2017 Jeep Compass Transmission Problems

42 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2017 Jeep Compass to NHTSA — 18% of all 229 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 39,000 miles. That ranks #3 of 19 Compass model years for transmission complaints (a typical year has 26). One related recall has been issued.

42complaints
39ktypical miles
1related recalls
3crashes
0fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Axle assembly
    1

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1029%
  • 25k–50k
    1337%
  • 50k–75k
    617%
  • 75k–100k
    39%
  • 100k–150k
    26%
  • 150k+
    13%

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 that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel and the front passenger's side of the vehicle were shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stopped the vehicle to inspect it and became aware that the front passenger's side wheel was extremely hot to the touch. The contact deactivated the Traction Control light, and the failure was temporarily corrected before recurring. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. …

61,000 miles · Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking, and the contact noticed a burning odor. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured half-shaft. The contact was informed that the half-shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure recently became a persistent failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,862.

91,000 miles · Aug 2024

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.

101,000 miles · Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an excessive amount of play in the passenger's side front axle. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a transmission specialist. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,900.

Axle assembly · 69,000 miles · Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the ABS, traction control, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. On another occasion, while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the tires locked up and unlocked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCU sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

158,000 miles · Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. The VIN was not available.

42,000 miles · Sep 2022

Question 1: The Auto stop start system went out last October or November and I couldn't get it into the shop with in the warranty because they wouldn't schedule it. After that in February my battery started dying and I had to replace my battery 5 times now. That's when starting in August all of my instrument cluster/panel would light up and it would start my lights on the inside of the car to flash, radio to start cracking and the doors locks switching back and forth. It then will start flashing the ABS warning. The ABS warning wont stay on but it will ding and flash about every 2-5 minutes. Then it will show the pull over safely vehicle ill shut off soon and begin locking up my front driver side tire and rip you into on coming traffic. Then it will start going into limp mode and then revving up on its own. …

Aug 2022

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. While driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. In addition, the driveshaft detached from the vehicle and a crash occurred. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The contact stated that a diagnostic test would not be performed for another 24-48 hours. The vehicle was not repaired. Manhattan Jeep service center (located at 629 w 54th st, new york, ny 10019, [phone]) was contacted. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V301000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 39,082.

39,000 miles · Sep 2018 · crash

Takata recall , in the middle of driving all my warning lights on my dash went off and the car cut my fuel service off, leaving me unable to accelerate, I pulled over in a parking and the steering wheel locked up, I turned the car off and couldn't start it back up as the brake pedal was locked also. I have had this problem numerous times and visited the dealership plenty times and they aren't able to diagnose a real problem , it's a recurring problem. A new computer was put in it also and I still have problems.

37,000 miles · Sep 2019 · crash

Engine hesitates on acceleration, throttle assembly warning light comes on, traction stability warning light comes on.

May 2022 · crash

Related recalls

Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft

NHTSA recall 17V-301 · May 9, 2017 · 4,705 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017.

NHTSA investigations

Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Sale Issue

NHTSA investigation AQ17004 · opened Aug 18, 2017 · closed Nov 23, 2020

NHTSA opened AQ17-004 to determine whether Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Houston, Texas (Northwest) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations.

Transmission complaints in other Compass years

’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26411786372627351044421513729919662
Transmission complaints per model year, Jeep Compass.

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Jeep Compass?

NHTSA has 42 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Jeep Compass, 18% of the model year's 229 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly (1 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2017 Jeep Compass transmission problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-301 (axle shaft, May 9, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2017 Jeep Compass transmission problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.