C1592 on 2018 Jeep Compass: Electronic Power Steering Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2018 Jeep COMPASS

For the 2018 Jeep Compass, this code is specifically called out in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #19-002-17. The bulletin notes that for vehicles built between late August and early September 2017, a loss of power steering assist can be caused by water intrusion into the steering column, leading to a cluster of EPS-related codes, including C1592. This suggests a specific manufacturing or design vulnerability rather than a random component failure. The entire steering column is an integrated electronic assembly, and the EPS motor is part of it.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Complete loss of power steering assist (steering becomes very heavy)
• "Power Steering Deactivated, Repair System" me 🎬 Watch: Real-world example of a Compass power steering failure.ssage on the instrument cluster screen
• Illuminated power steering warning light (an icon of a steering wheel)
• Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or check engine light is on
• A popping or clunking noise from the steering column when turning.
• Multiple other warning lights may appear simultaneously, such as for the ABS and traction control systems.

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal Failure of the Steering Column Assembly 🔴 High Probability TSB #19-002-17 explicitly identifies water intrusion into the steering column as a cause for this failure on a specific build range of 2018 Compass models, requiring column replacement. The EPS motor, torque sensor, and control module are integrated into this single assembly, making internal failure a common and expensive point of failure.
   How to confirm: After verifying power, ground, and communication wires to the EPS unit are intact, a professional scan tool is used to confirm the module is unresponsive or has persistent internal fault codes (like C1592, C1593, C2217). The TSB applies to a specific VIN range (built between 08/25/17 and 09/09/17).
   Typical fix: Replacement of the entire steering column assembly. This must be followed by several software procedures using a dealer scan tool, including a Proxy Alignment, SRS Verification Test, and Steering Angle Calibration.
   Est. part cost: $1800-$2800
2. Low Battery Voltage or Failing Main/Auxiliary Battery 🟡 Medium Probability The 2018 Compass uses a sensitive start-stop system with both a main and an auxiliary battery. These vehicles are notoriously prone to electrical gremlins when either battery's health degrades. A weak battery can cause a significant voltage drop, triggering fault codes in sensitive electronic systems like the EPS, especially during startup.
   How to confirm: Test the state of health, state of charge, and cranking voltage of BOTH the main and auxiliary batteries with a professional battery tester. A simple voltage check is often insufficient. Check for loose or corroded battery terminals.
   Typical fix: Replace both the main (AGM type) and auxiliary batteries. It is highly recommended to replace them as a pair, as a bad battery of one type can ruin the other.
   Est. part cost: $300-$500 for both batteries
3. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors leading to the electronic power steering rack and column for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Check for stable power and ground at the EPS module connector using a multimeter and wiring diagram.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the faulty connector.
   Est. part cost: $20-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Loose Steering Column Bolts:

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan all vehicle modules for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Note all codes present, especially those related to the EPS system.
2. Check the vehicle's build date and VIN to see if it falls within the range specified by TSB #19-002-17 (built between August 25, 2017, and September 09, 2017).
3. Perform a comprehensive battery and charging system test on BOTH the main and auxiliary batteries. Ensure battery voltage is stable and above 12.4V with the engine off and that they pass a load test.
4. Inspect the main battery terminals and ground connections for looseness or corrosion.
5. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the power steering column assembly for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or water intrusion.
6. Using a multimeter and wiring diagram, verify that the EPS module is receiving proper power and has a solid ground connection.
7. If all external wiring, power, and grounds are good, and the codes C1592, C1593, and C2217 are present, the fault is internal to the steering column assembly, which requires replacement as per TSB #19-002-17.
8. After replacement, perform required calibration procedures: SRS Verification Test, Proxy Alignment, and Steering Angle Calibration using a compatible scan tool.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Steering Column Assembly (OEM #68276903AF (superseded by 68276903AN)) — Per TSB #19-002-17, water intrusion or internal electronic failure necessitates the replacement of the entire column assembly, which contains the EPS motor and module.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $1793-$2745
  Aftermarket price range: $1200-$1800
• Main and Auxiliary Batteries — The platform is highly sensitive to battery health. A weak main (AGM) or auxiliary battery can cause voltage drops that trigger the C1592 code and other electrical faults. It is best practice to replace both at the same time.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Duralast, DieHard
  OEM price range: $400-$600 for the pair
  Aftermarket price range: $300-$500 for the pair

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1593-49 — This code for 'Steering Torque Sensor Circuit - Internal Electronic Failure' is listed in the same TSB and points to an internal failure within the same steering assembly.
• C15DB-00 — This code for 'EPS Disabled' is a direct result of the fault detected by C1592; the system shuts down as a safety precaution.
• C2217-00 — This code for 'Electric Power Steering Module Internal' failure is also listed in TSB #19-002-17 and confirms the problem is inside the sealed EPS unit.
• C2210-00 — This code for 'ECU Over-temperature' is another code listed in TSB #19-002-17, suggesting the electrical failure can generate excess heat.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 19-002-17: Addresses loss of steering assist due to water intrusion in the steering column, causing codes C1592, C1593, C15DB, C2210 and C2217. The prescribed fix is to replace the steering column and perform subsequent software calibrations.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #19-002-17 was issued for a batch of 2018 Jeep Compass models (built from 08/25/17 to 09/09/17) specifically for a loss of power steering assist due to water intrusion into the steering column, which triggers code C1592.
• NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Compass describe sudden power steering failure while driving, sometimes accompanied by a multitude of warning lights and a clunking sound in the steering.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Battery Voltage During EPS Module Flashing — expected: Stable between 13.2 and 13.5 volts. Failure: Dropping below 13.2V or climbing above 13.5V during the flash process risks rendering the EPS ECU inoperable.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• C1592-01: The '-01' is a Failure Type Code (FTC) indicating a 'General Electrical Failure'. This is explicitly defined in TSBs for Jeep vehicles and points to a circuit-level fault rather than a mechanical or software issue. (see via A professional scan tool like wiTECH will display the code with its FTC.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: Proxy Configuration Alignment — This procedure is mandatory after replacing the steering column (EPS module). It synchronizes the new module with the vehicle's Body Control Module (BCM) and other ECUs. Failure to perform this will result in a flashing odometer and persistent communication faults.
• wiTECH: EPS Reset — After flashing the EPS module with new software, a reset may be required to prevent other warnings, like for the Active Lane Management (ALM) system, from appearing. This is found under the 'Guided Diagnostics' menu.
• wiTECH: Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) Calibration — Required after steering column replacement or four-wheel alignment to ensure the EPS module knows the exact position of the steering wheel. An uncalibrated SAS can cause stability control issues or prevent the EPS learn procedure from completing.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EPS Module Connector — On the steering column assembly, typically under the driver's side dashboard.. This is the main electrical interface for the entire EPS system. Verifying power, ground, and CAN bus signals at this connector is a key diagnostic step. The CAN C bus wires are critical for communication with the rest of the vehicle.
• CAN C Bus Circuits (D252/D253) — These circuits run between the EPS Module and other key modules like the Drivetrain Control Module. For example, Pin 9 (CAN C-) and Pin 10 (CAN C+) at the EPS module connector are essential.. A fault on the CAN bus (e.g., a short or open circuit) can isolate the EPS module, causing it to shut down and log communication-related faults alongside C1592.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68276903AF → 68276903AN — The part has been revised multiple times, with at least 10 intermediate part numbers (AD, AE, AF, AG, AH, AI, AJ, AK, AL, AM) leading to the current 'AN' version. This frequent supersession history strongly suggests ongoing design improvements, likely to address the water intrusion and internal failure issues identified in TSBs.
  Heads up: When replacing, only the latest available part number (currently 68276903AN) should be used to ensure the most recent design improvements are incorporated.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018 (specifically build dates 08/25/17 - 09/09/17): Vehicles built within this specific date range are subject to TSB #19-002-17, which identifies water intrusion into the steering column as the primary cause of failure. Vehicles outside this range may still experience the code, but the cause is less likely to be this specific manufacturing defect.