Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving uphill, the vehicle was chugging. The vehicle was difficult to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who test-drove the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0420 was due to the catalyst system. The contact was also made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the two other local dealers, Pueblo Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (2147 US-50, Pueblo, CO 81008) and Perkins Motors (1205 Motor City Dr. 1225, 1231 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,521.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [redacted] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [redacted] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility.
I have a major ground issue, where I lose power and it makes my headlights, cab lights, and my cluster to constantly flicker. There was no warnings or anything, and has been confirmed by a professional auto care center. Another issue is the engine cooling and there is no leaks I have also had it looked over by the same professional auto care center, I also had to replace the throttle body 4 times in less than 6 months. Losing power to the vehicle is definitely a danger to others and myself and my children. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request as long as it doesn't interfere with my work schedule. Also I have had to change the ignition coils 4 times in less than 6 months also completed by the auto care center. Everything listed has been ongoing since I bought the car in 2019.
While driving 2016 Jeep Compass vehicle jerks suddenly and feels like it is going to stall. Nothing changes on dashboard. This happens during acceleration or even just driving down the road or highway. Took it to dealership back in 2020 and the catalytic converter was replaced. The jerking stopped until now. Took it back to same dealership and the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. No codes thrown. Even though I have many witnesses hat have been in the vehicle while it occurred. Picked jeep back up and it started jerking while driving again within a 1/2 mile of driving away from the dealership. Repair not done. Feels unsafe to drive. I'm afraid it is going to stall and cause an accident. Mileage in 2020 incident 65000. Mileage this incident 76000
This morning (08.20.21) I was driving to work when about 1 mile in I was going 45mph and my car started stalling, causing it to drop to 10mph. The engine light and traction control light are consistently on. The electronic throttle control light is constantly blinking when I have the ignition on. My car has been in limp mode all day and will not go over 10mph. I almost got hit by the car behind me when it happened and almost hit someone else trying to get out of their way. I've been looking into it all day and I found that there was a recall "S89" on Jeep Compass 2016 made anytime between May 9, 2016 and July 15, 2016 and which came equipped with 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines. Mine was manufactured July 15, 2016 and is a 2.0-liter.
I've had plans with my Transmission. This is its third time. First two times were under 30,000 miles and still under warranty. And were replaced by the dealer . Using my warranty. There was also a motor fire. Brakes and rotors all the way around mind you all under 30,000. Transmission was put in. I am now at 101,500. And transmissions going out so it's been parked. Sitting in my garage. The warning lamps come on, which is a parentheses with a lightning bolt in the middle( ) Last time I did the repairs through Ramona Tires and I paid for out-of-pocket using my credit This time I was told a new transmission for the car is $7000 which I don't have
I have been having issues with my vehicle for the past month or so. I took it to a mechanic and they said that my Power Transfer Unit is bad and my vehicle currently doesn't have 4 wheel drive capability. My vehicle periodically stutters, slows and looses power while driving at freeway speeds. During all of my issues, not once has my check engine light or any sort of indicator has lit up letting me know I have an issue with my vehicle. I thought newer cars are supposed to know when there is an issue with the vehicle. This is completely unacceptable and now I'm looking at over $2,000 in repairs.
I recently got the catalytic converter and 02 sensor swapped which removed the check engine light. My vehicle was running perfect. The I drive it today. Made a right turn, next thing you know the vehicle starts shaking and such and won't go over 20 mph. I take it to the mechanic. They're telling me the reader isn't picking up the problem. Invalid data. I looked online and multiple people are having the same problem. My thing is I was overcharged charged 25,000 for this vehicle from Sam at jeep, Chrysler, dodge on route 300 Newburgh New York 2 years ago.
Transmission complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Jeep Compass, 15% of the model year's 293 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Jeep Compass transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass, though it has 1 recall 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 2016 Jeep Compass transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 8% 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.