Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Fire started spontaneously under the hood. Unable to control or stop the fire. Melted everything under the hood and fire department had to be called. No prior warning that there was any issue electrical or otherwise.
Electronic throttle control light keeps coming on. Car looses power and cuts off while I am driving. Car only has 49,415 miles on it. Took to dealer, capital Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and they have had it for 2 days. Stated cannot trace down the problem so they want to replace throttle body to the tune of $700.00. In researching I have found that many Jeep owners have had this problem and even with the throttle body replaced the problem keeps happening and many thousands of dollars have been poured into trying to fix this issue but it keeps happening. It is very dangerous to be in traffic and all of a sudden your car either cuts off or reduces speed to about 25 MPH. It is like the gas pedal and the motor or not communicating. This appears to be a dangerous defect in jeeps with the number of complaints that have been made. …
While in motion, I noted a transmission temp warning light, and a traction control light, while my car went into a neutral like state, which the manual states is a safety mode. Diagnostics indicated a communication error, and it was indicated I needed a new TIPM module. I had this replaced at a Jeep dealer. After repair, I continued to intermittently get the traction control light, but with no change to vehicle performance. Back to shop, diagnosis indicated communication error. While in motion again, check engine, transmission temp and traction control illuminated, and I lost all power. Back to shop, continue to have communication error. All other diagnostics are fine. Mechanic noted this is common among this make/model. I performed research and noted many similar complaints regarding TIPM module. …
Engine light, traction light and flashing lightning bolt light came on while driving and vehicle wouldn't exceed 30 MPH. Occurrence first happened when turning out of a driveway. I constantly have to shut down/restart vehicle in the middle of traffic, at times, to get back to being able to accelerate normally, otherwise, if able, I will pull over to the side of the road and place the car in park to see if there are any changes. Lights will randomly come on and drastically alter ability to operate vehicle. Other occurrences appeared whilst waiting idle in line at a drive thru, driving down city streets--stop sign to stop sign, driving over road imperfections like bumps or potholes, even safety speed humps. From my own research online, I believe I have an idea to what the cause of this issue is. …
We (my husband and I) were driving down the freeway to work at 7:00 am when it is still dark outside, when all the lights shut off (headlights, dash lights and the hazards would not work). The windshield wipers then shut off and it was raining outside. We had the Jeep towed home. I then did some research and found that one of the complaints that Compass owners have is the TIPM will go out and cause some serious problems with the whole vehicle. I had to have it fixed at the dealership for $651.00 because it is a dealer specific part. I don't understand why this part has not been recalled in the Compass when it has been recalled for the grand cherokee, wrangler and durango. This could have caused a horrible accident if my husband wasn't so quick to get the Jeep off the road and get us out of the way of traffic.
The Compass down shifted on it's on and would not go. Doors locked and unlock alone. When car down shifted or slowed down by itself was nearly rear-ended on interstate 10. Thinking it was transmission oil, had it changed and filter change. Nope problem continues. Almost rear-ended again. This vehicle is not safe when it has a mind of its own. They recalled TIPM module other makes of Jeep but not on the Compass, when reading car complaints from Compass owner's they have the same problem the other Jeep models experienced. Please help get this vehicles TIPM module recalled for the safety of the driver's and those driving around them. If we do get rear-ended before this is remedied, I guarantee there will be a lawsuit against Chrysler Jeep!
Have been experiencing electrical issues, headlights not working, interior lights work and then dont, dashboard lights work and then dont. Had engine light come on but when I tightened gas cap it went off. Staring having really hard time upon acceleration, felt like the enging was working really hard and then engine light came on. Took it to my mechanic who said he was sure it was TIPM and was trying to see if he could fix it withtout total replacement. Turns out actuators arent firing because TIPM is a total wash and needs replacement for 1100 because its out of warranty. Car only has 72,000 miles. I hear cherokee and durango had recalls.
Tl contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while idle, the check engine warning light illuminated, there was a chime that sounded and the vehicle stalled. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who was unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 04/06/15 according to the invoice, the crank shaft position sensor needed to be replaced . Updated 07/02/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated the horn, which was located in the same area as the air bag, failed. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Wipers started malfunctioning,seemed to get better, reached destination shut vehicle off. Three hours later would not start, towed to repair facility, then towed to dealership. Dealership determined it was the TIPM, they said it was a first for a Compass.upon doing some research this seems to be a frequent occurrence with quite a number of Chrysler vehicles.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Software
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Electrical complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Jeep Compass, 11% of the model year's 188 complaints. The component named most often is horn (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Jeep Compass electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-233 (software, Jun 4, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Compass electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.