Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While driving 40 MPH, the contact was unable to accelerate and the transmission warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and then drove to all star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (11503 st charles rock rd, bridgeton, mo 63044, [phone]). The dealer stated that the VIN was included in an unknown recall regarding the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle failed twice afterwards. During the recent failure, while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine failed again. The contact had the vehicle towed to century Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (13500 veterans memorial pkwy, wentzville, mo 63385, [phone]), but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While driving approximately 10 MPH over railroad tracks, the vehicle suddenly stalled and would not respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the engine reached 6,000 rpms. The vehicle became stranded on the railroad tracks. When the vehicle was powered off and restarted, it resumed normal operation; however, the check engine and another unknown warning indicator were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to turlock Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (1600 auto mall dr, turlock, ca 95380, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 86,000.
The transmission dipstick tube is broken in in 5 years with less than 42000 miles! No one touch it, just today afternoon, after I filled the gas, I found something stretch out in the front under the cover, I look closely, a tube! I open the cover, and found the transmission tube has been broken sometime! No one has tough inside, and there is no accident in my car. The Jeep Compass design must have defect, I search online, many people have same problem! Also, could not pull up the windows, but could pull down the window, the electrical system has defects.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was serviced at scott evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2280 bankhead hwy, carrollton, ga 30116) for unknown recall repairs. Additionally, the fuse and sensors were replaced however, the failure recurred, almost causing a collision. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 128,702.
On long trips (over 3 hours) in the summer, the transmission gets hot and electronically limits the speed to 30 miles per hour. You can stand on the gas pedal and only the RPM's will increase. The car must sit and cool down before you can continue your trip. I had my car towed immediately to a Jeep dealer that was close to where I was stranded. They did full diagnostics on it and kept it for 3 days and could not find any evidence of this issue. They told me nothing was wrong with my car when clearly there is an issue.
While driving on the highway the transmission overheat light came on.I had been driving about 45 minutes on hw. The Jeep started making a loud whining noise and slowed down. It would not go over 45. It felt like the transmission was sticking some and had a bit of a shake. I pulled it over and had towed to our mechanic. Once he looked at it the next day there were no codes showing and it drove fine. I see there are recalls on this for other jeeps, but my VIN was not one of them. Not understanding why this is.
First my check engine light turned on and I started to lose power. I brought the car into a dealership to figure out what was wrong, they said it was a 4th cylinder misfire (this car is a 2012 Jeep Compass, only 84,000 miles), so they replaced the engine block. They hand me the car back, I had the same problem of no power. Now they are claiming a sensor is failing in the transmission and I will have to replace to tube compartment of the transmission. Not sure the exact sensor they were talking about though.
Transmission temp light came on and car lost speed and made funny whining noise. We had to pull off the road and wait till light went off. It was a warm day, about 94 degrees and driving in wy. Same thing happened again in ks on a warm day. The ac was being used. I've seen May reports of this happening to other cars with the CVT. I want Jeep to replace the tyranny.
Automatic transmission overheats and slows down the car speed. When driving the Jeep transmission light goes on and you cannot accelerate over 45 MPH. Have to pull over and wait for it to cool down and then it will drive again at normal speed until it happens again. Usually occurs on hot days and whether the ac is on or off but faster when it is on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the transmission dipstick tube fractured and could be seen from the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.
Transmission complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Jeep Compass, 14% of the model year's 184 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Compass transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 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 2012 Jeep Compass transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
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.