YearToAvoid

2019 Jeep Compass Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2019 Jeep Compass ranks 3rd-worst among 19 model years with a complaint index of 89 and 329 NHTSA complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine (51% of complaints) and electrical system (45%) issues dominate, with two recalls covering wipers and rear brakes.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
89/100
#3 of 19 Compass years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
329
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
13
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
5
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2023
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
25
22 city / 30.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Top 2019 Jeep Compass problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine169 (51%)
  2. Electrical System147 (45%)
  3. Other85 (26%)
  4. Brakes49 (15%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain37 (11%)
  6. Steering19 (6%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras15 (5%)
  8. Fuel System11 (3%)
  9. Airbags10 (3%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some owners report the engine catching fire in the engine compartment, in one case burning through the hood and damaging the windshield at low mileage.
  • Owners describe poor braking performance with reduced traction control, causing the vehicle to slide during stops.
  • Several owners report airbags failing to deploy during collisions, including a head-on crash and a rear-end impact.
  • One owner reported airbags deploying unexpectedly at highway speed with no collision, leading to a crash.
  • Owners describe axles breaking on snowy roads, causing loss of control and a collision.
  • Some owners report the instrument display flashing a false coolant warning and the vehicle stalling at a traffic light.
2019 Jeep Compass complaints: complaints filed per quarter222019 Q12020 Q12021 Q12022 Q12023 Q12024 Q12025 Q12026 Q1
329 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q2 (22).

2019 Jeep Compass recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V208000Apr 9, 2020Visibility & Wipers425,599 vehicles

    Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  2. NHTSA 18V523000Aug 9, 2018Brakes154,335 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    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.

    Risk: 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 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22 MPG
Highway
30.5 MPG
Combined
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,600
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2019 compared with other Compass years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Caution72229422
2018Avoid100942625
2019Avoid89329225
2020Caution67140125
2021Good3380025

All Jeep Compass years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Jeep Compass reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 Compass ranks 3rd-worst out of 19 model years with a complaint index of 89, resulting in an Avoid verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA data shows engine problems made up 51% of complaints and electrical system issues made up 45%, with brakes at 15% and transmission/powertrain at 11%.
Does the 2019 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2019 Compass: one for wiper arms that could loosen and reduce visibility, and one for rear brake caliper pistons with insufficient corrosion protection.
How does the 2019 Compass compare to other model years?
The 2019 model's complaint index of 89 is close to the 2018 model's index of 100 and the 2022 model's index of 94, all rated Avoid, while years like 2023 and 2010 rate Best.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Jeep Compass?
The EPA rates the 2019 Compass at 25 mpg combined (22 city/30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.