YearToAvoid

2021 Jeep Compass Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 24 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Jeep Compass, 30% of its 80 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints
24
30% of 80
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
70,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle suddenly loses power and shuts off while driving, including at highway speed around 75 MPH, sometimes requiring several restart attempts.
  • Repeated 'Coolant Temperature Too High' warnings trigger the engine to shut off unexpectedly, including while moving in traffic at around 40 mph.
  • Auto start-stop system fails to restart the engine after stopping at intersections, forcing drivers to shift to park and restart manually.
  • Engine stalls at a stop or on an incline with the check engine light on and the temperature gauge spiking, then returns to normal after a restart.
  • Owners report unusual motor mount noise during speed changes along with rough-feeling suspension.
  • One owner reported the A/C compressor clutch melted, cutting off cool air from the vents.

When 2021 Jeep Compass engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 19, 2022, latest Sep 6, 2026.

2021 Jeep Compass engine complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2022Sep 2023Mar 2024Jan 2025May 2025Mar 2026Aug 2026
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2024 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Jeep Compass

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Compass model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201011 (15%)
  2. 201151 (27%)
  3. 201245 (24%)
  4. 201314 (18%)
  5. 2014116 (38%)
  6. 201543 (38%)
  7. 2016174 (59%)
  8. 201777 (34%)
  9. 2018492 (52%)
  10. 2019169 (51%)
  11. 202083 (59%)
  12. 202124 (30%)
  13. 202241 (18%)
  14. 202310 (22%)
  15. 20249 (17%)
  16. 20254 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2021 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA lists 24 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Compass, which is 30% of the 80 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Jeep Compass engine issues?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint category on the 2021 Compass.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 70,000 miles.
What symptoms do owners describe most often?
Owners commonly describe sudden loss of power, high coolant temperature warnings that shut off the engine, and auto start-stop systems that fail to restart the vehicle at stops.
Were there any crashes linked to these complaints?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires associated with the 24 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Compass.

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.