Second generation (MP)
2020 Jeep Compass
The most reported problem on the 2020 Jeep Compass is overheating, with 45 complaints, usually around 44,000 miles.
- 140owner complaints
- 1recalls
- 3involved a crash
- 32,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Compass doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2020 model year.
Is the 2020 Jeep Compass reliable?
The 2020 Jeep Compass has 140 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 233 for 2020 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Compass model years since 2014, it has the 7th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2019 and 2021
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2019 draws 41, the 2020 20 and the 2021 13.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Overheating has 45 complaints and stalling has 43, out of 140 in all. A quarter of the 9 owners who gave a mileage for overheating saw it by about 34,000 miles, and half by about 44,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 5 of the 140 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 3 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 3 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as overheating, stalling and infotainment. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 28 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 25. So far in 2026, 15 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine overheats or leaks coolant, 45 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
140 complaints is 1.6 times fewer than the median 2020 model on this site and 1.7 times fewer than the median 2020 SUV. Among the 8 Compass model years here it ranks 7th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2020 Jeep Compass
Jeep filed 408 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2020 Jeep Compass. 58 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 2 bulletins · 45 complaints
Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 27 bulletins · 33 complaints
Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data).
Not applicable to vehicles Alternator Pulley Cap Failure Customer may comment on one or more of the following: NOTE: **There will be multiple indicators and messages will display on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) with no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** ...
25 more on this problem
NOTE: Does not apply to vehicles built for US Market. Alternator Pulley Cap Failure Customer may comment on one or more of the following: ● Vehicle will not start due to a depleted battery. ● Noise heard from the engine compartment.
SOS and Assistance Call Not Working After Radio Exchange Unit Installed
Flash: Global Telematics Box Module (TBM) Update to 4.34 The customer may experience the one or more of the following: ? Outdated vehicle data on customer's mobile app. ? Connected Services maintenance popup displayed on the radio screen.
Apple CarPlay Does Not Work Or Not Connecting
Radio Over The Air JR34.41F Updating to JR34.42F Software Version ? Mobile WiFi inoperative upon start up. ? WiFi hotspot gives ?No Internet? connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Remained On After Ignition Is Switched Off, Dead Battery From Excessive Radio Current Draw
Radio Over The Air Updating to 34.42 Software Version ? Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. ? Hotspot gives 9No Internet9 connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air JR34.3 Updating to JR34.32.Software Version Customers may experience one or more of the following: Not be able to use Mobile Wi-Fi upon start up. Hotspot gives a no Internet connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
Radio Over The Air Updating to 40.12 Software Version Mobile Wi-Fi inoperative upon start up. Hotspot gives 9No Internet9 connection message on phone when trying to connect to a device.
UAQ and UCQ Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance.
Plus 15 older ones not listed here.
Battery dies or the car will not start 11 bulletins · 27 complaints
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Alternator Decoupler Pulley Failure Customers may experience one or more of the following: ● The alternator pulley may spin freely due to a decoupler failure.
9 more on this problem
Battery Drain Suspected or "Identified" From USB or Media Hub
Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
Flash: Integrated Dual Charging Module (IDCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the IDCM with the latest available software. Customers may notice the following:B22A9-17 - ECU Internal Performance-Circuit Voltage Above Threshold.
Right Front Turn Signal Bulb Does Not Illuminate DTC B163E-15 Front Right Turn Lamp Control-Circuit Short To Battery Or Open
Loose Battery Cable This bulletin involves tightening the charging cable nut to specifications. Customers may notice the vehicle is not charging properly.
Engine Stop/Start (ESS) Inoperative This bulletin involves inspecting the Intelligent Battery (IBS) part number and/or replacing the starter motor and wire to the starter for a engine stop/start issue.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience one or more of the following conditions: Reduced battery life.
BATTERY, Auxiliary (180 AMP) Mopar Engineering has reviewed the BBAUA180AA battery due to concerns over fitment in Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge & Ram vehicles and has provided direction on usage.
Intelligent Battery Sensor-IBS Installation, Battery Charging Message, Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On Stop Start Equipped Vehicles
Check engine light or misfire 6 bulletins · 11 complaints
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
Flash: Body Control Module (BCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the BCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
4 more on this problem
Engine Surge Feel and/or Diagnostic Trouble Code P0299 ? Turbo Underboost Condition After Updating The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software. (ETL, ETM, ETN Engines)
Flash: Electronic Shift Module (ESM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Electronic Shift Module (ESM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Customer complaint may include MIL/Check Engine lamp on. Upon further inspection, fault code P219A - Bank 1 Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance may be found in the powertrain control module (PCM) as pending, active, or stored.
Body Control Module (BCM) Replacement This bulletin involves inspecting and replacing the BCM if needed. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Backup camera goes black or freezes 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
Steering Wheel Switches, Terrain Switch Inoperative, Backup Camera Display Has No Grid Lines
Car won't start 5 bulletins · 8 complaints
P0513 - Invalid SKIM Key Active In PCM, No Crank No Start After Replacing BCM With 68490749AB
No Start, Start Stop Inoperative, Cluster Message Service Start Stop System
3 more on this problem
No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
No Start, Cannot Complete Module Replace, Proxi Or Module Proxi Configuration
No Start, Start Stop Inoperative, Cluster Messages to Service Shifter or Service Start Stop System
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 4 bulletins · 7 complaints
Replacement of Front and Rear Wheel Speed Sensors Due to Oxidation or Water Intrusion Setting Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) This bulletin involves replacing all four wheel speed sensors due to oxidation or water intrusion into the sensor.
SENSOR, Tire Pressure For concern of TPM warning lamp on or missing signal related DTCs, please ensure correct TPMS diagnosis and repair.
2 more on this problem
Volume Uncontrollable Or Stuck On High
Spare Wheel Missing the Anti-theft Screw This bulletin involves inspecting and installing the spare wheel anti-theft screw, if required. The customer/dealer may notice:The vehicle is missing the spare wheel anti-theft screws for the spare wheel.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 2 bulletins · 5 complaints
Various Models - Engine Valley Cap (Flywheel Side) - Oil Leakage - Service Solution Customers may experience the following: ● Oil leaks from the engine compartment, engine/transmission coupling.
Engine Vibration Noise or Feeling When Shifting into Gear This bulletin involves replacing the rear engine mount. The customer may describe a vibration noise or feeling when in drive or reverse and the brakes are applied.
Complaints filed by year
28 complaints came in 2023. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
False overheat leading to loss of motive power. Closed dec 10, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2020 Jeep Compass
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
The recall on the 2020 Jeep Compass, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2020 Jeep Compass?
Overheating, with 45 of the 140 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 44,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2020 Jeep Compass problems start?
Of the 44 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 8,000 miles and half by about 32,000.
Is the 2020 Jeep Compass better or worse than the 2019 and 2021?
Counted per year on the road, the 2020 has fewer complaints than the 2019 and more complaints than the 2021: 20 a year against 41 and 13.
How many 2020 Jeep Compass complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
5 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for overheating on the 2020 Jeep Compass?
No recall on file for the 2020 Jeep Compass is on the same system as overheating. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.