This page covers 3 recalls, 187 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Jeep Compass.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Jeep Compass draws its heaviest complaint volume around the powertrain, with owners frequently describing transmission overheating, erratic shifting, and the gear selector moving on its own while driving. Stalling at speed is another recurring powertrain complaint, owners report the engine shutting off unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by the steering locking up. Suspension complaints center on subframe corrosion, with multiple owners describing structural deterioration severe enough to affect the engine and transmission mounts. Engine-related reports include rough running and warning lights for multiple systems appearing together, often alongside ABS and traction control indicators. The instrument cluster acting up, including a non-functional speedometer paired with simultaneous ABS, brake, and traction control warning lights, appears across several reports as a linked electrical symptom rather than isolated individual failures.
187
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Jeep Compass has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate defects that can prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, leaving occupants without full restraint protection.
One of those restraint issues stems from a software error that can delay or prevent side curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing during a rollover. The other involves the occupant restraint control module, which can short circuit and disable frontal airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and side airbags entirely in any crash that would normally trigger them. There is also a steering concern: certain vehicles may have been built with a missing or improperly installed pivot rivet in the steering column, which can cause the column to behave unpredictably in a crash and raise the risk of injury.
At a glance
What can fail
The Occupant Restraint Control module can short circuit, which prevents the front air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Control module at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may prevent or delay the seatbelt pre-tensioners and side airbags from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software at no cost to correct the error.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering column pivot rivet may be missing or incorrectly installed, affecting how the column performs during a crash and increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering column rivet for presence and alignment, then repair it as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
