VehicleVerdict

2019 Jeep Compass problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 569 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Compass year — the 2019 model ranks #2 of 20 Compass years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 163 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

569

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Compass years?

Compass NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,614 complaints2007: 396 complaints2008: 135 complaints2009: 60 complaints2010: 108 complaints2011: 283 complaints2012: 261 complaints2013: 121 complaints2014: 518 complaints2015: 173 complaints2016: 450 complaints2017: 385 complaints2018: 1,614 complaints2019: 569 complaints2020: 249 complaints2021: 131 complaints2022: 387 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 103 complaints2025: 43 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Compass NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Compass years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Jeep Compass problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine16329%
Electrical System15026%
Other8114%
Brakes417%
Transmission366%
Steering193%
Driver Assistance173%
Speed Control142%
Fuel System112%
Lighting92%
Airbags81%
Body & Structure51%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Suspension41%
Tires & Wheels31%
Seat Belts31%
Seats10%

Does the 2019 Jeep Compass have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V208000Visibility & WipersApril 9, 2020 · 425,599 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V523000BrakesAugust 9, 2018 · 154,335 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PARKED 2019 JEEP COMPASS IN NORMAL PARKING LOT WENT INSIDE FOR A FEW HOURS THEN HEARD POPPING NOISES FROM PARKING LOT. RAN OUTSIDE TO SEE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURST INTO FLAMES VIA THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DAMAGING THE ENTIRE FRONT HALF OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER FLAMES PUT OUT, THERE WAS A LARGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2019 · fire

“We were stopped at a traffic light, began to move when the driver instrument display went red, said coolant was high, the car stalled, and we were hit from behind by another SUV. After we were able to restart it, the display returned to normal. We waited for the police to arrive, got an accident…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 19, 2023 · crash

“I was taking my jeep through an an automated car washe and the car engine turned off. The car was in neutral and when I was supposed to drive the car away at the end of the wash, it would not let me put the car in drive. Somehow I got the car restarted after several attempts and was able to put the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 10, 2024

“ABS light came on, took to mechanic, was advised he needed to order part, picked up vehicle while waiting for part to come in. While driving to work was using cruise control and put on my brakes and had no brakes, I ended up rear ending into another vehicle. Causing extensive damage to my car. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 24, 2025 · crash

“2019 JEEP COMPASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN AXLES ON VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING THROUGH SNOW. *LD CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SNOW ON THE HIGHWAY THE AXLES OF THE LEFT TIRES OF VEHICLE BROKE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND HIT A CONCRETE DIVIDER CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BODY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 10, 2020 · crash

2019 Jeep Compass — common questions

Is the 2019 Jeep Compass reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 569 complaints put the 2019 model at #2 of 20 Compass years. It is one of the Compass years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Compass problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (163 complaints), electrical system (150 complaints), other (81 complaints).

Does the 2019 Jeep Compass have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Jeep Compass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Jeep Compass under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Compass years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Compass years to avoid are 2018, 2019, 2014, 2016, 2007, 2022, 2017, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2013. The cleanest record among Compass years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2019 Jeep Compass?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Jeep Compass earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.