Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 6 | 11% | 29,000 miles |
| 2023 | 6 | 12% | 6,000 miles |
| 2022 | 19 | 8% | 5,000 miles |
| 2021 | 9 | 11% | 86,000 miles |
| 2020 | 29 | 20% | 97,000 miles |
| 2019 | 37 | 11% | 22,000 miles |
| 2018 | 151 | 16% | 21,000 miles |
| 2017 | 42 | 18% | 39,000 miles |
| 2016 | 44 | 15% | 58,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 9% | 62,000 miles |
| 2014 | 35 | 11% | 69,000 miles |
| 2013 | 27 | 34% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 26 | 14% | 79,000 miles |
| 2011 | 37 | 20% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 13% | 66,000 miles |
| 2008 | 17 | 10% | 96,000 miles |
| 2007 | 41 | 9% | 92,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
the accident occurred on [redacted] in the city of Visalia, Ca. I'm not sure what time it was happened and any other details because I'm not the person involved in the accident but I bought the car from a dealership located in Corona, Ca on [redacted]. They never mentioned that the car was involved in a collision or if it had an accident reports. Even brought a Vehicle History report with the contact details. Then the first day when I bought it the engine light turns on and on the dashboard said "transmission service" so I tried to return it to them but they said "isn't possible" so they took the car to supposedly fix it but after one day that they gave me the car back the engine light turns on again, so I had to investigate by myself and I found that the car was on a collision and it was registered as a rental vehicle in another state and after the accident it was put on sale by an …
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while in stop and go traffic, with the A/C activated, the contact smelled a strong odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact then observed smoke coming from the passenger's side of the engine compartment under the hood. The vehicle was steered off the highway and was inspected. The contact became aware of condensation all over the top of the engine and under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred several weeks later. The transmission cooler, heater, and compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 6,448.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle jerked. The contact heard a whining sound when the transmission shifted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown TSB; however, the contact was informed that there was no repair available. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced because of various failures since the vehicle was purchased in August 2023. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was offered a payment towards a new vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 80.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would suddenly jerk, shake, and vibrate. Also, while at a stop light with the auto stop/start activated to save fuel, the vehicle did not automatically restart when releasing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The failure mileage was 5,600.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the dealer previously replaced the PCU and axillary battery, and reprogrammed the TCM; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and then lost motive power with the Auto Start/Stop warning light illuminated and the "Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" message displayed. Additionally, the parking brake inadvertently engaged while the vehicle lost motive power. The failure occurred on four separate occasions, once causing a minor rear-end collision with cosmetic damage to the contact's rear bumper. No air bags were deployed. The contact did not sustain any injuries, and medical attention was not received. No police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle away from the collision site. …
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, and the Auto Stop system activated and the vehicle unintendedly stopped. The contact stated that the transmission failed to respond as needed and the vehicle had to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred immediately. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer, and it was determined that the vehicle needed to be driven for several miles to correct the failure. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the main battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode to the dealer. The "D" on the instrument panel was flashing during failure, and there was an electrical odor inside the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was unable to reproduce failure but serviced the auxiliary battery and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
When I was driving all a sudden it started having a weird chugging feeling. I was going 40 MPH. Then when I got to a stop sign, my vehicle completely shut off. I have to hit the button to turn back on as it was not the Auto Start and stop feature. I made it home and as I pulled into my driveway it shut off again. When I start it, just it warming up it shuts off. When I come to a stop sign or traffic light it shuts up in the middle of the intersection. All while this is happening the emergency brake flips on without me turning it on. I have to wait 2 weeks to have it looked at by the Jeep Dealership. My safety and daughters safety was put at Risk because anyone behind us could hit right into the back of us while it malfunctions or oncoming traffic could hit us while it stalls while turning in a turning lane. …
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Sale Issue
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Compass years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2018 (151), 2016 (44), 2017 (42), 2007 (41) and 2011 (37) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2018.
Is there a recall for Jeep Compass transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 17V-301 (axle shaft, May 9, 2017); 08V-528 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Compass transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (13 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (3).
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.