2020 Jeep Compass Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Jeep Compass has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 7th worst out of 19 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Owners most often report engine problems (83 complaints, 59% share), followed by electrical system issues (67 complaints, 48%).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #7 of 19 Compass years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 140
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2020 Jeep Compass problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine83 (59%)
- Electrical System67 (48%)
- Other30 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain28 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (6%)
- Brakes7 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (4%)
- Steering6 (4%)
- Fuel System4 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine shuts off unexpectedly while decelerating or stopping at lights, sometimes requiring the driver to shift to park and restart.
- Windshield wipers stop functioning during rain, reducing visibility and contributing to at least one reported crash.
- Electrical system failures cause the vehicle to shut off while driving, with infotainment screens staying lit and shift-knob lights blinking.
- Gear actuator seizes or shows a false not-in-park warning after the vehicle has already been placed in park.
- Forward collision avoidance system fails to detect stopped vehicles ahead or apply braking as designed.
- Engine compartment fires have been reported, in one case with smoke and sparking before any warning light appeared.
2020 Jeep Compass recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2020 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.
2020 compared with other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Jeep Compass reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Compass a Complaint Index of 67, ranking it 7th worst among 19 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other Compass years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2020 Jeep Compass?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 83 complaints and 59% of all issues reported, with a median failure mileage of 10,200 miles.
- Does the 2020 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2020 Compass, covering a windshield wiper arm that could loosen and reduce wiper function; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- Are there electrical issues with the 2020 Jeep Compass?
- Yes, the Electrical System is the second-largest problem area with 67 complaints (48% share) and a median failure mileage of 33,000 miles, including reports of the vehicle shutting off while driving.
- How does the 2020 Compass compare to other years?
- The 2020 Compass ranks 7th worst of 19 years with a Complaint Index of 67, better than 2018 (100, Avoid) and 2019 (89, Avoid) but worse than years like 2021 (33, Good) and 2023 (17, Best).