# Jeep Compass coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 112 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (37) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 112 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Jeep Compass (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (37). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Jeep Compass coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 1 | 113 | 1% | | 2016 | 2 | 293 | 1% | | 2017 | 2 | 229 | 1% | | 2018 | 27 | 948 | 3% | | 2019 | 37 | 332 | 11% | | 2020 | 26 | 143 | 18% | | 2021 | 10 | 82 | 12% | | 2022 | 5 | 226 | 2% | | 2025 | 2 | 30 | 7% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Jeep Compass recalls related to the coolant temperature warning light **[17V670000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V670000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-10-24): If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. **[16V907000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V907000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-12-16): If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Jeep Compass owners report - "Engine, all safety warnings, transmission warning, overheating warning. I pull over and all the transmission fluid began to pour out onto the highway. I had to pay 178.00 and wait on the shoulder of a two lane highway for about an hour and a half before the tow truck arrived. I had it left at the dealership and had..." -- owner of a 2025 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2026 - "Backlighting in dash cluster not working and makes it very difficult to see my fuel gauge, and temperature gauge, cruise control, and other items shown in gauge cluster." -- owner of a 2022 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2023 - "The high coolant temperature light cut on and turned my vehicle off while driving. This problem has been reported on older model Jeep compasses. The car never turned back on and I had to get my vehicle towed home." -- owner of a 2021 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the coolant temperature warning light means A red coolant temperature light means the engine is overheating or about to. The most common cause is low coolant from a leak, followed by a stuck thermostat, a failed radiator fan, and a worn water pump. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe, because continued driving can warp the cylinder head and destroy the engine. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low coolant from a leak** (most common) 2. **Thermostat stuck closed** (common) 3. **Radiator fan not working** (common) 4. **Failing water pump or broken belt** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Jeep Compass coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (17V670000, 16V907000) covering 2016-2018 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Jeep Compass years have the most coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Compass model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 37 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Compass with the coolant temperature light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut the engine off. Driving an overheating engine even a few miles can cause damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. ### How do I check if my Jeep Compass has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Jeep Compass warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-compass): 23 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-compass): 38 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-compass): 75 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-compass): 285 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-compass): 53 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-compass): 55 complaints ## Coolant temperature warning light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape): 1520 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-edge): 752 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-explorer): 222 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-accord): 193 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-wrangler): 143 complaints - [Nissan Rogue](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-rogue): 140 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chrysler-pacifica): 139 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sorento): 138 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-soul): 110 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-silverado): 100 complaints ## Jeep Compass - [Jeep Compass specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-compass) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-compass Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.