Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The vehicle has a problem that it will stall out after filling up with gas. The timing of the stall out is such that within a minute or two of leaving the gas station and pulling into traffic, the vehicle will buck and the motor will shut off. when this happens, the vehicle also loses power steering and brakes. This creates an INCREDIBLY dangerous situation as the driver essentially has no control any longer. It is a consistent, repeatable problem that occurs every time the vehicle is filled with gas.
Upon driving on the highway the engine begins to make a hissing sound . Then the the car begins to feel like its slowly braking. From there It slowly loses power . The accelerator does nothing. This happened when my son I his [redacted] was drive me to airport through [redacted] mountains. Had to pull over many times eventually getting and Uber from gas station to make flight. Very unsafe condition and is need of repairs
I own a 2007 Jeep Compass that was purchased new in June of 2006. Beginning in May of this year the car began suffering both low and high speed engine stalls, where the warning 'bell' sounds, all of the dash warning lights come on, and the engine completely shuts down. This car is driven by my college age daughter and represents a major safety hazard to both her and those around her. Most recently this condition occurred on I-85 south of atlanta in a major construction zone while she was going 60 miles an hour. Two weeks ago the opelika Jeep dealership did the 'software upgrade' recommended by a technical service bulletin, but obviously it did not resolve the problem. At the time the dealer could not 'recreate' the problem. The vehicle is currently at a dealership in union city, ga where it was towed. …
Update to complaint. Jeep dealer just called and they are replacing the fuel tank and charcoal canister was told this was a common issue and they had seen it before . The rollover valve in the fuel tank was bad and sticking open allowing fuel to dump into the EVAP system filling the charcoal canister with gas causing the stall . This is a major safety issue since a faulty valve wont shut off in the event of a crash causing a fire and can also cause a accident from stalling in traffic while in motion and the steering locking up. I have been in the auto repair business for 30 years at a dealership and seen a lot of issues but NHTSA really need to address this problem before someone is killed if they have not already. Jeep Compass stalls after refueling in motion on highway, steering locks up when car stalls and makes Jeep uncontrollable. …
After refueling, vehicle starts up and drives as normal for a short time until reaching the first stop or stoplight, at which point the engine returns to idle. The engine will begin to sputter/weaken (full foot on the gas but reacts as if it is only down 1/4 of the way), the oil light turns on, and then subsequently dies while still in drive. This has happened at least 5 times since this first occurred on jan. 31, 2015. Every time it occurs, it is immediately after refueling, despite using different gas stations and brands. First even occurred while I was turning left from a light into another parking lot. (sputter, then died) another event was while I was idling at a red light. …
I have an 07 Jeep Compass. I have owned it for 5 years and I have a major saftey issues. Gas light came on so I filled up. Got a few yards from the pump and it stalled. No check engine light or anything came on. Was able to pull into a parking spot. Every time I turn the car on it sputters a bit then runs. After about a minute or two of idling it stalls. Tried letting it idle and revving the engine. My car stopped in everywhere in roads, highways, and thanks god I didn't get into any accident. I searched online and it turned out that many Jeep/Chrysler owners have this issue and there was a recall for Jeep Compass 2011/2012 for this issue but other models. (https://static.NHTSA.gov/odi/rcl/2013/rconl-13V120-0123.pdf). Please check this thread for people complaining about the same issue (https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t29898_ds631498). …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle experienced acceleration failure. The vehicle accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. It was also difficult to view the odometer. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to find a failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. In addition, on September 15, 2013, the power steering failed and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle stalled, but was able to restart. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the control arm and bushing failed. The vehicle was repaired. …
It has come to our attention an investigation about Jeep. We are thrifty car rental franchise company in costa rica, and we have filed several reports about an incident with a Compass Jeep to Chrysler in costa rica and through their headquarters in the USA and none seems to explain consistently what happened. The car was running perfect and OK, with a total mileage about 28610 km ( 17881 miles) the driver stop because he saw smoke coming out from the engine. He put his family away but the car started on fire. Suddenly the front part of the car burn, total damage was produced in that area. We filed a report before the dealership and they could not explain what happened. They denied any guarantee, manufacture error as well as any responsibility. The car was useless after that. We have photos and claim report before the dealer.
Engine stall after fueling. After filling tank the engine will stall when in motion on highway was told by dealer there was a design flaw in the EVAP system purge control valve that allows fuel to enter the charcoal canister if you fill the tank when fueling. When this happens the Jeep will stall when in motion on the highway or city traffic and the steering is non responsive major safety issue Jeep is aware of the problem and has a service bulletin out on it but offers no fix other than do not fill up your tank. This almost resulted in a major accident on interstate 95 on 11/14/2015 this need to be a recall it is not a isolated problem read any google search on line and there are thousand of owners with the same issue trying to find out what I wrong and a fix
I purchased the 2007 Jeep with low mileage for my child's first car. Upon the first refuel the car has experienced stalling within a hal mile of refueling. The car was returned to the dealer several times, as well as to the neighborning Jeep dealer. Time after time I was advised the issue could not be duplicated. Today upon refueling the car stalled upon leaving the gas station again. There appears to be a significant amount of complaints and research online that I was shocked to learn a recall had not been issued for this extreme safety issue. The stalling occurs at a different time leaving no gas station, at the first moment of idling, after traveling a short distance. This is a safety concern for any driver although extremely so for a newly licensed driver.
Engine complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Jeep Compass, 13% of the model year's 435 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Jeep Compass engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Jeep Compass, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Jeep Compass engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.