3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,860 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.

2016 Jeep Compass steering problems

steering problem

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2016 Jeep Compass Owner Comments

problem #14

Jun 052024

Compass

  • miles

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

I bought my 2016 Jeep Compass Latitude in September of 2021 with a warranty which because of some rotor and other issues they gave me a loaner vehicle while they did the repairs for a week or so. It didn't give me too many problems for a while but then in these last two years or so then a lot has been breaking on it or acting up & I only got a little over 86k miles on it, but any warranties are expired at 80K. I've replaced the battery, the rear hub/bearings 2x, all of the rotors & brakes 2x now, I go through engine oil even though I do regular oil changes on it, and most recently it was doing a "death wobble" that was so unsafe I was afraid to drive it myself let alone have my son with me in case it did it & it was very unpredictable when it would happen too, generally over 45 mph and after I had been driving for over 15 minutes would be the most likely time for it, unfortunately not always though & the 1st mechanic I took it too couldn't even get it to do it. The 2nd mechanic suggested changing the driver brake line to the caliper to see if that helped since I'd just replaced that brake caliper but that the majority of my front end suspension, hub/bearing & axle, spring coils, etc. would all need replaced because of how worn out they was already looking too (it was exactly 86003 miles when I went to the 2nd mechanic) and if it was still doing it after that then he would figure it out, thankfully replacing the brake line seems to have stopped the "death wobble" problem for now. I'm not sure this is even a valid complaint, if not then I apologize but I've never seen so many parts, issues at once, esp. with that mileage. The unpredictable "death wobble" is definitely a safety concern at least & incase others have all these costly problems at once too. I just got my jeep paid off & have to have cervical & lumbar surgeries asap so I will just have to fix it asap. Originally, via Mopar site, I was here trying to find my jeep's specific specs/build sheet for those parts.

- Diamond, Oh, OH, USA

problem #13

Mar 082023

Compass

  • miles
While driving, our jeep suddenly turned off. We had to immediately pull over to get out of traffic. When we tried restarting it would act like it wanted to start but the engine would never actually start, & we noticed the ETC dash light was lit. Pulled out the manual, followed the instructions with no luck. My husband got out & opened the hood & noticed a burning smell. That is when we decided to call a tow truck. I had driven the jeep earlier that day to & from work & for an errand after work with no problems & no warning lights. The vehicle is @ the dealership now, but since we didn't have an appointment I've been told it may take up to 3 weeks before they can get to it.

- West Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #12

Feb 132023

Compass

  • 107,000 miles
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a lost of power steering assist. The contact stated he self-inspected the vehicle and code P0339 (Crank Shaft A Sensor) was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle as having crank shaft sensor failure. The mechanic referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

- Goldsboro, NC, USA

problem #11

Dec 292022

Compass 4-cyl

  • miles

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

Yesterday I had the Crankshaft Position Sensor replaced because of the ongoing stalling while idle and stalling while in motion issues. Today it has stalled 5 times while in motion on surface streets and the highways going over 40 mph and twice in a parking when sitting idle or initial startup. For the times when in motion and it stalled I was able to get off the road and avoid any collisions. This is unsafe, the truck must sit for an unknown period of time before it will restart. I am currently sitting on the freeway with hazards until it restarts. I spoke with Chrysler recall and they say there is nothing wrong with the truck and the information online showing multiple 2016 Jeep Compass stalling issues doesn-??t mean anything because it-??s not in the Jeep database. In the past when it stalls the check engine light normally does not come on. In my research it shows other owners being told the dealer cans dx anything because no errors. We are supposed to just drive these death traps until one of us dies before Chrysler will do anything. I am not financially able to go to a dealer and pay for diagnostics and repairs. As it stand I paid over $400 yesterday for that one part to be replaced. When will Chrysler be held accountable for these safety issues related to driving a vehicle that stalls and loses power while in motion. Then will not restart for an unknown amount of time. Why do we have to possibly pay with our lives. If this truck actually held value l could trade it in. But I can-??t it-??s worth 5k on kbb and the note is at 17k. In a previous complaint I got the mileage wrong and stated 116k.

- Phoenix , AZ, USA

problem #10

Dec 272022

Compass

  • miles
While driving the vehicle shut down, I lost all steering. It has a history of stalling while driving, stalling while idle, and not restarting for random periods of time. After getting the vehicle restarted it stalled again two more times while driving. I parked in a parking lot for a shopping center. When I cam out after a period of 30-45 minutes - the vehicle will not start and just turns over and over. I used FIXD to determine the camshaft position sensor was listed as a "major" issue - error P0335. I believe this vehicle is unsafe and it is only a matter of time when I will be injured due to the stalling and non-restarting issues. I also believe Chrysler is responsible for this problem. Considering the vast amounts of user evidence online of other owners having the same issues - Chrysler is just waiting for them to age off the road. I purchased the vehicle from Carmax on 6/18/2022 and feel I was sold a lemon. I have made a complaint on this site before. I have called Chrysler and they say there is nothing wrong with my vehicle - it has been repaired and they did their part. Obviously this is not the case for mine and thousands of other owners across the country. Why are we the ones who have to suffer at the negligence of the automaker" Do I have to die or become severely injured for them to take responsibility for their design and manufacturing flaws? Do others have to suffer irreparable damage also? Why won't the government do something about these unsafe vehicle we were sold" It is not enough to say "well there are no active recalls".

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #9

Jan 082021

Compass

  • 37,773 miles
I was going West on fair view avenue in tucson, Arizona when my car suddenly shifted out of drive into something below drive. It started shimmying back and forth and would not proceed. I was coming upon a 4 way stop, so I finally got the car back into drive; it seemed ok. I drove very carefully and slowly home without incident--maybe 4 or 5 blocks. However, when I turned into my garage, the gearshift shifted below again and my car shimmied out of control back and forth and the right side of my car was badly scraped, and the left taillight cracked. So, the first time I was briefly stationary waiting for the cars ahead of me to move, but the second time I was in motion but moving very slowly to negotiate the entrance to the garage, so almost stationary. The garage was not damaged. I do not have a cell phone that can take photos at this time, but I hope to secure a cell phone. The dealership always inspects my car for its regular service, so they must have records. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #8

Jul 252020

Compass

  • 57,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled resulting in a loss of power steering assist. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle resumed normal operation after the vehicle was turned off for 5 minutes and restarted. The vehicle was taken to local dealer ray price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram located at 2969 pa-940 suite C, mt pocono, pa 18344, where the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

- Albrightsville, PA, USA

problem #7

Jul 312020

Compass

  • 65,000 miles
The car has been to multiple Jeep dealerships and it keep stalling and shutting down but no problems found. It has shut down in traffic! this has happened on multiple days. We have checked recalls and none apply to the Jeep. I have two small a kids and this is absolutely ridiculous.

- South Shore, KY, USA

problem #6

Jan 202020

Compass

  • 51,000 miles
2016 Jeep Compass with 51K miles. I took it in for a tire rotation and my drivers side tie rod was warn so much that they would not allow me to drive it out of the shop. My 90K mile tires needed replaced at 30K miles.

- Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

problem #5

Jul 142019

Compass

  • 55,213 miles
About 3 weeks ago my car started stalling out on me out of nowhere, I took it to a mechanic so they could try to diagnose the problem, they thought it was the battery so I bought a new one( $183). 2 days later the car started stalling out on me again while driving on the freeway a cop had to push my car out of the way because I was blocking traffic and in an unsafe location, I had to get it towed ($80) & took it to a different mechanic to diagnose the problem ($198) they said my car had a safety recall due to the crankshaft/camshaft sensor they recommended that I should take it to the dealership because that is the manufacturers fault and Chrysler will fix it for free. When I went to the dealership they said my car does not qualify and that I would have to rediagnose my car for $200 and pay $540 for them to fix this issue which I am not at fault for. I asked if I would be able to get a rental through them they said I would have to pay out of pocket for it. I started a case with Chrysler on 07/29 and am still waiting on the specialist to review this. I am frustrated. Every day that goes by is another day that I have to figure out how to get to work whether it be asking for a ride or paying for a rental out of pocket. I would understand if I got in a wreck and the sensor messed up I would pay for it myself no questions asked. All I'm asking is for Chrysler to honor the safety recall and fix this issue. If you were in the same position I'm sure you would be stressed out as well. The car is not safe and has left me stranded while I was driving, now 4 times. My car is 2016 there is no reason this should be happening!!!! also, I have kept all receipt and would like to be reimbursed for the headache & unnecessary charges that this has caused me.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

problem #4

Jul 302019

Compass

  • 65,000 miles

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

While getting onto a highway, my rpms dropped and I temporarily lost power steering and started slowing down, then it "caught" and I was able to drive it straight to a car place to get the free diagnostics. Everything came back normal so I left. Later in the day as I was pulling out of my neighborhood it stalled again and completely shut off this time. When trying to turn it on again it either would but then would immediately stall again or it would just never start. While trying to turn it on, all the dash lights light up including check engine, which has not been on until the car stalled the second time.

- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA

problem #3

Mar 202019

Compass

  • 37,800 miles
My car suddenly stalled and caused my wheel to lock up. My car would not accelerate until I shut the car off and then turned it back

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #2

May 262016

Compass

  • 12,250 miles
Severe tire wear on Jeep Compass on 05/12/16 I took a rental car (Jeep Compass, mileage: 10417) in las vegas. On 05/26/16, just as we had passed the mountain routes from durango to ouray, I discovered by chance that both front tires were completely worn out on the inside (see photos). I did not discover it earlier, because the tire tread was O.K. on the outside and the body hided the rest of the tire. Then I drove very slowly. Soon after came the warning light for the tire pressure: The left front tire lost pressure (mileage approximately: 12250). I changed the wheel and was hoping that the right tire held air to the nearest town. We reached the town without further problem. As I brought the car to the tire shop, they told me, that the toe was completely wrong and that wheel alignment would be necessary (see alignment report). Summary: The cause of this symmetric tire wear is mysterious: The car had relatively few miles and there was no event (such as an impact to the wheels), that possibly could have changed the toe. Nevertheless I think, the car was not roadworthy and I'm glad I noticed the problem before it came to an accident. I send this report from germany. As it is not possible to fill in this country and my telephone number, I give you the state and phone number of the rental car company.

- Mainz, NV, USA

problem #1

Jan 132016

Compass

  • 0 miles
While at milosch palace Chrysler Jeep dealership in lake orion I noticed the power steering return hose was contacting the front suspension sway bar at stationary curb condition. This is a design violation which I told fca about when I worked there in 2014. The issue has existed now from July of 2014 until now. The hose can wear a hole in it due to a 2 inch rubbing interference with suspension movement and the vehicle will lose steering assist and power steering fluid can spray in the exhaust system causing a fire.

- Lake Orion, MI, USA

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