2016 Jeep Compass transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 16, 2026MDElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's…

   NHTSA complaint #11757293 · source
2. Filed Jun 23, 2026NJSteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible

   NHTSA complaint #11745995 · source
3. Filed Aug 30, 2025SCElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have had problems with Jeep suddenly losing all power while driving with NO WARNING! Everytime ive had it checked they could not find anything wrong with it. Just recently it happened again and since then when I drive it doesn't seem to want to accelerate. There are no noises,instrument lights on any codes showing up. I had to wait a month for my appointment at the dealership and then another month for them to even tell me what was wrong. They said i need a new…

   NHTSA complaint #11684146 · source
4. Filed Aug 9, 2025OKTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have a major ground issue, where I lose power and it makes my headlights, cab lights, and my cluster to constantly flicker. There was no warnings or anything, and has been confirmed by a professional auto care center. Another issue is the engine cooling and there is no leaks I have also had it looked over by the same professional auto care center, I also had to replace the throttle body 4 times in less than 6 months. Losing power to the vehicle is definitely a danger to…

   NHTSA complaint #11679490 · source
5. Filed May 30, 2025ILEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Electronic throttle control Vehicle light came on my 2016 jeep compass dash as I was on vacation vehicle would not accelerate and turned off causing us to almost wreck and having to leave it on the side of the road and call a Uber and get a tow. There is many reports of this issue it needs to be a recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11663874 · source
6. Filed Apr 18, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I recently got the catalytic converter and 02 sensor swapped which removed the check engine light. My vehicle was running perfect. The I drive it today. Made a right turn, next thing you know the vehicle starts shaking and such and won’t go over 20 mph. I take it to the mechanic. They’re telling me the reader isn’t picking up the problem. Invalid data. I looked online and multiple people are having the same problem. My thing is I was overcharged charged 25,000 for this…

   NHTSA complaint #11655543 · source
7. Filed Nov 8, 2024127,000 miCOEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving uphill, the vehicle was chugging. The vehicle was difficult to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who test-drove the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0420 was due to the catalyst system. The contact was also made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to…

   NHTSA complaint #11624218 · source
8. Filed Aug 21, 2024MIElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I bought this car year and half ago and I been doing a lot of repairs in it and now the engine light came on and stated the bank 1 and bank 2 sensor camshaft and engine is stalling and car is jerking very dangerous I did allighment new control arms engine mounts I repaired a lot I put new tires I can’t drive it on the high way it starts to jerk left and right and steering is very hard to control seats are horribale and so are the seatbelts.

   NHTSA complaint #11609916 · source
9. Filed Dec 28, 2023MIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   We were driving down the road and the car started violently shaking, the check engine light went on and the car wouldn't move. The car needed to be pushed to the gas station and we almost got hit with my son in his car seat. I do believe this is a safety concern that needs to be looked into for a possible recall. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be rebuilt.

   NHTSA complaint #11562331 · source
10. Filed Nov 28, 2023CATransmission & Drivetrain

    I’ve had plans with my Transmission. This is its third time. First two times were under 30,000 miles and still under warranty. And were replaced by the dealer . Using my warranty. There was also a motor fire. Brakes and rotors all the way around mind you all under 30,000. Transmission was put in. I am now at 101,500. And transmissions going out so it’s been parked. Sitting in my garage. The warning lamps come on, which is a parentheses with a lightning bolt in the middle(⚡️)…

    NHTSA complaint #11557337 · source
11. Filed Nov 20, 2023MIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Engine cuts out while driving. Had to pull over to the side and reset by instructions from Google. Took the car to a local garage and he said it was a computer issue. This part was replaced 3-4 years ago and is failing again. A red symbol like a lightning bolt and the check engine light was on.

    NHTSA complaint #11556111 · source
12. Filed Dec 16, 2022WYElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    I have been having issues with my vehicle for the past month or so. I took it to a mechanic and they said that my Power Transfer Unit is bad and my vehicle currently doesn't have 4 wheel drive capability. My vehicle periodically stutters, slows and looses power while driving at freeway speeds. During all of my issues, not once has my check engine light or any sort of indicator has lit up letting me know I have an issue with my vehicle. I thought newer cars are supposed to…

    NHTSA complaint #11497778 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology