VehicleVerdict

2020 Jeep Compass problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Jeep Compass sits mid-pack among Compass years: 249 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 211, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 82 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

249

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Compass years?

Compass NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Compass years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Jeep Compass problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8233%
Electrical System6426%
Other2912%
Transmission2610%
Driver Assistance94%
Speed Control73%
Tires & Wheels62%
Brakes52%
Steering52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Fuel System42%
Lighting31%
Suspension21%
Airbags21%
Body & Structure10%

Does the 2020 Jeep Compass have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On December 9th, my Jeep compass caught fire in Tyson’s corner parking lot (1750 Tysons BLVD). The fire department believes it came from the engine. No warning signs such as engine lights or temperature overheating prior. The car was parked in a spot when this occurred. My daughter was in the car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 9, 2025 · fire

“I was driving down the road going about 40mph. The car stopped abruptly and displayer low coolant warning. Car would not restart. I towed it to a local mechanic who replaced the auxiliary battery. Car has been working and hasn't shut off but warning lights sometimes pop up for a split second. I'm…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2025

“8/30/2022 Started the vehicle in the drive way foot still engaged on break and the vehicle accelerated forward with my foot on break and damaged my home and vehicle. 8/28/22 Emergency Break engaged on its own and we couldn’t move the vehicle it was turned off and restarted. 8/27/22 vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 30, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that her son was driving at undisclosed speeds when he arrived at his destination turn into a parking lot. Placed the gear actuator in park, within second a warning indicated that the vehicle was not in park however, the contact stated that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 7, 2021 · fire

“8/30/2022 Started the vehicle in the drive way foot still engaged on break and the vehicle accelerated forward with my foot on break and damaged my home and vehicle. 8/28/22 Emergency Break engaged on its own and we couldn’t move the vehicle it was turned off and restarted. 8/27/22 vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 30, 2022 · crash

2020 Jeep Compass — common questions

Is the 2020 Jeep Compass reliable?

It is close to typical for the Compass: 249 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2020 Compass problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (82 complaints), electrical system (64 complaints), other (29 complaints).

Does the 2020 Jeep Compass have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Jeep Compass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 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 2020 Jeep Compass?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.