2020 Jeep Compass problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 141 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Compass, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
141
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
3
Median mileage
19,126 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 82 of 141 complaints (58%).
  • Electrical System (66) and transmission & drivetrain (28) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 19,126 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2020 Jeep Compass has 1 recall on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 5th of 20 Jeep Compass model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 50% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (283).

2020 Jeep Compass problems by category

  • 82 complaints
  • 66 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    30 complaints
  • 28 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    7 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    7 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    7 complaints
  • Steering
    7 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Suspension
    4 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    4 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine79
Electrical system65
Unknown or other29
Power train28
Vehicle speed control7
Service brakes7
Steering7
Suspension4

When problems happen (mileage)

13Under 10k410k–30k730k–60k760k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2020 Jeep Compass complaints that list mileage.

2020 Jeep Compass recalls (1)

  • Recall 20V208000Apr 9, 2020425,599 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.

    Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE22013Opened Dec 2, 2022Closed Dec 10, 2023

    False overheat leading to loss of motive power

    On December 2, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22-013 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power accompanied by high coolant temperature messages on the dashboard of Model Year 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles. At the time this investigation was opened, ODI was aware of fifteen Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for Model Year (MY) 2019-2020 Jeep Compass vehicles alleging a loss of motive power (LOMP) while driving.  The LOMP events were often accompanied by a high coolant temperature or coolant temperature too high message appearing on the dashboard of the veh…

Recent 2020 Jeep Compass complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 30, 2026PABrakesSteeringSuspension
    My 2020 Jeep Compass develops significant shaking and vibration when I apply the brakes while traveling above approximately 70 mph. The vibration affects the vehicle’s stability and makes me concerned about maintaining control and stopping safely at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Jeep dealership after I reported the shaking. The dealership identified problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system. Before the repair, I…
    NHTSA complaint #11768127 · source
  2. Filed Sep 11, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    I drove myself and my passenger to our destination without issue. After the vehicle was parked for approximately three hours, I started it and drove toward the exit lane leading to the main road. I stopped completely before exiting and was traveling approximately 10 mph as I crossed toward the leftmost turning lane. Suddenly, the dashboard displayed a “High Coolant Temperature” warning, the check engine light illuminated, and the accelerator pedal became…
    NHTSA complaint #11763674 · source
  3. Filed Aug 25, 2026UTElectrical System
    Unknown. Vehicle has been inspected prior for electrical issues while under warranty. Dealer claims no issue. Backup camera does not work, vehicle temperature settings are not accessible on screen.
    NHTSA complaint #11759558 · source
  4. Filed Jul 27, 2026VTSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
    Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to…
    NHTSA complaint #11752965 · source
  5. Filed Jul 1, 2026OHElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle shuts off randomly. Restarts after stopping but it’s consistent as if the car over heated yet the coolant temperature reads 194-200
    NHTSA complaint #11747773 · source
  6. Filed Jun 24, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain
    The transmission cooling system failed causing immediate failure of the transmission. The vehicle has less than 60k miles and is still covered by the manufacturer powertrain warranty. Dash lights for service engine and service transmission only came on at the immediate time of failure (10 min prior to full transmission failure). No issues were noted in the vehicles prior service 7 months prior to failure. The dealer has confirmed the cause of transmission failure is due to…
    NHTSA complaint #11746120 · source
  7. Filed Jun 9, 2026MIEngine
    My 2020 Jeep Compass experiences sudden, unexpected engine shut-offs while driving. The engine loses power and stalls without warning, and shortly afterward the dashboard displays a 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warning. The vehicle has stalled while in motion, including at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. After the stall, the vehicle restarts and behaves normally, but the problem has recurred multiple times. This matches the engine-stalling and…
    NHTSA complaint #11742922 · source
  8. Filed May 25, 2026COSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    While turning out of a parking lot, onto a side street, a suspension component failed without warning, causing the front axle to pull out of the transmission. The vehicle immediately became unsafe, as I was unable to turn the wheel (it wasn't connected) to get me out of the middle of the road. This was a sudden, catastrophic mechanical failure with no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms. It had to be towed. I called a corporate phone number, to create a case number,…
    NHTSA complaint #11739927 · source

Compare the 2020 Jeep Compass with another vehicle →

Other 2020 Jeep models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. 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