2012 Jeep Compass engine problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
What owners report
“I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the tracti…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 06/08/2025
“Everytime I drive it acts as if it’s not getting sufficient fuel to the engine . Have had multiple things replaced to try and fix the problem but still not helped . Whole Engine sputters when I stop and acts as if it’s not getting any fuel to accelerate. Has almost caused a few crashes . To my surprise recalls have been made for my vehicle but says they have been repaired. I personally don’t think they have”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/02/2024
“The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced. All bearing had to be replaced. Two of which were fixed before 60,000 miles. Hood rusted completely through. Cross members are rusting through.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/12/2024
“This vehicle has shut down while on the street & on the dangerous highway with vehicles behind me. It wouldn’t start back up either I had to keep playing with the key or try starting it & it wouldn’t turn over”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/07/2022
“I've recently out of the blue developed problems with my car. For some reason it want crank ( 2), air-conditioner making popping noise as well stopped working, and it also jerks shortly after cranking ( like a hiccup. Please let me know something as quickly as possible if my vehicle has any recalls. I would highly appreciate it.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/18/2022
“We have been receiving a check engine light on our 2012 Jeep Compass for code P0420. Reset the system but subsequently vehicle failed emissions testing. After some research we discovered this model vehicle and several others were supposed to be receiving a recall of the catalytic converters. Please see this article on cars.com dated March 2019 https://www.cars.com/articles/863000-chrysler-dodge-and-jeep-vehicles-recall-alert-1420757576994/ I searched our vin# on your website and it showed no …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 01/30/2022
“I have had constant problems already reported with this vehicle. The transmission overheats and dies on me or gets sluggish on the highway traffic. Today it completely died on me. After pulling over giving a minute it started back up. Jeep should be ashamed of themselves. So many ppl are reporting this same issue. They need to recall these cheap poorly made transmisdionscthat they already no are faulty. This is the 100th time this vehicle does this while in traffic im terrified to drive to work…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/12/2021
“2012 JEEP COMPASS ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND COUNTY ROADWAYS. LOSS OF POWER AND STEERING CONTROL. ENGINE WILL CRANK AGAIN AFTER WAITING FOR A FEW MINUTES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON PRIOR TO SHUTTING DOWN.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 12/11/2020
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2012 Jeep Compass engine problems?
- 36 owners reported engine issues to NHTSA for the 2012 Jeep Compass and 1 a fire. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Compass engine problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.