AI DamageJeep Compass: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Jeep Compass across 12 model years: 2,378 owner complaints and 1,225 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 42% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 39% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 15% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- 6 Forward collision avoidance 6% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 5% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- Engine: 992 complaints (42% of all), 13 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 233.
- Electrical system: 919 complaints (39% of all), 10 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1,398.
- Powertrain: 345 complaints (15% of all), 14 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 315.
- Service brakes: 173 complaints (7% of all), 13 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 57.
- Exterior lighting: 147 complaints (6% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 112.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2007–2017named in 4 complaints
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl 2023–2026
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl 2007–2022named in 14 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed 2014–2022
- automatic, 8-speed 2023–2026
- automatic, 9-speed 2017–2022
- CVT 2007–2017named in 2 complaints
- manual, 5-speed 2007–2017named in 2 complaints
- manual, 6-speed 2017–2020named in 2 complaints
Drive: FWD, AWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 2,378 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 992 | 13 | 233 |
| Electrical system | 919 | 10 | 1,398 |
| Powertrain | 345 | 14 | 315 |
| Service brakes | 173 | 13 | 57 |
| Exterior lighting | 147 | 0 | 112 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 146 | 7 | 71 |
| Steering | 120 | 7 | 77 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 115 | 1 | 78 |
| Vehicle speed control | 114 | 10 | 19 |
| Air bags | 73 | 35 | 36 |
| Electronic stability control | 61 | 2 | 4 |
| Suspension | 60 | 7 | 63 |
| Lane departure | 51 | 5 | 38 |
| Engine and cooling | 48 | 1 | 167 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact rented a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while slowly pulling into a parking space, the engine revved and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and shifted the transmission to reverse(R).
I was involved in an auto accident on May 18, 2026. I was hit by a person driving a Honda Accord on the side of my vehicle. The impact made all of the passenger side airbags deploy, but only the driver’s side steering wheel airbag and knee airbag deployed on the driver’s side of my vehicle.
i rearended someone around 30 miles an hour going around a turn and my airbags did not deploy and my seat was so uncomfortable my hips are a little fucked up
The collision avoidance, didn't kick in. Unsure about the final speed of the vehicle, but it was fast enough to deploy the airbags and total the vehicle. There is a police report with the Closter, NJ Police.
The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH on the expressway, the traffic came to a stop due to a stalled vehicle in the fast lane. The contact slammed on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front.
I became very scared as I approached a curve upon me reaching the curve, the dashboard and radio screen completely blacked out! I lose complete control of the vehicle, hit and embankment and tree! Cause injuries to my left wrist!
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- FUSE BLOCK - PWR DISTRIBUTION 1) False fails on PCR, DBSM and PDCs Stuck Closed or open diagnostics, DTC…
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Rear Wheel Bearing Noise The customer may notice the following
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Flash
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Flash
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market. Flash
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market
- Customer Can Not Make Changes to Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) Setting in Radio
- Not applicable to vehicles built for US market
- Radio Over The Air Update to U43.17 R1H Software Version (FOTA) Customers may experience one or more of…
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- Fixing a Wrecked 2016 Jeep Compass I Bought From Auction For Only $1,400amount per author: 1,400 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- Jeep Compass Common Repairs & Costs (2011–2017) | What Could Go Wrong?
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.