P0420 on JEEP COMPASS — Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

Q: "What does P0420 mean on a JEEP COMPASS?"

"P0420 indicates: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a emission controls code. 4 JEEP COMPASS owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0420 on JEEP COMPASS?"

"Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0420 serious on my JEEP COMPASS?"

"Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on JEEP COMPASS, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my JEEP COMPASS shows P0420?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0420 Means on Your JEEP COMPASS

P0420 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

4 JEEP COMPASS owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2007-2016. Most reports come from the 2007, 2012 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (75.0% of reports).

Real JEEP COMPASS Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Every time i fill my jeep up with gas not even 5 secs after i leave the engine turns off. now the check engine has popped up on my dashboard. i ran a code reader and it found code p0420."

— 2007 JEEP COMPASS owner · ENGINE · Filed 12/15/2020

"We have been receiving a check engine light on our 2012 Jeep Compass for code P0420. Reset the system but subsequently vehicle failed emissions testing. After some research we discovered this model vehicle and several others were supposed to be receiving a recall of the catalytic converters."

— 2012 JEEP COMPASS owner · ENGINE · Filed 01/27/2022

"The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while coming to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately."

— 2015 JEEP COMPASS owner · ENGINE · Filed 09/13/2023

"The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving uphill, the vehicle was chugging. The vehicle was difficult to shift into gear."

— 2016 JEEP COMPASS owner · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN · Filed 10/01/2024

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'07

1

'12

1

'15

1

'16

Common Causes on JEEP COMPASS

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 75%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN 25%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0420 mean on a JEEP COMPASS? ▾

P0420 indicates: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. This is a emission controls code. 4 JEEP COMPASS owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0420 on JEEP COMPASS? ▾

Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0420 serious on my JEEP COMPASS? ▾

Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on JEEP COMPASS, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my JEEP COMPASS shows P0420? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.