10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
316,689 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Jeep Compass engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Jeep Compass Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Feb 122022

Compass

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine subframe was damaged. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- Hartford, CT, USA

problem #28

Nov 102021

Compass

  • miles
Wife was driving her jeep when she started to veer to the left. went to turn to steering to get straight when it wasn't responding a lot of slack in the steering. called a tow truck when the tow truck lifted noticed the cradle/sub frame was broken. she was on a country road when it happened. If this was on a highway or interstate there would have been major collision resulting in death. there was no warning when it broke it just broke. after doing some research into why it would break the air conditioning hose to the water to drain was running on the sub frame which rusted and eventually break, the break shifted the engine about a foot and dropped about 10 inches Since she didn't hit anything or no property damage there was no police involved. I have reached out to chrysler with the issue with no response. My family was in danger due to a poor design that could of been avoided and what I read she wasn't the only one.

- Hartford City, IN, USA

problem #27

Jul 302021

Compass

  • 105,000 miles
The contact's son owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while his son was exiting the parking lot and driving approximately 15-25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and the steering wheel locked-up. The contact did not know whether there were warning lights illuminated. The contact's son was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated his son was able to restart the vehicle and drove to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the roll over bent valve in the fuel tank was not closing properly leaking fuel into the EVAP system causing the vehicle to stall and lock the steering wheel. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. A case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

- Simsbury, CT, USA

problem #26

May 252021

Compass 4-cyl

  • 90,317 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and would not exceed 25 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the brake switch, camshaft sensor, catalytic converter, and the crankshaft sensor needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer a month later where it was diagnosed with the throttle body and the brake switch needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,317.

- Brandon, MS, USA

problem #25

Mar 092021

Compass

  • 100,000 miles
I was driving down the road on route 73 in cinnaminson NJ at 930 pm with my 15 year old daughter. All of a sudden, without warning - the engine shut off and my car had zero power. The power steering was locked up and we almost got rear ended by a huge truck. It was terrifying. I called road side assistance and had to wait in a dark car with no heat. This is horrible

- Maple Shade, NJ, USA

problem #24

Aug 192019

Compass

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated the check engine light illuminated intermittently over several months. The vehicle was taken to (diehl Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram fuso of moon 5408 university blvd, moon, pa 15108) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the oxygen (O2) sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed. The contact was then informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced which was still pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Aliquippa, PA, USA

problem #23

Dec 292019

Compass

  • 102,880 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Several times after filling up my 2011 Jeep Compass with gas, I turn the car on and drive off. In minutes the steering locks up and car stalls. Car is getting power, all components are still working (lights, radio, etc.). I turn car off and restart and it sputters and finally starts and is drivable. I have read several other complaints of the same issue and it is dangerous due to the steering locking up and the inability to control the car when it stalls.

- Evansville, IN, USA

problem #22

Aug 082019

Compass

  • 7,500,000 miles
Trouble with transmission shifting and lights stop working at times.

- Independence, LA, USA

problem #21

Aug 152019

Compass

  • 73,000 miles
Just purchased this car. It has 73,000 miles. Driving in 100 degree temps going 75-80 and transmission green light comes on. Sounds like it can't change gears. I experienced a total loss of acceleration.

- Granbury, TX, USA

problem #20

Apr 272019

Compass

  • 98,000 miles
Did not know that was a recall on thecatalytic converter they fix it they had the part in im woudering about the antilock brakes because my brake light comes on and the ads light because courtesy dodgejeep Ram in conyers ga is charging me about $800 hundred dollars plus $190 for a battery I can't afford that. My car was on a city street when the brake light and ABS light came on I thought the brake fluild was low courtesy Dodge said that it was ready before I could drive the Jeep off the lot the brake light came back on. Then they said it was the battery, now they telling me antilock brakes. I cannot afford to pay $1,190 dollars.

- Conyers, GA, USA

problem #19

May 172019

Compass

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2011 Jeep Compass failed inspection since it needs a catalytic converter replacement. When I checked to see if there was a recall, I found that there was one started in March of 2019, however, my VIN # does not qualify. Since I have the same problem as the recall, I feel that my vehicle should be added and that Chrysler should have to pay for the repairs.

- Deerfield, NH, USA

problem #18

Jan 162019

Compass

  • 105,000 miles
Filled tank and car stalled while driving away three times (after driving a short distance) called for a tow and taken to mechanic where they couldn't identify the problem. Then again, approximately three months later, stalled after filling the gas tank while making a left out of the gas station across traffic. Quickly restarted the car, it bucked as though about to stall after another 3/4 mile, and then ran fine. Largest concern is directly after fill up, but there is frequently a buck/hesitation when accelerating as well.

- Kutztown, PA, USA

problem #17

Jul 082018

Compass

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. While driving at an unknown speed, the engine cooling system warning indicator illuminated. The contact shifted into neutral and the heating system had to be turned on in order for the warning indicator to turn off. The failure recurred every 200 miles. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

- Borger, TX, USA

problem #16

May 252018

Compass

  • 63,500 miles
Filled the 2011 Jeep Compass with gas and pulled out of gas station. Two seconds later my car completely shut off and the steering wheel locked up. I managed to get it partially to the side of the road by letting it roll and brake, but cars behind me were not prepared for this and 3 cars swerved out of the way at the last minutes before slamming into me.

- Godfrey, IL, USA

problem #15

Aug 312017

Compass

  • 78,900 miles
First time this happened, I refueled my vehicle all the way to full. I drove off and got on the highway on-ramp, while I was accelerating, the car shut off, locked up the steering and the engine shut off while the car was still in drive, and the key was still in the ignition. I quickly stopped the car, put it in park and restarted the car, got on the highway and the incident didn't occur again. A few weeks later, the same thing happened. I refueled until the tank was full, drove about 100 yards, and the car shut off while still in drive with keys in ignition and the steering locked up while I was going around a sharp turn. I could have died if another car came around the turn at that time. I restarted the car and the same thing happened again within 50 feet. After that, restarting it a second time I was able to drive the car without it happening again. Scared to refill the car again. During each incident, no warning lights or indication came up on the dashboard, there was no way to tell what was happening.

- Weirton, WV, USA

problem #14

Apr 272017

Compass

  • 174 miles
Fire started spontaneously under the hood. Unable to control or stop the fire. Melted everything under the hood and fire department had to be called. No prior warning that there was any issue electrical or otherwise.

- Nashville, IL, USA

problem #13

Sep 122015

Compass

  • 55,000 miles
Marked by an audible whine and the illumination of the transmission overheat light, the cvt on the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine in the 2011 Jeep Compass experiences significant and dramatic power loss. This is especially prevalent at sustained highway speeds creating a potentially unsafe situation. If the transmission overheats too much, the vehicle will not move until the transmission cools down. This issue first happened on my 2011 Jeep Compass in July 2014 and was temporarily rectified by Jeep. Their solution was to replace the cvt transmission fluid. However, this problem has returned this summer under highway use, especially on hot days. On Saturday, September 12, my family and I experienced not only the whine from the cvt, but significant power loss on the highway. Fortunately, having experienced this previously, I was able to pull the vehicle to the shoulder allowing the transmission to cool down without incident. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge the problem despite a plethora of evidence that this cvt transmission is defective. Here is a link to a video/case that is nearly identical to what I have experienced: Https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=vnkezt0mr-4

- Parker, CO, USA

problem #12

May 312014

Compass

  • 20,000 miles
Transmission oil lights always come on when car drives over 70 mph at least 2 hrs in hot weather. Then car slow down and I have to pull over to let it cool off. It will do it 3-4 times during a long trip. It does every summer and the Jeep dealer never found the problem.

- Farmington, NM, USA

problem #11

Feb 252015

Compass

  • 115,000 miles
Engine will stumble and stall when driving and headlights are illuminated, windows are rolled down or any electrical drain occurs. This is an indication of tipm failure.

- Fort Lupton, CO, USA

problem #10

Sep 142014

Compass

  • 34,037 miles
Pls use this complaint Jeep Compass 4X2 year 2011, today, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014, I heard a noise bottom of my Jeep and found a long metal piece manufacture sticker cvt transmission use only Chrysler. It was a metal pipe transmission oil filler tube, hanging on the bottom of my car, dragging on the ground, while I was driving. I took pictures it has a hole in the metal tube. It started with the steering wheel becoming very loose and requiring to turn more than usual to the right or left, which may be caused from a different recall (components: Steering: Column, NHTSA campaign : 11V-315), I was never informed about this steering wheel recall. When I safely returned home, on internet noticed different Chrysler forums, ppl same issue Jeep Compass. I notice a recall Wrangler with 3.6-liter V-6 engines), having the same exact issue as I experienced with my Jeep Compass. So, I called Chrysler group llc recall dept. 800-247-9753 today Sept. 14 2014. No recall for Compass. Recall for Wrangler with 3.6-liter V-6 engines. Frustrated my 3 year warranty ended last month Aug. 2014. Tomorrow, morning, tow truck Jeep, to local Jeep dealership and pay out of pocket. Chrysler recall dept. Said keep receipts if more people complain then there may be a recall just like the Wrangler. The recall issue is exactly what happened to me.(per the Wrangler recall solution: (Wrangler with 3.6-liter V-6 engines, Chrysler says a power steering fluid line can wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line. The SUVS can leak fluid, damaging automatic transmissions. Dealers will inspect the lines for free and replace them or install a protective sleeve. The recall begins in July 2013.) recalling 221,000 Jeep Wrangler worldwide from 2012 and 2013 to fix transmission fluid leaks, according to NHTSA.

- Porter Ranch, CA, USA

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