Last updated: 2026-03-15

2019 Jeep Compass
RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2019 Jeep Compass Reliability Report

The 2019 Jeep Compass scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 305 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

2

Complaints

305

Complaint Rate

21.2

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$526

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity52/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity77/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (107)
  • ENGINE (52)
  • POWER TRAIN (35)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (MP).

  • Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 2nd generation Compass (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2017: Second generation (MP) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (MP).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 Jeep Compass?

The 2019 Jeep Compass scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (MP).

With 305 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (107). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Jeep Compass, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2018 Jeep Compass for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (11%)
  • +Low recall count

Cons

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Sudden engine shutdowns and malfunctioning Uconnect screens (107 complaints)
  • ENGINE: Unexpected shutdowns accompanied by a "coolant temperature too high" error... (52 complaints)

Compare 2019 Jeep Compass With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (107)
  • ENGINE (52)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2019 Jeep Compass has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

21.2

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.8

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

11

Crashes

2

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Jeep Compass Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Jeep Compass. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V2080002020-04-09

VISIBILITY

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.

18V5230002018-08-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

2019 Jeep Compass NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 20.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvic/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep Compass Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$526

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

11%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Compass
$526
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Jeep Compass.

  • Inspect for coolant leaks into transmission fluid

  • Test infotainment system for freezing or unresponsiveness

  • Check for excessive oil consumption between changes

  • Verify operation of auto start-stop system

  • Test drive to check for unexpected engine shutdowns

  • Ensure emergency brake does not engage unexpectedly

  • Check for consistent headlamp and exterior lighting operation

Buying a 2019 Compass? Check Its History First

Every 2019 Jeep Compass has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

2019 Jeep Compass Common Problems by Component

305 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

107
52
39
35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (107)ENGINE (52)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39)POWER TRAIN (35)STEERING (19)SERVICE BRAKES (12)AIR BAGS (6)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)Other (30)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

107 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2019 Jeep Compass, primarily involving sudden engine shutdowns and malfunctioning Uconnect screens. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, often accompanied by warnings of "High Coolant Temperature" and emergency brake activation, sometimes resulting in loss of power while driving, which has led to at least two crashes. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the Uconnect system, including frozen or unresponsive touch screens and unintended engagement of vehicle functions. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports mentioning occurrences as early as 51,000 miles. The safety implications include the risk of accidents due to sudden loss of vehicle control, highlighting the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections for prospective buyers.

107 complaints total2 crashes

ENGINE

52 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass frequently report engine issues, primarily involving unexpected shutdowns accompanied by a "coolant temperature too high" error message, despite normal coolant levels. These incidents often occur during driving, including on highways, and have been reported at various mileage points, with some as early as 50,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe persistent oil consumption problems, with significant oil loss between changes. Safety implications are notable, as sudden engine shutdowns pose a risk of accidents, particularly in high-speed or heavy traffic situations. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may affect vehicle reliability and safety.

52 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass frequently report issues related to sudden power loss and engine shutdowns, often accompanied by dashboard warnings such as "coolant temperature too high" or "pull over now, engine will turn off soon." These incidents sometimes occur at highway speeds or in intersections, posing a risk of crashes, as evidenced by one reported crash due to poor traction control during braking. Additionally, multiple complaints mention problems with the vehicle's auto stop/start system, which can fail to restart the engine at stoplights. Electrical issues are also noted, with some owners experiencing malfunctions in the radio and Uconnect screen, one of which reportedly led to a fire. These issues often occur shortly after purchase, even in vehicles recently acquired as certified pre-owned.

39 complaints total1 crash1 fire
POWER TRAIN (35 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

35 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass frequently report powertrain issues, particularly involving the mixing of coolant and transmission fluid, leading to overheating and vehicle failure. Symptoms commonly mentioned include unexpected vehicle shutdowns, limp mode activation, and warning lights for coolant temperature despite normal gauge readings. These issues often occur between 22,000 to 74,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with one complaint involving a crash, and several owners express concern about the vehicle stalling in traffic, posing a risk to occupants. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential powertrain problems and the associated repair costs.

35 complaints total1 crash
STEERING (19 complaints)

STEERING

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report multiple steering-related issues with the 2019 Jeep Compass, often involving a loss of steering control, steering wheel lock-up, and abnormal noises. Complaints frequently mention steering wheel seizure, particularly during driving or when attempting turns, sometimes accompanied by various warning messages such as "dynamic steering wheel service required." These issues often occur at mileage ranges around 40,000 to 66,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a crash and others describing near-miss situations due to sudden loss of steering capability. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated safety risks.

19 complaints total1 crash
SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with the service brakes, describing symptoms such as excessively sensitive or "touchy" brakes, unexpected activation of the emergency brake while driving, and grinding noises. Complaints often mention that these problems occur at various mileages, with some as early as 5,000 miles and others beyond 79,000 miles. A notable issue is the emergency brake engaging independently, which has led to at least one crash resulting in an injury. These reports suggest potential safety implications, including loss of control and rear-end collisions, which are important considerations for prospective buyers.

12 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (6 complaints)

AIR BAGS

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2019 Jeep Compass, including unexpected airbag deployment and failure to deploy during crashes. Complaints frequently mention airbag warning lights illuminating during vehicle start-up, and some incidents involve airbags deploying without collision, even causing secondary crashes. Additionally, in some cases, airbags do not deploy during significant collisions, resulting in injuries. These issues are reported at varied mileages, with at least one instance occurring at approximately 109,387 miles. The safety implications are significant, as multiple complaints involve crashes with reported injuries.

6 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2019 Jeep Compass related to vehicle speed control. A common problem involves the vehicle unexpectedly entering "limp mode," causing a sudden decrease in speed and inability to accelerate, which is reported to occur at highway speeds and poses a significant safety risk. Another frequent issue is unintended acceleration following braking, along with hard shifts when the vehicle is in motion. Some owners also experience engine stalling and failure to start, often accompanied by warning lights such as the electronic throttle control indicator. These issues are reported at various mileages, and one incident has resulted in a crash due to brake failure while using cruise control. Multiple reports suggest these problems can occur without prior warning, contributing to a sense of unpredictability and potential danger for drivers.

5 complaints total1 crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (4 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 complaints

Owners report several engine and cooling issues with the 2019 Jeep Compass, particularly involving overheating and stalling. Complaints frequently mention the engine overheating, with the coolant temperature warning light illuminating, often leading to the vehicle stalling or decelerating unexpectedly. These issues are reported at mileages ranging from approximately 43,000 to 141,000 miles. Multiple owners describe problems with the vehicle failing to accelerate properly and experiencing intermittent electrical malfunctions, such as windows and doors not operating correctly. While no crashes or fires are reported, these symptoms could pose safety risks due to loss of vehicle control.

4 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the exterior lighting system of the 2019 Jeep Compass, including headlamps that fail to function correctly. Complaints frequently mention headlamps not turning on consistently, even when the switch is in the correct position, and the failure of high beams to activate properly, which may also disable fog lights. One owner describes a significant expense incurred from multiple unsuccessful repair attempts, including diagnostics and replacement of various components. Additionally, a serious safety incident is noted involving a parked vehicle catching fire, damaging the engine compartment and surrounding areas. These issues are highlighted by owners as safety concerns due to unpredictable lighting performance and the potential for fire hazards.

4 complaints total1 fire

When Do 2019 Jeep Compass Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–74,000 milesPowertrain coolant mixing
50,000–84,000 milesElectrical system failures
4,000–50,000 milesEngine oil consumption

Best & Worst Jeep Compass Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Jeep Compass Years to Buy

The best Jeep Compass year is 2024 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (83/100) and 2021 (80/100).

Jeep Compass Years to Avoid

The worst Jeep Compass year is 2018 with a score of 61/100, primarily due to electrical system (293) issues.

Jeep Compass Reliability Score Trend

Jeep Compass reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 72/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Jeep Compass reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201861/100Good
201970/100Good
202076/100Good
202180/100Excellent
202270/100Good
202378/100Good
202484/100Excellent
202583/100Excellent

Jeep Compass Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202583/100-1Excellent013
202484/100+6Excellent034
202378/100+8Good243
202270/100-10Good4204
202180/100+4Excellent070
202076/100+6Good1129
2019(selected)70/100+9Good2305
201861/100Good6912

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Jeep Compass reliable?
The 2019 Jeep Compass has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 305 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Jeep Compass?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Jeep Compass include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (107 complaints), ENGINE (52 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints), POWER TRAIN (35 complaints), STEERING (19 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Jeep Compass have?
The 2019 Jeep Compass has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Jeep Compass expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Jeep Compass has estimated annual repair costs of $526/year, which is $5 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 Jeep Compass without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue