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Jeep · NHTSA safety record

2018 Jeep Compass

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 943 safety complaints about the 2018 Jeep Compass with the US government. Of those, 28 describe a crash, 5 mention a fire, 18 people were injured and no death is recorded. 6 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 473 complaints, 50% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 18,250 miles, the median across the 478 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers September 2017 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

943 complaints on file

943

Complaints

28

Describe a crash

5

Mention fire

18

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 473 · 50%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 376 · 40%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 193 · 20%
POWER TRAIN 151 · 16%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 64 · 7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 63 · 7%
SERVICE BRAKES 61 · 6%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 38 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 33 · 3%
STEERING 28 · 3%
SUSPENSION 26 · 3%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 25 · 3%
0 192 385

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 943.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 185.

196 147 98 49
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2017 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2018 Jeep COMPASS, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV AWD SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 20.6% 20.2%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

6 on file

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

18V524000 · August 9, 2018

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
The risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 12,779 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

18V523000 · August 9, 2018

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
The risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 154,335 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

18V279000 · May 1, 2018

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.
The risk
If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 2,761 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

17V740000 · November 21, 2017

The defect
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."
The 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.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 25,823 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V732000 · November 21, 2017

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The passenger side air bag assembly may have inflator mounting nuts loose within the module assembly.
The 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.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 27,210 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

17V670000 · October 24, 2017

The defect
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
The risk
If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 357 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · fire · crash · towed · 37,000 miles

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR-END AND FRONT END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME REAR-ENDED THE JEEP COMPASS AT APPROX 50 MPH PUSHING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE JEEP COMPASS. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK CAUSING MYSELF TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint 11267861. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

Drivers side impact at approximately 40mph and side, floor and overhead airbags failed to deploy causing serious injury. Vehicle was parked at a stop sign when full impact occurred. There was 2 children in the rear seats and only a driver in the vehicle. There was none in the front passenger seat and only the airbag in the steering column deployed and the passenger seat airbag deployed. Airbags did not protect the children nor the driver in this impact.

NHTSA complaint 11523243. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed

I was hit from behind on the interstate 2 weeks ago. My Jeep Compass was stopped in heavy traffic on the interstate. A large white pickup truck hit my car first going at least 80 mph. He did not see that traffic was stopped. This caused my jeep to roll and come to a stop on the passenger side on the ground and the driver side in the air. My airbags did deploy, but not on impact. They deployed after the jeep came to a stop on it's side. After impact and after rolling. The airbags were not useful after the jeep stopped moving. This needs to be addressed. I was hurt and did go to the ER. I did not have any passengers, thankfully, they may not have survived that. My seatbelt held me in well, it

NHTSA complaint 11562564, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · crash · towed · 2 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SWERVED TOWARDS THE CONTACT'S LANE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE OTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A WHITE SUBSTANCE ENTERED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CRASH OCCURRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, UPPER AND LOWER BACK PAINS, AND SHOULDER AND NECK PAINS. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V523000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION. THE DEALER (MOSS BROTHERS

NHTSA complaint 11131720, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
UCONNECT SCREEN/ NO AVAILABLE BACK UP CAMERA HAS CEASED TO WORK DUE TO CONDITION OF SCREEN FAULTY THERMAL GLUE VISABLE NAVIGATION UNUSABLE PHONE CALLS MADE BY THE SYSTEM WITH NO HUMAN INTERACTION REPEATEDLY OPERATIOR DISTRACTION IS OCCURING DUE TO THESE ISSUES SCREEN DELAMINATION SCREEN IS BLACK OR DISPLAYS COLOR BLOCK LINES BACK UP CAMERA IS NOT ABLE TO BE USED CALLS ARE MADE BY THE SYSTEM ON ITS OWN REPEATEDLY CHANGES HEATING CLIMATE CONTROL ON ITS OWN WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE

NHTSA complaint 11767900. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aux battery failed; start/stop, stopped at a red light car shut off in start/stop mode, when I went to drive my car went into limp mode and emergency break engaged and every single light on my dash came on. I had to turn car off in the intersection. Once I turned the car back on every light came back on and when I shifted it into drive the transmission slammed so hard it jerked the entire car. This has issue started around 60,000 miles. I have 131,000miles now. Being broke down in the middle of an intersection is extremely dangerous especially with a new born in the car and it reoccurs every couple of months. Also wheel speed sensor has frequently loosen since 60,000 miles. This caused

NHTSA complaint 11766578, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical

NHTSA complaint 11764323, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical

NHTSA complaint 11764324, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical

NHTSA complaint 11764325, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

79,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera was inoperable, and the audible alert failed to sound while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA complaint 11764204. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Jeep Compass

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 5 1 —
2024 52 0 —
2023 46 2 —
2022 222 4 —
2021 80 0 —
2020 141 1 —
2019 329 2 —
2017 229 4 —
2016 293 1 —
2015 113 1 —
2014 307 2 —
2013 80 1 —
2012 184 4 1
2011 187 3 —
2010 71 2 —

Other 2018 Jeep models

Wrangler 1,823 Grand Cherokee 854 Cherokee 686 Renegade 442

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Jeep on this site — 108 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst