Owners have reported 3 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Jeep Compass. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints48
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent electrical system failures in the 2020 Jeep Compass, with common issues including infotainment screen malfunctions, battery failures, and recurring "Coolant Temperature Too High" warnings. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as pixilated or blank infotainment screens, inoperative backup cameras, and unexpected vehicle shutdowns. These issues often arise around 20,000 to 68,000 miles. Several reports highlight safety concerns, such as loss of vehicle power while driving, which poses a risk of accidents. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical problems, which can lead to significant repair costs and safety risks.
Owner complaints23
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass frequently report issues related to engine overheating, sudden engine shutdowns, and transmission failures. Typical symptoms include coolant temperature warnings, spontaneous vehicle stalls, and instances of coolant mixing with oil. These issues often emerge around 30,000 to 98,000 miles. Several complaints highlight safety concerns, such as loss of control, particularly when the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while driving, posing risks in traffic or on highways. Buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, especially when considering high-mileage vehicles.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints18
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report that the 2020 Jeep Compass frequently experiences unexpected engine shutdowns often accompanied by a "high coolant temperature" warning, occurring both at high speeds and while idling. Complaints describe the need to restart the vehicle to continue driving, with some incidents happening shortly after purchase. Another common issue involves the UConnect display screen malfunctioning, affecting rearview camera visibility and other controls. Safety implications include one reported crash and a fire incident, with the latter resulting in total vehicle loss and damage to surrounding cars. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding sudden engine shutdowns and electronic failures.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints13
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass frequently report issues related to the engine unexpectedly shutting down, often without warning, both while driving and when the vehicle is stopped. This stalling is sometimes accompanied by messages such as "coolant temperature high" or "service airbag system," and appears to be linked to the Stop/Start feature. Many complaints also describe excessive oil consumption, with some owners noting the need to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or less, even at relatively low mileages around 19,000 to 40,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as several owners mention near-miss incidents due to the vehicle stalling during driving, increasing the risk of accidents. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers considering a used 2020 Jeep Compass.
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners report that the 2020 Jeep Compass frequently experiences issues related to sudden vehicle shutdowns while driving, often accompanied by warning messages such as "key has left vehicle" or overheating alerts. These shutdowns lead to loss of steering control, posing a potential safety risk, especially at higher speeds. Complaints often mention auxiliary battery failures and persistent warning lights, with some vehicles requiring frequent jump starts or battery charging. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with one report at 58,884 miles, and multiple owners express frustration over unresolved problems despite dealership visits. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported safety implications and the potential for repeated, unresolved mechanical issues.
Owner complaints4
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass report issues with the vehicle's windshield wipers and windows affecting visibility. Complaints frequently mention that the wipers fail to operate, with one owner unable to find a replacement motor. Another owner describes the windshield and windows appearing to melt or distort in hot weather, impairing visibility. One incident involved a crash at approximately 19,126 miles due to wiper failure during rain, resulting in injuries and a police report. These issues highlight potential safety risks, particularly in adverse weather conditions, and may be covered under a specific recall campaign.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass frequently report issues related to engine overheating and stalling. Typical symptoms include the temperature gauge rising to high levels, a high coolant temperature warning, and the vehicle stalling either in traffic or while driving at various speeds. Complaints often describe these problems occurring around 34,000 to 74,685 miles. In some instances, the auto Stop-Start feature fails to restart the engine, and the check engine light is illuminated. These issues sometimes necessitate towing and have not been consistently diagnosed or resolved by dealers. Safety implications include the potential for loss of motive power while driving, which could pose a risk in traffic situations.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report multiple issues with the 2020 Jeep Compass related to the service brakes. Complaints frequently mention a persistent squeaking and squealing noise from the brakes, particularly noticeable when slowing down to a stop, with some owners experiencing this issue as early as 5,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle's emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, including instances where the car warns of a non-existent obstacle and applies the brakes autonomously, leading to near rear-end collisions. Another significant issue involves the vehicle stalling unexpectedly when approaching a stop, with the emergency brake engaging without warning, posing a safety risk. These problems are reported at low mileages, often within the first few months of ownership, and may affect the vehicle's reliability and safety.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, specifically a sudden inability to accelerate beyond 20 miles per hour and engine shutdowns at highway speeds. Typical symptoms include clunking noises during acceleration and the engine shutting off unexpectedly, sometimes failing to restart at stop signs or lights. These problems have been noted as early as six months into ownership, though specific mileage is not consistently reported. Safety implications are significant, as the described issues occur during driving, potentially leading to loss of control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns and verify if the vehicle has been subject to any relevant recalls.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Jeep Compass report issues with the airbag system, specifically mentioning dashboard warnings such as "SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM." One owner describes repeated service visits, initially for ORC module replacement and subsequently for a Clock Spring device, yet the warning light persists. Another report involves a low-speed crash where airbags did not deploy, resulting in injuries to the occupants, with the vehicle being deemed a total loss. This incident occurred at approximately 35,000 miles. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, especially regarding airbag deployment failures in collision scenarios.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
