2019 Jeep Compass: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Reliability improving after the rough launch but still short of class leaders. Lingering stalling, electrical and transmission-shift complaints; comfortable ride and off-road Trailhawk are the draws. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Jeep Compass ranged from $22,095 to $29,945 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Reliability improving after the rough launch but still short of class leaders. Lingering stalling, electrical and transmission-shift complaints; comfortable ride and off-road Trailhawk are the draws.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=compass&…
- repairpal.comhttps://www.repairpal.com/reliability/jeep/compass
Known issues
-
Engine stalls or loses power while driving, including a false "coolant temperature too high" warning that triggers a sudden shutdown.
occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Electrical and auto start/stop faults: battery drain, dashboard warnings and failure to restart at stops.
commonly reported · 50 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Excessive oil consumption and MultiAir-actuator faults on the 2.4L engine.
occasional · 40 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Transmission shift-quality complaints (harsh or hesitant shifts).
occasional · 30 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=compass&…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=compass&…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, compliant ride.
- Genuine off-road capability in the 4x4 Trailhawk.
- Reliability improving versus the rough 2017-2018 launch.
- Attractive, Grand Cherokee-inspired styling that looks more expensive than the price.
Cons
- Fuel economy and running costs trail the class leaders.
- Sluggish acceleration with the 2.4L engine and a 9-speed automatic that upshifts too eagerly.
- Tight rear seat and modest cargo room for the class.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | $22,095 | discontinued | — | — |
| Latitude | $24,745 | $29,550 | — | — |
| Limited | $29,445 | $33,560 | — | — |
| Trailhawk | $29,945 | $34,060 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-jeep-compass-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/jeep-compass-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($22,095). Higher trims started higher (up to $29,945), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 33% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/jeep-compass/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,700–1,800/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://www.repairpal.com/reliability/jeep/compass
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/jeep-compass-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2019 Jeep Compass have?
Documented issue patterns include: Engine stalls or loses power while driving, including a false "coolant temperature too high" warning that triggers a sudden shutdown; Electrical and auto start/stop faults: battery drain, dashboard warnings and failure to restart at stops; Excessive oil consumption and MultiAir-actuator faults on the 2.4L engine; Transmission shift-quality complaints (harsh or hesitant shifts). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2019 Jeep Compass reliable?
Reliability improving after the rough launch but still short of class leaders. Lingering stalling, electrical and transmission-shift complaints; comfortable ride and off-road Trailhawk are the draws.
How much did the 2019 Jeep Compass cost new?
Between $22,095 and $29,945 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Jeep Compass expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.