NOTE: This software update will help prevent P24D1-00 from setting. All unsold vehicles that are part of the RSU must be updated. If P24D1-00 sets on a sold vehicle, this software update will not correct this DTC. Refer to all applicable published service bulletins for detailed repair procedures and labor times regarding this DTC. P2002-00 - Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Efficiency
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, a technician may find one or more of thefollowing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P061A - Level 2 Torque Performance. P1DD2 - Torque Request Signal From TCM Denied. Customers may experience the following: Long engine cranking prior to vehicle start more noticeable when the outsidetemperature is above 40 °c (104 °f).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Jeep Compass powertrain is plagued by recurring failures that span engine control, transmission, cooling, and electrical systems. The most prevalent complaint is a false high coolant temperature warning that triggers immediate engine shutdown—sometimes multiple times over months—even when the coolant gauge reads normal. Vehicle owners report losing steering and brake power during these incidents while stranded in traffic or at intersections. Restarts can take minutes to hours with no clear reason for the shutdown.
Cylinder head gasket failures appear early (35K–38K miles) with combustion gases leaking into coolant. One owner documented two head replacements within seven months after the first repair failed. Mixing of oil and coolant recurs even after replacing thermostats, water pumps, and gaskets.
Transmission issues range from hard slipping in 4th gear to complete failure requiring replacement. One narrative mentions the MultiAir/VVT actuator on indefinite national backorder due to widespread failures. Driveshaft failure at 32K miles and spark plug blowout at 8K miles have also been documented.
Electrical gremlins compound the problems: false low-oil warnings, inoperative auto stop/start, battery charging failure, 4WD engagement glitches, and cluster failures affecting brakes and steering. Dealerships frequently cannot replicate or diagnose these issues. One fire incident occurred at 12K miles involving gear actuator seizure.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
False high coolant temperature warning & engine shutdown
Dashboard displays 'coolant temperature too high' alert while gauge shows normal operating temperature. Vehicle immediately shuts down mid-drive, losing all electrical power, steering, and brakes. Engine will not restart for minutes to hours without cause. Incident recurs sporadically over months or years.
When: 35K–91K miles; Complaint #1 describes 4 incidents over months, #8 spanning two years with increasing frequency starting at 50K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Red 'coolant temperature too high' warning on dashboard; Engine immediate shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering and brake assist; Check engine light (on some incidents); Service 4WD and EBS alerts (on some incidents); Vehicle restart only after 5 min–2 hours of sitting; Coolant gauge shows normal or cool temperature despite alert
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not specified in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: No confirmed repair documented in narratives. Dealers unable to identify root cause in at least two cases (#8, #20). One technician (#14) found corroded wire under battery causing no signal to engine computer; repair bill $602.00 plus tow.
Cylinder head gasket failure & combustion gas ingress
Combustion gases leak into cooling system, detected by block test (coolant in combustion chamber). Cylinder head warps or cracks, requiring replacement. Issue recurs within months despite repair.
When: 35K–37.5K miles; Complaint #2 shows gasket failure at 35.9K, second failure at 37.5K (7 months later)
Symptoms owners cite: Block test failure (combustion gases in cooling system); Sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate; Check engine light present before failure; Cylinder head warping (detected on second inspection)
Codes mentioned: P1064 (cylinder 4 oil supply solenoid stuck), P0171 (fuel system lean), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: cylinder head replacement, cylinder head machining, exhaust valve replacement (cost >$5,000). Second repair: full cylinder head replacement, motor mount replacement (total out-of-pocket >$8,000 in under 7 months). Repairs performed at independent shop and confirmed by Jeep dealership.
MultiAir/VVT actuator internal failure
Variable valve timing actuator internally fails, causing sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate. Component confirmed on indefinite national backorder due to widespread failures across model line.
When: 36.3K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Inability to accelerate
Codes mentioned: P1064 (cylinder 4 oil supply solenoid stuck), P0171 (fuel system lean), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Both independent shop and Jeep dealership parts department confirmed MultiAir/VVT actuator on indefinite national backorder due to widespread component failures. No successful repair documented.
Gear actuator seizure & vehicle fire
Gear actuator seizes in park, preventing gear shifting. Vehicle fails to turn off, then catches fire. Police deemed total loss. Occurred at approximately 12K miles.
When: 12K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning vehicle not in park despite being in park; Gear actuator seized; Vehicle failed to turn off; Vehicle caught fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss by police department and towed to yard. USAA insurance to collect vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure; no further assistance provided.
Auto Stop/Start feature malfunction & spontaneous shutdown
Vehicle spontaneously shuts off during normal driving. Start/Stop indicator illuminates. Vehicle restarts on its own. Issue occurs without warning and can strand vehicle.
When: 31K miles onward (Complaint #10); also reported at 27K miles (#17)
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous engine shutdown while driving at normal speeds; Yellow 'start/stop function' dashboard indicator light illuminates; Vehicle restarts on its own after shutdown; No error messages on screen (in some cases); Stop/Start feature inoperable (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Two different dealers unable to identify issue. One technician (Complaint #5) suggested battery issue but vehicle still available for inspection.
Intermittent 4WD engagement/disengagement & brake lockup
4WD engages and disengages unintentionally while driving. Brakes lock up at moderate speed. Issue more prevalent during wet weather.
When: 97K miles
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD engaged and disengaged unintentionally while driving at 35 MPH; Brakes locked up; Computer became inoperable; Service 4WD message displayed; Auto Start/Stop feature inoperable; Issue more prevalent in snow or rain
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced but vehicle failed to charge and failed to start. Local dealer unable to duplicate failure; vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not contacted.
Low oil pressure sensor false warning & transmission shift failure
Low oil pressure warning light illuminates intermittently despite adequate oil. Transmission fails to shift gears as designed. Vehicle shakes with abnormal sound from front end.
When: 35K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light illuminates intermittently; Gears fail to shift as designed; Front of vehicle shaking; Abnormal sound from front end
Repairs/costs cited: Low oil pressure sensor replaced at one dealer. Failure reoccurred. Second dealer (Harr Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Worcester, MA) unable to determine cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Spark plug failure & engine stall at startup
Spark plug blows out, causing engine stall at ignition moment. Vehicle will not restart immediately. Occurs early in vehicle life at low mileage.
When: 8K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spark plug blows during engine start; Engine stalls immediately; Engine will not turn back on
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replaced under warranty at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair covered under warranty.
Oil and coolant mixing
Coolant and oil mix together inside engine, indicating internal seal or gasket breach. Occurs repeatedly even after repairs to related components.
When: Various mileages; Complaint #21 reports three instances in one month
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant and oil mixing in engine; Overheating after replacement of related components
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat, head gasket, and water pump replaced without resolving issue in Complaint #21.
Driveshaft failure
Driveshaft fails prematurely at low mileage. Dealership confirms this is occurring on other vehicles of same make and model.
When: 32K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed issue is happening on other 2020 Jeep Compass models.
Transmission slipping & hard shifts
Transmission slips hard, especially in 4th gear on highway or under moderate throttle. Issue occurs on both FWD and AWD modes.
When: 50K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips hard in 4th gear; Slipping occurs on highway at high RPM (4000 rpm+); Slipping occurs in both FWD and AWD modes
Repairs/costs cited: Metal bits found in oil at 50K miles during routine change. Owner performs oil changes every 5K miles and reports vehicle not driven roughly.
Transmission failure requiring replacement
Transmission diagnosed as failed and requiring replacement. Engine also overheating (no warning light). Vehicle does not restart after shutdown.
When: 98K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheated without illuminating warning light; Vehicle able to restart once but failure recurred; Transmission diagnosed as failed
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission failure diagnosed at dealer. Vehicle not repaired; status unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Vehicle jerking during acceleration
Vehicle jerks when accelerating in drive mode. Possible oil leakage from engine area (slight).
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks when in drive mode/accelerating; Possible slight oil leakage
Fuel pump overfill & low oil false warning
Fuel pump fails to shut off at gas pump, causing fuel to spill onto ground. Vehicle starts then immediately shuts down with false low oil warning despite recent oil change.
When: Early ownership (vehicle described as brand new)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump automatic shutoff failure at gas pump; Gasoline spilling from filler onto ground; Vehicle starts then shuts down immediately; False low oil pressure warning despite recent oil change; Vehicle continues to stall; Vehicle will not hold a charge
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealership shop. Owner reports warranty will not cover issue. Out of pocket repair required.
Engine knock, hissing, and internal damage (certified pre-owned)
Vehicle purchased certified pre-owned at 33K miles. Upon purchase, owner detects engine knocking, hissing under hood, and clanking near catalytic converter. Failed 125-point inspection despite certification.
When: 33K miles at purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking; Hissing sound under hood; Clanking noise underneath near catalytic converter; Vehicle feels like it's 'jumping' or 'bubbly' while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle had previous owner maintenance every 3500–4000 miles. Certified by major chain dealership with 125-point inspection.
Multiple electrical and sensor failures (compound system failure)
Cluster of simultaneous failures affecting engine control, cooling, oil pressure sensing, and brake systems. Vehicle immobilized with multiple warning lights and unable to operate safely.
When: 27K miles (Complaint #17)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling; False overheating reading; Battery failing; Radio screen stuck on review camera; Radio not shutting off after vehicle shuts off; Vehicle in park not recognized by system; TPMS issues; Stop and start function not working properly; Losing oil; ESC needs attention warning
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle broken down for one month at 27K miles. Owner making payments but unable to drive.
Transmission coolant failure & overheating
Transmission coolant system fails. Vehicle overheats and begins beeping without prior warning. System flush recommended, then transmission coolant failure diagnosis issued.
When: 91K miles (first appearance 8/17/2024)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle runs hot; Beeping alert; No prior warnings
Repairs/costs cited: First mechanic recommended system flush. Later diagnosed as transmission coolant failure.
Loss of electrical power & steering control
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, then restarts on its own. Loss of steering and brake control during shutdown creates immediate hazard.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of brake assist (pedal becomes very hard); Vehicle restarts on its own after loss of power
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Engine stalling, false overheating reading, battery failing. Radio screen getting stuck with review camera, radio not shutting off after vehicle shuts off, car in park but is not recognized by the system, TIMP issues stop and start function not working properly, losing oil, ESC needs attention. A whole lot of headache. Car has been broke down for a month with 27000 miles and making payment unable…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 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?
Based on the 25 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 49,204 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 $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/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.