Cursing my Jeep Compass purchase decision: 2 breakdowns in the 1st week

I have driven multiple brands for over 25 years and have never had to face something like this.

BHPian vinitbhavi recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I write this with the utmost regret, horror and for a better lack of word, disgust. This is the second time I'm without the Jeep in the first week of ownership.

You read it right, the second time in the first week of owning the car, it has been towed away.

I took delivery of my brand new Jeep Compass S 4×4 Diesel AT (top-end variant costing Rs. 35.50 Lakh OTR) on 8th July from Landmark Jeep, WORLI and the odometer reading at the time of delivery was 87 km.

Incident one:

The next day, when driving to Pune and when the odometer was at 177 km, the vehicle started jerking, and the instrument cluster started flashing, “Service Transmission”.

The vehicle’s transmission oil was found leaking. I stopped the vehicle immediately and called the SA from the dealership that had delivered the car on the previous day. Together we called the company’s MOPAR 24-hour RSA, who refused any help as the vehicle broke down within 48 hours of delivery and RSA wasn’t activated yet.

I was stuck there for hours with only my two kids (7-year-old) with me in the rain.
I will never forgive and forget this.

Finally, after looking around with local contacts for 4 hours, I arranged a flatbed on my own and got the vehicle sent to Landmark Jeep, Thane. The company didn’t check the car that day because it was a Saturday evening, and then the next day, the service centre was shut because it was a Sunday, and the vehicle was inspected only on Monday.

Upon inspection, it was found that the transmission oil was leaking from a loose pipe, and it is a bit surprising that such an important part was missed during the vehicle’s PDI. This was unacceptable.

The part was rectified, and the vehicle was delivered after that. After persuasion, the vehicle’s warranty was extended from 3 years/1 lakh km to 5 years/1.5 lakh km free of charge. All was good for a couple of days, but the vehicle broke down again on the 15th of July.

Incident two:

After a tiring day at work, the car was driven usually from Powai to Bandra. At Bandra, after getting down to pick up groceries; the car wouldn't start. After contacting the team, I was told to switch off and start after half hour. After a tiring work day, I waited one hour and started. Again same issue.

A tow truck had to be called; this time, the RSA came. Again I had to go and hand over the keys.

My cousin, who was to go to the airport, was told to leave by Uber, and her mom asked me, "Where is your New Car." I had no answer. My one-week-old vehicle has spent more time at the service centre than with me.

I cursed the day I decided to go for a Jeep vehicle—one of my biggest regrets in life. It has caused me mental stress, sleepless nights and 35 lakhs 50,000 Rupees of my hard-earned money. More than anything, it has had me questioning my biggest passion in life, Driving. My stickers of "Live To Drive" and phone covers " Driving = Meditation" are two of my biggest Mantras in Life.

Waiting for some resolution on a Sunday morning after having not slept, knowing that even today's workshop is shut, nothing will be done.

The support and encouragement I have received from my fellow members and friends have been phenomenal and kept me going through this ordeal. Many close friends have done whatever they could to escalate the matter to the highest level, and I'm forever grateful. Bhpian StrangeWizard has been kind enough to publish the article attached below.

My confidence in the vehicle is at a low. I have driven multiple brands for over 25 years and have never had to face something like this.

Jeep, don't make me hate what I love doing most!

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Ideally, the dealership should have sorted internally with RSA and arranged your pickup. They should have sent you another car and taken care of yours. Such small gestures go a long way to keeping trust in the brand and the dealership. Things can fail but how you handle them is most important. With most cars being sold at zero discounts, I wonder why dealerships can't even do basic support, even if it means spending from their own pocket?

I won't fault the dealer here as PDI is to make sure that the car is delivered in the same condition that was initially built in the factory. And attend to any service bulletins or any specific VIN-based lookouts. Beyond that, dealers can't do anything. They are not QC inspectors for the manufacturer.

Once again, the dealership could have done better. They could have asked a mechanic to look into this today, and only if some parts were to be replaced, they should have pushed it to Monday. I understand that the stores may not be open, but at least identifying the fault would have given you comfort. Your second failure may or may not be linked at all. It can be as small as a loose battery connection from previous repairs.

Please keep us posted on the identified problem, which will help other potential customers.

I hope your troubles are sorted out soon.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

Vinit. So very sorry to hear about your troubles with the Compass. As a brand new Jeep owner myself (my first Jeep as well as my first SUV), I’m keenly watching for your updates. I can’t imagine a worse feeling than what you’re going through as a new car owner.

I’m glad they gave you an extended warranty free as a courtesy. It's the very least they can do and even that is not enough. After this second incident, they should also perhaps be giving you a courtesy replacement Compass for the period you are without your vehicle as Turbanator also suggested.

But this is the peripheral stuff. The most important aspect is for Jeep to give you a trouble-free car which will somehow give you back the confidence to take this car out with your family on long (or short) journeys, as this car is meant to.

Jeep seems to be very enthusiastic and customer-centric about getting feedback on the smallest complaints (from what I’ve experienced so far) so I have no doubt your issue will be getting attention at the highest level. But earnest promises are not enough. What that attention translates to in terms of actual resolution, is what all forum readers will be keenly watching.

Update from BHPian vinitbhavi:

Dear all,

Thank you all for all your love and support.

This is the true power of the community. I truly feel I'm not alone in the ordeal.

Some are offering me their spare cars. That is the best gesture a car owner/enthusiast can offer.

Update: the required part has reached the service centre and hope for rectification soonest.

The company provided me with a loaner car late last night and have used it for my daily commute.

The MT is an absolute rocket. This has brought a smile to my lips as I'm back doing what I love the most.

I do not need any more negativity in life and for all those comments, I have no answer but to say, "Hope you don't have to go through this ".

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