This page covers 9 recalls, 919 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Jeep Compass.
25–26 mpg combined
9–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
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 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2018 Jeep Compass owner reports, with the electrical system and powertrain close behind. On the engine side, owners frequently describe stalling while driving, no-start conditions, and the stop-start system behaving erratically or failing to function. Electrical complaints cover a range of issues, flickering headlights and interior lighting, backup camera displays going blank or showing distorted images, and warning lights activating across multiple systems simultaneously. Headlight failures show up with some regularity, with owners reporting that bulb replacements don't resolve the problem. The powertrain category also draws notable volume, with owners describing hesitation and rough behavior during driving. The electronic parking brake activating on its own while the vehicle is in motion is a recurring complaint, with owners reporting it engages unexpectedly at low speeds or at stops, requiring the car to be cycled off and back on to clear.
919
Total Complaints
28
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Jeep Compass has 9 recalls, the most serious involving front suspension control arms that can fracture and separate, causing sudden loss of vehicle control, and a cracked engine oil pump housing that can cause the engine to stall while driving.
Electrical wiring in the engine bay can also cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. On the safety equipment side, loose nuts inside the passenger airbag inflator module can become projectiles that strike occupants when the airbag deploys. The rear brake calipers on certain vehicles have a coating problem that allows gas pockets to form, softening the brake pedal and reducing stopping power. There is also a compliance recall for the instrument cluster: the backlighting cannot be dimmed, which can reduce the driver's ability to see at night.
At a glance
What can fail
Gas bubbles can form in the brake fluid, causing a soft brake pedal and reduced braking performance.
What the fix does
The dealer will bleed the rear brakes to remove gas bubbles and restore proper brake function.
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Driver Assistance
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
Rear brake caliper pistons lack sufficient coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake stopping power.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage regulator chip in the powertrain control module may fail, causing the engine to stall or not start.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the powertrain control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front suspension lower control arms may have weak welds that can crack. A cracked weld could cause loss of steering stability and increase crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the lower control arms and replace them if the welds are cracked.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded and could separate, affecting steering and suspension.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and replace them if necessary, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nuts securing the passenger airbag inflator inside the airbag module can be loose. If the airbag deploys in a crash, a loose nut could become a projectile and injure the passenger.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the entire passenger airbag module assembly with a corrected version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument cluster backlight brightness cannot be adjusted, which doesn't meet federal safety standards for vehicle controls and displays.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no cost to restore brightness adjustment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger side air bag assembly may have loose inflator mounting nuts inside the module.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil pump housing may crack, causing the oil pump to fail and stop circulating engine oil properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your oil pump and replace it if cracked, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
