We just bought a 2019 Jeep Compass and it seems like the brakes are super touchy. When I push the brakes I've gotta be super careful and lightly ease into them or it feels like I'm going to go through the windshield. It also seems like it's only like this at lower speeds, 30 mph or less. Is this normal and I need to get used to it or does something need adjusted?
As for touchy brakes, it's better than the opposite. I agree with what Eugene@2018 said. The brakes on whatever you were driving before were probably getting old and worn.
I was guessing that but thought I'd ask. Actually what we were driving before the Compass is a 2003 Jeep Liberty that got all new calipers, rotors and pads last summer. The brakes were perfect and totally predictable. We've also still got a 2012 Dodge Nitro R/T and a 2012 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4X4 pickup. These also have totally predictable brakes. I'm guessing that the Compass has electric brake boost and our other Chrysler products still have vacuum boost. Thanks for the input Eugene@2018 and Jasmine.
The brakes are unusually touchy in my opinion. In fact, I remember when I took the initial test drive of one, the salesperson even said to be careful of the brakes because they take some getting used to. I think they do this to give you the impression that it stops better than it actually does by putting most of the brake force on the initial application. It's also been mentioned on several video reviews I've seen.
IMO though, this is one of the things that makes the Compass Trailhawk less capable off-road. It is very difficult to modulate the brakes at low speed.
Yup. Brakes are a bit touchy. Sort of like the steering is very sensitive. You get used to it though and learn to appreciate its attentiveness. Way better than a horribly sloppy and loose Chevy. IMHO.
Did you ever get a good answer from anywhere? I have a 2018 compass and same problem- it’s been over a year now. I thought I’d get used to it but I really haven’t.
For me, I had to get use to them. When I drive our other car it feels like I don't even have power brakes on it. Takes 1-2 stops in the Compass to get use to them again.
4 months and still not used to the brakes. Throttle response in reverse is also very aggressive. These two issues together make it quite difficult to park on my sloped driveway.
Sounds to me like a problem with the friction material (brake pads). Not the first time I have seen this. Brakes shouldn't be that touchy EVER. Also you did not mention how many miles you has on it. I suggest changing the brakes with GOOD premium ones. NEVER scrimp on brakes!
touchy cold brake, unresponsive throttle= normal for us
btw, anyone notice it's rather hard to line up the car straight when turning into a parking spot? I find that i'm always slanted to the left. then i noticed the hood line and side quarter panel forms a continuous curve, making it harder to judge both distance and angles
Quite the opposite for me , I just got it delivered two days back and need to floor the brake pedal to make sure my car stops. All the pedals feels tight and it takes out the confidence in braking the car .
I agree with @mastermech, and strongly suspect it's the pads. They're very grabby when cold. After a stop or two to warm them up it gets better, in my experience. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I may take the time to swap them out.
So, the sway bar links were clunking. Replaced those, and did pads all around while in there. The OEMs in the front were made by ITT, and had a friction grade of GG (this grade used to be pretty rare, mostly used for track and high performance, which Compasses are not). I used PowerStop 17-1811 and 17-2081, which have a bit less friction, grade FF. "Grabbiness" is gone.
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