Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking)

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 6 recalls on the 2018 Jeep Compass, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 21,000 and 45,000 miles, from the 9 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“I was driving up a hill and coming to a light. Another car was asking the turn at the light. I let off the gas to slow the car down and there was no way I was going to hit the car turning. The Automatic Emergency Braking engaged, slamming on the brakes, causing an abrupt stop in traffic. I was almost hit from behind because this system took over my car and did not allow me the driver to co trol the car.”

Filed Jan 23, 2026

“While driving with my wife and 3 kids the car automatically braked by itself. Lucky to be able to report this. The NTHSA doesn’t have any current recalls on my VIN. It should now this model vehicle could be causing future accidents or deaths. Hope this gets some attention asap.”

Filed Nov 9, 2024

“This isn’t the first time it happened, I was about to make a right turn at an intersection and the car suddenly stalled with emergency brake engaged and the funny part is that the car wouldn’t turn off . This car is garbage and it’s drink oil like a monster”

Filed Aug 22, 2023

“1. The car will stall while driving at highway speeds and/or will turn on the emergency brake after stopping due to a stop sign or traffic. Yes this is available for inspection. 2. Not as of yet, Jeep said it was a battery problem. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by Jeep. 4. There were no signs or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. It occurred from one day to another and has not stopped.”

Filed Nov 11, 2022

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 376 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 160 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 144 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 103 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 74 reports
• Multiple warning lights come on at once 68 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 62 reports
• Engine overheats or leaks coolant 44 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 42 reports
• Headlights too dim or fail 39 reports
• Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 34 reports
• Engine rattles or ticks 30 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 30 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 26 reports
• Suspension noise, struts or alignment 26 reports
• Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 25 reports