Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. After several minutes the vehicle accelerated at a high speed with the check engine warning light, and the electric parking brake warning light illuminated. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle come to a stop and started jerking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the electronic brake pedal however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the throttle body was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall for the failure. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 121,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. While accelerating, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking metallic sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. After three hours of being stranded on the roadway, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic determined that the failure was related to the drive shaft, transfer case, and driver's side front half shaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,851.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts. The vehicle had to be jump started. The vehicle was taken to Classic Honda of Midland (3705 W Wall St, Midland, TX 79703) and they offered no assistance. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they discovered that the battery was defective; however, after multiple replacements, the failure continued. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
On July 9th 2022 the car showed a low oil pressure warning then shut down going around a curve but I was able to restart the vehicle. Within a few minutes I was stopped at an intersection and the car stalled again and I was unable to restart it which resulted in my car being rear ended. On July 12 th I contacted my Jeep dealership to discuss this and I was told that a recall was done on the car due to this same problem. Apparently the repair did not fully correct the problem as it happened to me AFTER the completed recall. Fortunately no one was seriously injured this time but...
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled a second time. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.
When driving my Jeep Compass, there have been numerous instances of the vehicle stalling out when slowing down or stopping at a light/stop sign. This has happened on busy roads, at busy intersections, and on country roads. When it happens, I cannot control any aspect of the vehicle; the breaks no longer work, I cannot turn the wheel, I cannot change gears or easily put it into park, and it takes multiple attempts to turn it off and back on. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the incidents occurring, which started on 4/22/2025. Today, 4/29/2025, I checked my oil level and found that it was extremely low, although it should not be and I'm not yet due for an oil change. The Jeep Compass is going through more oil than usual and there is no message or notification showing at any time. …
Was towed into shop on 4/13/20 jeep would not start, the dealer said it was the battery. Took to shop on 3/9/21 the jeep was stalling out at red light and would not start back up, it took several times to start on a busy highway! Dealer said oil was low and did a consumption test! On 8/17/21 the jeep stalled at a busy light and would not start back up, I had to call 911 to get a officer behind me so I wouldn't get hit, I had to tow the jeep back to the dealer . The dealer said the oil was low again . On 10/4/21 the jeep stalled out again at the light and would not start it took me over 5 minutes to get it stated! The only light that came up was the transmission need service now, the dealer look at the jeep and said it was both batteries gone bad! My concern is it keeps stalling out at lights in drive and will not start back up! Which puts myself at risk of being hit from behind! …
Wiring compartment under the front wheel well is completely eroded away which caused my vehicle to completely stop driving and turning on. When looking at the whole wiring harness under the wheel well, wires were completely falling out of where they connect to the fuses because of how bad the erosion is. I was driving my car with my 4 year old child in it on the highway and it started to jerk, lights started flashing on the dash, including the airbag light, and then all at once shut completely off, lights went out, would not start back up at all. I had it towed back to my house and now it will not start up at all. I replaced a bunch of parts to it and then that is when I discovered that it was the whole wiring box under the wheel well that had corrode a bunch of wires. When hooking up the battery to try and jump it to. …
I was traveling northbound on ih35 near exit 329 outside of Waco, Tx travel to Dallas Tx I was in the middle of the highway during rainfall when my jeep completely shut down on me without warning all lights came on radio went black, brake was stiff, steering wheel locked. I had to have my jeep towed $300 later. My vehicle was in park and the vehicle said not in park. Vehicle wouldn't start up. I was in the 3rd lane of a 4 lane highway when the vehicle stalled and shut off easily could have gotten hit from oncoming traffic. I was on the side of the road for 5 hours not knowing what was wrong with my vehicle. I had a full tank of gas and fluids were A1. I looked up my vin with no recalls being shown. Googled the issue and nothing has been done for anyone that has experienced this scary situation.
While driving at highway speeds, the engine shut off and power steering is disabled. The dashboard says that the car is still on and will not restart the car. This is an EXTREEMLY dangerous situation, and my family is lucky to be alive. The problem had been reproduced by Christian Brother Automotive. They have replaced the camshaft sensor as well as the batteries and updated the firmware of the car. The issue continues to persist, and Christian Brothers will not release the car to me. No the Vehicle has not bee inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative. No Warning lamps, messages or other symptoms presented themself prior to the problem. After about 20 minutes the car is can be restarted and will operate as normal until it automagically cuts out the next time.
Engine complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 Jeep Compass, 31% of the model year's 229 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Jeep Compass engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 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 2017 Jeep Compass engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 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.