Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, both the driver and passenger side rear windows would roll down independently. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall as several warning lights would appear on the instrument panel. The contact called the dealer about the failure and was given an estimate for a diagnostic. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who failed to diagnose the failure. The contact then stated that while driving in inclement, icy weather; the vehicle began to slide upon the depression of the brake pedal while approaching a stop light. As the vehicle began to slide, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact lost complete control of the vehicle as the vehicle crashed into a light pole. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. …
The contact owned a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the steering wheel column became inoperable; however, there were no warning lights illuminated on the control panel. The vehicle was inoperable, swerved off the road, and caused an accident. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was declared a total loss by the insurance adjuster. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was still losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was difficult to shift into park(P). The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. However, when the contact shifted into drive(D) the vehicle still lost motive power and almost stalled. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and it was difficult to shift into park(P). The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and called a towing service. The contact was informed by the tow truck operator that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. …
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving 60 MPH on the highway uphill, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and backward. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed or released. The contact stated that the engine revved high. The vehicle was stopped and began to shake. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was restarted, and the malfunction, transmission, and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The message "START/STOP not Available" was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, but there was no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was called, but the phone hung up, and the automatic system confirmed there was no recall coverage. The contact attempted to use the website, but there was an error with the submission. …
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would stall. The contact had to restart the vehicle in order to drive again. The failure would occur 3 times every week. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer test drove the vehicle for 16 miles, however, the dealer could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer Cerritos Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM (18803 Studebaker Rd, Cerritos, CA 90703) but the dealer could not replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer Cerritos Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer for diagnosis. The manufacturer also opened a case but denied buying back the vehicle. The failure mileage was 49,239.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, and while stopped at a traffic light, several unknown warning lights illuminated with the message to "Park the Vehicle" displayed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running and shifted from park into drive, the vehicle failed to move. The contact stated that while shifted into park, the vehicle failed to turn off. The failure persisted, and the contact made several attempts to move the vehicle. The contact was eventually able to start the vehicle and drove to a parking lot, after which the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power from the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was coasted to a safe location. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as intended. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The contact also stated that the process was repeated three times, going to work and three times while returning from work. The contact connected the vehicle to a diagnostic machine and received a code that Torque request denied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4-WD, ABS, Hill Assist, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the differential malfunctioned due to a tightening and then releasing that occurred while attempting to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the rear ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and then confirmed that parts were not available nor longer in production. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled while making a left turn while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated after the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The next day, the contact restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart while parked at a gas station. The dealer was not notified of the failure. An email was sent to the manufacturer about the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while driving at various speeds, the transmission temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R) or drive(D), the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three different occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Transmission complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 151 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Jeep Compass, 16% of the model year's 946 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › differential unit (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Compass transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2018 Jeep Compass, though it has 6 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 2018 Jeep Compass transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.