This page covers 3 recalls, 80 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Jeep Compass.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Small 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.
3/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2013 Jeep Compass owner reports, with the CVT transmission drawing the most attention by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe the transmission overheating, losing power unexpectedly, or failing outright, some report the transmission locking up or forcing the vehicle to decelerate sharply at highway speeds, sometimes after a prior replacement had already been performed. A transmission temperature warning light triggering sudden, uncontrolled slowdowns while driving at speed is a recurring theme. Engine complaints, the next most-reported category, center largely on the check engine light illuminating repeatedly, with catalytic converter codes coming up as a common diagnosis. Airbag complaints round out the top three reported systems, though the volume there is lower than the transmission and engine clusters. The CVT overheating and failure pattern is clearly the most consistent thread across multiple owner reports for this model year.
80
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Jeep Compass has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the 2.4L engine, where debris in the balance shaft bearings can cause a loss of oil pressure, leading to an engine stall or full engine failure while driving.
The second recall affects the occupant restraint control module, which can short circuit and disable the front and side airbags along with the seatbelt pretensioners all at once, leaving occupants without automatic crash protection if a collision occurs. The third recall is a labeling issue: the rear liftgate glass is marked with the wrong glazing classification number, which is a compliance matter with no identified safety risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear lift gate glass panel has an incorrect label marking 'AS2' instead of 'AS3', which does not meet Canada's safety glazing standards.
What the fix does
No corrective action is required; this labeling error is not considered a safety risk.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings can cause loss of engine oil pressure, leading to engine stall or failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
