2017 Jeep Compass problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Compass, most often about electrical system. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
133
Recalls
4
Crashes
6
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Median mileage
43,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 53 of 133 complaints (40%).
  • Engine (40) and transmission & drivetrain (23) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 43,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
  • The 2017 Jeep Compass has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
  • It ranks 6th of 20 Jeep Compass model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 28% fewer complaints than the 2016 model year (184).

2017 Jeep Compass problems by category

  • 53 complaints
  • Engine · 1 crash
    40 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    38 complaints
  • 23 complaints
  • Brakes
    15 complaints
  • Airbags · 3 crashes
    9 complaints
  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Suspension · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    6 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    5 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system52
Engine40
Unknown or other37
Power train22
Service brakes11
Steering9
Air bags9
Suspension6

When problems happen (mileage)

4Under 10k1410k–30k3130k–60k1760k–100k5100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Jeep Compass complaints that list mileage.

2017 Jeep Compass recalls (4)

  • Recall 17V824000Dec 21, 201761,791 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

    Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

  • Recall 17V740000Nov 21, 201725,823 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

    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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.

  • Recall 17V433000Jul 7, 201712,989 vehicles
    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.

    Risk: If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and will replace the User's Guides with a corrected version, free of charge. The recall began August 22, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T46.

  • Recall 17V301000May 9, 20174,705 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.

    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.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026

    Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…

  • EA19001Opened Apr 19, 2019Closed Sep 19, 2024led to recall 20V024

    Electrical overstress

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount…

  • AQ17004Opened Aug 18, 2017Closed Nov 23, 2020

    Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Sale Issue

    NHTSA opened AQ17-004 to determine whether Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Houston, Texas (Northwest) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. 30120(i)). NHTSA issue…

Recent 2017 Jeep Compass complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 19, 2026TNSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
    I am reporting a serious steering/suspension safety problem with my 2017 Jeep Compass. After picking the vehicle up from the dealership following repairs/service, the vehicle was significantly more difficult and frightening to control than before. While driving, the Jeep will suddenly veer toward the shoulder/ditch or toward/over the center line even though I have not intentionally moved the steering wheel in that direction. I have to repeatedly correct the steering to keep…
    NHTSA complaint #11765444 · source
  2. Filed May 25, 2026MIOther / Unknown
    When driving the 2017 Jeep Compass, a bubble which has formed on the touchscreen causes it to randomly change different settings (such as turning on the heated seats/steering wheel, turning on the AC or heat, etc.), caused music to suddenly start playing at loud volumes, caused it to call random numbers, etc. which makes it impossible to use the touchscreen or display screen at any time. This also has made the backup camera inoperable, as it just switches to the radio screen…
    NHTSA complaint #11739861 · source
  3. Filed Apr 2, 2026177,382 miALElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact had traded a prior vehicle for the Jeep. The vehicle was a private sale. The following day, the mileage jumped nearly 40,000 miles. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 110,246 and the next day the mileage was 154,085. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the mileage had gone back and forth between the two mileages. The contact obtained a vehicle history report online, which confirmed…
    NHTSA complaint #11728909 · source
  4. Filed Mar 31, 2026NCElectrical System
    Car just cuts off. Batteries are good, alternator good no codes! Rpm goes to o cuts off parking break comes takes a couple of seconds to start then cuts off at random times while driving very unsafe!!!! Taken to dealer can’t find anything wrong!!!
    NHTSA complaint #11728362 · source
  5. Filed Mar 26, 2026125,000 miINBrakes
    The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and exited the vehicle to inspect the brakes. The brakes on the vehicle and the brakes were extremely hot. The contact reentered and started the vehicle after five minutes, and the vehicle operated as intended. An…
    NHTSA complaint #11727337 · source
  6. Filed Feb 23, 202661,000 miVABrakesTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle were shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stopped the vehicle to inspect it and became aware that the front passenger’s side wheel was extremely hot to the touch. The contact deactivated the Traction Control light, and the failure was temporarily…
    NHTSA complaint #11719884 · source
  7. Filed Feb 3, 2026100,851 miFLTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. While accelerating, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking metallic sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. After three hours of being stranded on the roadway, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic determined that the failure was related to the drive shaft, transfer case, and…
    NHTSA complaint #11715198 · source
  8. Filed Feb 2, 2026WIAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine
    I was approaching a stoplight and every light on the dash lit up, the car wouldn’t go after stopping and it wouldn’t turn off when put in park. I also couldn’t shift into any other gear. This is seriously dangerous and not the first time I’ve had major mechanical issues with this vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11714975 · source

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Other 2017 Jeep models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology