Problem Lookup āŗ Jeep āŗ Compass āŗ 2021
Car problem report
2021 Jeep Compass problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Jeep Compass has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 81owner complaints
- 5crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 0injuries reported
81 complaints, against an average of 213 for the other 14 Jeep Compass model years.
Every Jeep Compass model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The components named most often in the 81 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Jeep Compass owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 81 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2021 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners Ā· 9.9%
- Why does my 2021 Jeep Compass overheat?6 owners Ā· 7.4%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2021 Jeep Compass?6 owners Ā· 7.4%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2021 Jeep Compass?6 owners Ā· 7.4%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Jeep Compass?4 owners Ā· 4.9%
- Why does my 2021 Jeep Compass idle rough, misfire or hesitate?4 owners Ā· 4.9%
- Why won't my 2021 Jeep Compass start?3 owners Ā· 3.7%
- Why does the battery keep dying on my 2021 Jeep Compass?3 owners Ā· 3.7%
- Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2021 Jeep Compass?3 owners Ā· 3.7%
Has the 2021 Jeep Compass been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Jeep Compass as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSA2024 Jeep Renegade and Compass PHEV 12V cable connection
Risk: On certain vehicles the under-seat intermediate connection or the rear connection to the Integrated Dual Charging Module (IDCM) may not be tightened to the proper torque which may cause overheating of the terminal with risk of thermal incident to surrounding parts.
Fix: Check the conformity of the fastener torque on the 12V cable connection and if required replacement of the cable.
UK DVSAIncorrect tyre size data on Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
Risk: Affected vehicles may display incorrect tyre size information on the Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Fix: The CoC must be replaced.
EU Safety GateThe electrical cable connection to the vehicle's Integrated Dual Charge Module (IDCM) may not be tightened to the correct torque.This can result in the 12-volt battery not being charged, which can cause the vehicle to shut down unexpectedly, thereby increasing the risk of an accident and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe side airbag inflatable curtain on the driver and passenger side of the vehicle may not be connected and do not function as intended.This can increase the risk of injury when triggered in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe hydraulic control unit (HCU) of the integrated braking system (IBS) presents a defect.This can result in the reduction of braking assistance and loss of ABS functionality leading to an increased risk of accident and therefore risk of injuries to the occupants of the vehicle.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2021 Jeep Compass owners report?
12 of the 81 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
carvana falsifying 150 point inspection on bad tie rods with 2021jeep compass
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode to the dealer. The "D" on the instrument panel was flashing during failure, and there was an electrical odor inside the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was unable to reproduce failure but serviced the auxiliary battery and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited due to repeated coolant loss, overheating/high-temperature warnings, and eventual engine failure. The vehicle began losing coolant and required frequent refilling. The problem progressively worsened until coolant would immediately leak out underneath the vehicle when added. I paid approximately 1,400 to have the radiator replaced, but the same problem returned approximately two weeks later. The vehicle subsequently developed additional problems including shaking, a check-engine light, Cylinder 1 misfire, and diagnostic codeā¦
Screen glitching canāt use touch screen and rear view camera not available when screen is glitching.
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and safe operation. The most concerning issue is the vehicle's unexpected stalling at low speeds, particularly associated with the 2.4L engine. Unexpected loss of power while driving at low speeds creates a significant safety concern because it can occur when entering intersections, turning, maneuvering through traffic, or attempting toā¦
The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted without putting the car in park and pressing the brake while in the midst of moving traffic. This has happened to me multiple times. At first, turning off the auto stop/start feature would prevent this form happening but turning it off no longer prevents this. This happens randomly and cannot be reproduced manually. It is also extremely dangerous and upsetting when this happensā¦
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it a learned that it is a consistent issue that seems to be common in the Jeep Compass, going back as far as the 2019 model.
Every single time I seen the climb McDonald pass in Helena, Montana the car freaks out says service transmission now no matter if I do it at 55 miles an hour or 75 miles an hour, which is about as fast as itāll go up the pass, it goes in the limp mode, shuts off the fuel pump says service transmission now every single light on the dash that could come on comes on. I donāt know whatās going on with it. Iāve taken it to the dealership. They canāt seem to figure it out.
Stop/start system malfunction this is the 2nd time I've had to fix this problem the first time was with dealership in Henderson ky and it will cause more problems later big expenses and a whole vehicle failure so before im out to much money and left with no working vehicle that I still got to pay for i will be returning it this system failure has almost caused a major crash and has caused missed days at work
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked at a store front in the evening, both headlights were operational. The contact returned and restarted the vehicle; however, the driver's side headlight was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the headlight and the electrical connectors and harness had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after the headlight failure, the vehicle was difficult to start one morning. The contact statedā¦
For 6months I have a low oil pressure light come on before my oil change is due. Dealer has ran 3 oil consumption test pass/fail/pass the next one will fail as I had to add 2 quarts or oil this week and my oil change isnāt due for 2k more miles. There is no leak visible so it must be within the motor. As well as I have already replaced start/stop battery as well as main battery bc if the start/stop and it hasnāt been a year and the lights are back on and I canāt engage it. The oil issue start before the warranty went out the first time. Now I have no warranty and have to feed the car oil. Itā¦
I been having a problem as I noticed itās been seen multiple times with a jeep compass well mine is a 2021 jeep compass trail hawk. The car will shut off and say high coolant temp when thatās not the problem. The car is not hot and there is no problem with it just lose power and have no control over the car. It shuts off when Iām driving on the highway has left me stranded multiple times. Almost got hit turning on to the highway and it died as I was turning with a car head on. This is so unsafe. The car has been in the shop multiple times they replace stuff say itās fixed itās not and happensā¦
2021 Jeep Compass: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Compass; the most common categories were electrical system (34, 42%), engine (18, 22.2%), power train (9, 11.1%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 5 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Compass?
Across 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (42% of complaints), engine (22.2% of complaints), power train (11.1% of complaints), steering (8.6% of complaints), service brakes (7.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2021 Jeep Compass. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (9.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "When stopped at a stop sign (on a slight incline, if that could be a factor), the Compass suddenly lost power. No reaction from pressing the gas pedal at all. In Drive or in Reverse." (NHTSA complaint 11559641, December 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Jeep Compass overheat?
6 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (7.4%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Several times a year since having my 2021 Compass, as I'm driving my car shuts off out of no where and a message on my dashboard lights up in regards to the coolant system." (NHTSA complaint 11634603, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2021 Jeep Compass?
6 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (7.4%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "My Start/Stop feature will bug out and not Start up after releasing the brake at a red light. It has happened multiple times and will display a maintenance required symbol in my dashboard until I restart my vehicle. It happens infrequently." (NHTSA complaint 11592329, June 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2021 Jeep Compass?
6 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (7.4%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "After going on and off intermittently for the last year, the rear view camera system stopped working altogether! There is a recall for my Year (21) and model (Jeep compass) but unfortunately my vin number is excluded from this recall and Stellantis saysā¦" (NHTSA complaint 11675050, July 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Jeep Compass?
4 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (4.9%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I have replaced both batteries and the alternator. The stop/start light comes on and the red warning to pull over safely the vehicle will shut off soon and the engine light comes on. The vehicle is now telling me to service transmission." (NHTSA complaint 11640564, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Jeep Compass idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
4 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (4.9%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The following message displays on my dashboard "Coolant Temperature High. Shutting Down" and the vehicle wants to shut down or sputters. Car shakes like it wants to turn off and then it starts to run like normal" (NHTSA complaint 11552226, October 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2021 Jeep Compass start?
3 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (3.7%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "On November 1, 2025, while backing my 2021 Jeep Compass out of the driveway, I noticed the rearview camera started 'jumping' and displaying colored lines." (NHTSA complaint 11701512, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the battery keep dying on my 2021 Jeep Compass?
3 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (3.7%) describe a dead or draining battery. One owner wrote: "The car only has 47,000 miles on it and the steering wheel buttons stopped working, then while the car was off the windshield wipers started going and wouldnāt stop until the battery died, then when the car battery was charged and the car was started theā¦" (NHTSA complaint 11569763, February 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2021 Jeep Compass?
3 of the 81 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass (3.7%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "The infotainment screen in my 2021 Jeep Compass has developed a display failure where the screen is glitching and unusable. The issue persists after restarting the vehicle and appears to be a hardware malfunction." (NHTSA complaint 11726595, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Compass
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.