2019 Jeep Compass Problems: 9 Known Issues
2019 model year · 623+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 623+ owner reports, the 2019 Jeep Compass has 9 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rear Brake Caliper Piston Coating Defect — Soft / Long Brake Pedal (Recall 18V523 / U86) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Nine-speed (948TE) harsh 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts and torque-converter clutch fault — bulletins 21-023-21, 21-040-25 with 623 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $90 to $400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2019 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment to match the visual and written issues.
No email neededHow interest is saved
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$7.99/month plus taxes at launch on January 1, 2027 · No payment today
All 9 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls11 recalls
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
Other Jeep Models
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Compass problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 623+ owner reports, the 2019 Jeep Compass has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Brake Caliper Piston Coating Defect — Soft / Long Brake Pedal (Recall 18V523 / U86), Nine-speed (948TE) harsh 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts and torque-converter clutch fault — bulletins 21-023-21, 21-040-25, Windshield Wiper Arm Head-Joint Splines Strip — Wipers Stop or Fall Off (Recall 20V208 / W25). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Compass reliable?
The 2019 Jeep Compass has 9 known issues documented across 623+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear Brake Caliper Piston Coating Defect — Soft / Long Brake Pedal (Recall 18V523 / U86). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Compass problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Compass issues range from $0 to $400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Brake Caliper Piston Coating Defect — Soft / Long Brake Pedal (Recall 18V523 / U86), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2018-2019 Jeep Compass Rear Brake Caliper Piston Coating Defect — Soft / Long Brake Pedal (Recall 18V523 / U86)?
On 2018-2019 Compass built March 17 - June 13, 2018 (154,335 vehicles across FCA lines), rear brake caliper pistons were produced with insufficient chrome coating. The bare surface reacts with brake fluid and forms gas pockets in the caliper, so on start-up the pedal can travel f… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Nine-speed (948TE) harsh 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts and torque-converter clutch fault — bulletins 21-023-21, 21-040-25?
The 948TE nine-speed automatic can make harsh 1-2 or 2-3 upshifts, which FCA's parts note for 2021 models calls a known issue. Separately, a misaligned reaction shaft can wear its bushing early, turning on the check-engine light with code P1DB7 (torque converter clutch performanc… Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2020 Jeep Compass Windshield Wiper Arm Head-Joint Splines Strip — Wipers Stop or Fall Off (Recall 20V208 / W25)?
On 2019-2020 Compass built May 12, 2019 - March 3, 2020, the wiper arm head joint was improperly formed so its splines can strip on the pivot shaft. The arm then loosens and the wiper stops sweeping (or the passenger-side wiper slaps the driver side) — often noticed in rain at hi… Repairs typically run $0-$150. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Gear-oil leak from the 4x4 power transfer unit (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compass 4x4 models report the power transfer unit (PTU) at the transaxle leaking gear oil, in some cases at low mileage, with dealers replacing a seal or quoting a new unit. It affects second-generation (MP) Compass 4x4 models (Jeep Active Drive), 2017… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Rainwater leaking into the cabin or cargo area (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compasses report rainwater getting in after rain or washing, at the rear cargo-area air vent, around the rear seat-belt opening or onto the floor. Suspected entry points differ between cars: owners name blocked or disconnected sunroof drains and the ro… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2021 Jeep Compass Auxiliary stop/start battery problems: "Service Start/Stop", stop/start off or no-start (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compasses report the small auxiliary stop/start battery failing, with stop/start switched off, a "Service Start/Stop" or battery message, and in some cases a main battery drained overnight and a no-start. FCA's general diagnostic guidance for dual-batt… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Power door locks stop locking or unlocking (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compasses report doors that stop power locking or unlocking. On a 2018, one rear door's lock clicked but the door would not lock or unlock from the fob or its button; on a 2021, the electric locks stopped working on every door while the key still worke… Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2021 Jeep Compass Uconnect screen freezes, goes black or keeps restarting (owner reports)?
Owners of 2017-2018 Compasses report the Uconnect touchscreen freezing and not responding, or shutting off and restarting over and over. FCA's general Uconnect guidance links freeze-and-reset events to radio software below application version QR37.4, and continual reboots with a… Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2020 Jeep Compass HVAC Blend Door Actuator Gear Failure (Clicking Behind the Dash, Stuck Temperature)?
The plastic gears inside the temperature blend door actuator strip, so the actuator motor free-spins and ratchets. Owners hear a rapid tick-tick-tick from behind the glovebox or center dash for several seconds after startup and every time the temperature or mode is changed, and o… Repairs typically run $90-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.