Summary
The Jeep Compass has 33 recalls across the 2007–2023 production run, with the most serious being a front suspension lower control arm weld failure on 2018 models that can cause the arm to separate from the vehicle, leading to sudden loss of steering and directional control.
Several other significant concerns affect 2018 models: loose mounting hardware inside the passenger airbag module can become projectiles that strike occupants when the airbag deploys, and gas bubbles forming in the brake fluid can produce a soft pedal and reduced stopping power. On the 2022 models, front seat head restraints were not properly welded and can shift or detach in a crash, removing neck protection when it is needed most. The 2022–2023 model years also have a body control module software issue where the instrument cluster brightness cannot be adjusted and may be too dim to show the speedometer or warning lights clearly in certain conditions.
The 2017 model year has a front halfshaft on 6-speed transmission vehicles that can pull free from the transmission or break, cutting drive power and disabling the park function. Going back to the 2013–2014 years, engines equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder can lose oil pressure due to debris in the balance shaft bearings, leading to engine stall or engine failure.
The 2010–2014 model years carry a restraint system concern where the occupant restraint control module can short circuit and prevent the front airbags, side airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. A related software error on 2010–2012 vehicles can specifically delay or prevent side curtain airbag and pretensioner deployment in slower-onset rollovers. The 2011 model year has a steering column pivot rivet that may be missing or improperly installed, affecting how the column behaves in a crash.
The 2012 model year has multiple fuel system issues: a damaged rollover valve can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash where an ignition source could cause a fire, and a faulty fuel transfer tube can interrupt flow between the two sides of the fuel tank and stall the engine while driving. On 2009 models, a broken solder joint in the powertrain control module can disrupt the fuel pump relay, causing engine stall or a no-start condition. The 2007 model year has an accelerator pedal bushing that can dislodge and cause the pedal to bind or stick at speed.
The remaining recalls are lower-severity items spread across multiple years: windshield wiper arm fasteners on 2019 models can come loose and leave the wipers unable to clear the glass; instrument cluster backlighting issues affect 2017–2018 vehicles independently of the 2022–2023 software concern; and 2017 models have owner's manuals with a battery jump-start diagram showing reversed terminal polarity.
