Jeep Compass problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 2,160 owner complaints and 24 recalls on file for the Jeep Compass (2007–2026). The 2018 Compass has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.
- Complaints
- 2,160
- Recalls
- 24
- Model years
- 20
- Worst year
- 2018
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Jeep Compass years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2018 Jeep Compass — 659 complaints, 17 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
- 2019 Jeep Compass — 283 complaints, 10 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
- 2022 Jeep Compass — 222 complaints, 11 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
- 2016 Jeep Compass — 184 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
- 2020 Jeep Compass — 141 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2009 (7 complaints).
Every Jeep Compass model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Compass | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Brakes |
| 2025 Compass | 27 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2024 Compass | 52 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Driver Assistance & Safety Tech |
| 2023 Compass | 46 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System |
| 2022 Compass | 222 | 11 | 0 | 6 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2021 Compass | 80 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2020 Compass | 141 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | Engine |
| 2019 Compass | 283 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 2 | Engine |
| 2018 Compass | 659 | 17 | 3 | 10 | 6 | Engine |
| 2017 Compass | 133 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2016 Compass | 184 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | Engine |
| 2015 Compass | 64 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Engine |
| 2014 Compass | 89 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 2 | Engine |
| 2013 Compass | 19 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Transmission & Drivetrain |
| 2012 Compass | 50 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion |
| 2011 Compass | 49 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Suspension |
| 2010 Compass | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Body & Structure |
| 2009 Compass | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Suspension |
| 2008 Compass | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags |
| 2007 Compass | 31 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Suspension |
Most common Jeep Compass problem areas (all years)
- Engine849 complaints
- Electrical System810 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain295 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech228 complaints
- Brakes145 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion135 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control118 complaints
- Lighting116 complaints
- Steering105 complaints
- Suspension100 complaints
Complaint trend
Jeep Compass recalls
Risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An IPC display that is not bright enough may not clearly show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An instrument panel display that is not visible to the driver may result in the inability to see safety-critical information, such as the fuel gauge and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: Improperly welded head restraints can result in an increased risk of injury to seat occupants during a crash.
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.
Risk: If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Risk: If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Risk: Should the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator pedal in certain conditions.
Other Jeep models
- Jeep Wrangler6,218 complaints
- Jeep Grand Cherokee6,104 complaints
- Jeep Cherokee5,760 complaints
- Jeep Renegade1,204 complaints
- Jeep Gladiator959 complaints
- Jeep Patriot883 complaints
- Jeep Wagoneer384 complaints
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L355 complaints
- Jeep Liberty316 complaints
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE270 complaints
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology