2021 Jeep Compass Problems: 7 Known Issues
2021 model year · 623+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 623+ owner reports, the 2021 Jeep Compass has 7 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Nine-speed (948TE) harsh 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts and torque-converter clutch fault — bulletins 21-023-21, 21-040-25 with 623 owner reports. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2021 · Latitude 4x4 · 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2
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All 7 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness level of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) may not be adjustable due to incorrect software in the body control module (BCM). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front seat head restraints were not welded properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Compass vehicles. The instrument panel center cluster display may be insufficiently illuminated and may not appear visible during daytime driving conditions. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Compass problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 623+ owner reports, the 2021 Jeep Compass has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Nine-speed (948TE) harsh 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts and torque-converter clutch fault — bulletins 21-023-21, 21-040-25, Gear-oil leak from the 4x4 power transfer unit (owner reports), Rainwater leaking into the cabin or cargo area (owner reports). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Jeep Compass reliable?
The 2021 Jeep Compass has 7 known issues documented across 623+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Nine-speed (948TE) harsh 1-2 / 2-3 upshifts and torque-converter clutch fault — bulletins 21-023-21, 21-040-25?
The 948TE nine-speed automatic can make harsh 1-2 or 2-3 upshifts, which FCA's parts note for 2021 models calls a known issue. Separately, a misaligned reaction shaft can wear its bushing early, turning on the check-engine light with code P1DB7 (torque converter clutch performanc… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Gear-oil leak from the 4x4 power transfer unit (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compass 4x4 models report the power transfer unit (PTU) at the transaxle leaking gear oil, in some cases at low mileage, with dealers replacing a seal or quoting a new unit. Applies to: Second-generation (MP) Compass with 4x4 (Jeep Active Drive), 2017-… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Rainwater leaking into the cabin or cargo area (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compasses report rainwater getting in after rain or washing, at the rear cargo-area air vent, around the rear seat-belt opening or onto the floor. Suspected entry points differ between cars: owners name blocked or disconnected sunroof drains and the ro… Severity: medium.
What is the 2021-2025 Jeep Compass Forward collision warning and adaptive cruise switch off ("Unavailable" or "Off" messages) — bulletin 08-006-26?
The forward collision warning and adaptive cruise system can turn itself off and show an "FCW Off" or "ACC/FCW Unavailable, Service Required" message when its sensor is blinded, for example by snow, ice, mud or debris over the front radar. On some 2022-2025 Trailhawks with the 2. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2021 Jeep Compass Auxiliary stop/start battery problems: "Service Start/Stop", stop/start off or no-start (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compasses report the small auxiliary stop/start battery failing, with stop/start switched off, a "Service Start/Stop" or battery message, and in some cases a main battery drained overnight and a no-start. FCA's general diagnostic guidance for dual-batt… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Jeep Compass Power door locks stop locking or unlocking (owner reports)?
Owners of second-generation Compasses report doors that stop power locking or unlocking. On a 2018, one rear door's lock clicked but the door would not lock or unlock from the fob or its button; on a 2021, the electric locks stopped working on every door while the key still worke… Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2021 Jeep Compass Uconnect screen freezes, goes black or keeps restarting (owner reports)?
Owners of 2017-2018 Compasses report the Uconnect touchscreen freezing and not responding, or shutting off and restarting over and over. FCA's general Uconnect guidance links freeze-and-reset events to radio software below application version QR37.4, and continual reboots with a… Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.