2018 Jeep Compass transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

98 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass, 15% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 37,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
98
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
37,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train97
Power train:driveline:differential unit1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across Jeep Compass years

620072320116720131482015292320179829201928920211962023622025
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

3Under 10k1110k–30k2030k–60k660k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jun 9, 2026NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2018 Jeep Compass, with approximately 107,000 miles, has developed symptoms consistent with the oil pump/oil pressure defects reported in other recalled Jeep Compass vehicles. The vehicle frequently struggles to start, runs rough with noticeable vibration, and has displayed an oil pressure warning light. In addition, the vehicle frequently stalls or suddenly loses power/slows while driving. The stalling and loss of power have created a serious safety concern because they…
    NHTSA complaint #11742915 · source
  2. Filed Mar 23, 2026OHBody & StructureEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    failing component: Transmission / Powertrain. The transmission is jerking aggressively when shifting into gear. yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. I currently have the vehicle in my possession. How was safety put at risk? The vehicle jerked violently into gear while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection. The force was strong enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. This creates a safety risk due to unpredictable vehicle behavior…
    NHTSA complaint #11726255 · source
  3. Filed Jan 6, 2026MAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Unknown / Check engine lights came on, and then a warning saying stop safely, the engine will shut down soon, now it will not start. Leaving me stranded. This happened multiple times but now the car won’t start and will need to be towed. I have asked several repair shops and done research online, and nobody knows how to fix this issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11709049 · source
  4. Filed Jan 2, 202683,000 miFLTowedElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11708362 · source
  5. Filed Dec 1, 2025NYTransmission & Drivetrain
    I was driving and my car just stalled and I could not get it to start again. I have had this happen to me over 4 times. My car is currently at the Jeep Dealer and they charged me over $700 telling me it was wiring. It happened again on 11/24/2025 and they have had my car since then and they keep telling me they cannot figure out what was wrong with it. Today they called me and said it was a circuit thing. There was a recall for exactly what was happening to my car. NHTSA…
    NHTSA complaint #11702263 · source
  6. Filed Oct 10, 2025NHTransmission & Drivetrain
    Shifting assembly failed. When the service center went to order it, it was heavily backordered (meaning many people with this Make / Model experiencing the same failure at the same time). Service center showed me that a thin rubber gasket is all that failed … it is no more substantial than a rubber washer you put in a water hose). Why a $500 part for a $0.50 failure? (Perhaps that is the service center taking advantage.) But even still why would Jeep put such a cheap part in…
    NHTSA complaint #11692502 · source
  7. Filed Sep 25, 202537,000 miCAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11689742 · source
  8. Filed Sep 5, 2025FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings, service airbag reading, transmission warming sign, and emergency brake engagement without command. These failures have occurred multiple times and…
    NHTSA complaint #11685413 · source
  9. Filed Jul 22, 2025ALElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Key fob not found, tpms not reading but sensors are good, backup camera beeping when things are not behind and continues to beep in drive, engine stalling, worn motor mounts due to no reason
    NHTSA complaint #11675257 · source
  10. Filed Jun 8, 2025ILSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    Car started shifting hard during deceleration giving a jolt forward. Check engine light came on for power train control module. Also started hearing a rattle and had to replace control arms.
    NHTSA complaint #11665664 · source
  11. Filed Feb 27, 2025107,000 miNJTowedElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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)…
    NHTSA complaint #11645306 · source
  12. Filed Feb 26, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Transmission hard shift especially when cold. Makes grinding noise when shifting into 3rd. We have not taken it to a dealer cause we bought it used and it’s 62 thousand miles on the car and 60 thousand is supposedly the limit for the warranty. Car has also stalled while making turns to the left or sometimes when driving straight. At highway speeds when I have gone and tried to accelerate more I push the accelerator down and nothing happens. Then all of a sudden the car takes…
    NHTSA complaint #11644978 · source

Other 2018 Jeep Compass problem areas

Back to all 2018 Jeep Compass problems →

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