2021 Jeep Compass problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Compass, most often about electrical system. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 80
Recalls: 0
Crashes: 5
Fires: 2
Injuries: 0
Median mileage: 70,000 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 34 of 80 complaints (43%).
Engine (21) and transmission & drivetrain (9) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 70,000 mi.
Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries.
It ranks 8th of 20 Jeep Compass model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 43% fewer complaints than the 2020 model year (141).

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
Electrical system	34
Unknown or other	28
Engine	18
Power train	9
Vehicle speed control	6
Steering	6
Service brakes	5
Exterior lighting	4

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Jeep Compass complaints that list mileage.

2021 Jeep Compass recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2021 Jeep Compass complaints

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

Filed Sep 14, 202686,000 miOKElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11764065 · source
Filed Sep 6, 2026TXEngine
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited due to repeated coolant loss, overheating/high-temperature warnings, and eventual engine failure. The vehicle began losing coolant and required frequent refilling. The problem progressively worsened until coolant would immediately leak out underneath the vehicle when added. I paid approximately $1,400 to have the radiator replaced, but the same problem returned approximately two weeks later. The vehicle…
NHTSA complaint #11762492 · source
Filed Aug 27, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safe operation. The most concerning issue is the vehicle's unexpected stalling at low speeds, particularly associated with the 2.4L engine. Unexpected loss of power while driving at low speeds creates a significant safety…
NHTSA complaint #11759991 · source
Filed May 19, 2026NCElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this.…
NHTSA complaint #11738824 · source
Filed Apr 11, 2026PRAcceleration & Cruise Control
I was driving on the Arecibo. P.R. highway when suddently the car started acelererating..i wouldn't show down. There were a lot of cars on the road, so I had to swerve onto the grass and hit a tree car. I dind'd receive any help from highway patrol. The Police were show to arrive. I've done some research and this Jeep Compass has received many complaints about this factory defect.
NHTSA complaint #11730531 · source
Filed Mar 26, 202672,972 miCAAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with the message "Air Bags Wiring Fault" displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger’s side seat belt latch was defective and failed to latch properly. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
NHTSA complaint #11727245 · source
Filed Mar 24, 2026FLElectrical System
The infotainment screen in my 2021 Jeep Compass has developed a display failure where the screen is glitching and unusable. The issue persists after restarting the vehicle and appears to be a hardware malfunction. This affects visibility of navigation, backup camera, and vehicle settings, which creates a potential safety concern while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11726595 · source
Filed Mar 17, 2026118,000 miWIFireTowedOther / Unknown
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed black smoke coming from the front passenger side headlight. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over and safely exited the vehicle with her daughter. The vehicle then caught fire and was engulfed in flames. The firefighters arrived and extinguished the…
NHTSA complaint #11725050 · source

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Other 2021 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