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.
The 2013 Jeep Compass received a three-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program, which evaluates US-market vehicles. The frontal crash test resulted in three stars, while the side crash, rollover, and side pole tests each earned four stars. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a vehicle redesign occurs, so this rating covers the Compass through its current generation. For detailed information about specific crash test results and safety features, consult NHTSA's full test report.
3/5 Overall
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 being an engine oil pressure failure on 2.4L models that can cause the engine to stall or seize without warning while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
On the safety systems side, the occupant restraint control module can short circuit and disable the front and side airbags as well as the seatbelt pretensioners all at once. Because these systems work together to protect occupants in a crash, losing all of them simultaneously leaves the driver and passengers with significantly less protection when it matters most. The third recall is a labeling issue affecting the rear liftgate glass panel, which is marked with the wrong luminous transmittance code. The glass itself is not defective, but the incorrect marking means it does not meet Canadian glazing standards as labeled.
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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NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
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.
