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2018 Jeep Compass

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Compass years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Compass are substantially higher than the model-year median of 126.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

478 reports with mileage · 463 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 473 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 375 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports5 fire reports14 injury reports

Back Over Prevention complaints

12 reports
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79,000 miles · Sep 14, 2026
Back Over Prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera was inoperable, and the audible alert failed to sound while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11764204

35,000 miles · May 8, 2026
Back Over Prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the rear backup camera screen had malfunctioned and was unreadable with lines and a whited out image displayed. The was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The ma…

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the rear backup camera screen had malfunctioned and was unreadable with lines and a whited out image displayed. The was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11736500

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2025
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other

-Infotainment/Radio failure. Not available for inspection: its whereabouts are unknown to this driver-has been given to Jeep/Mopar. -Backup camera intermittently working: Would freeze up while the car was actively in reverse. While driving (vehicle in forward) backup camera would turn on & show footage of the car in reverse f…

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-Infotainment/Radio failure. Not available for inspection: its whereabouts are unknown to this driver-has been given to Jeep/Mopar. -Backup camera intermittently working: Would freeze up while the car was actively in reverse. While driving (vehicle in forward) backup camera would turn on & show footage of the car in reverse from much earlier in the day (>7 minutes have passed since reversing the car). Safety risk to self/others as the back up camera was inoperable while in reverse. -Radio remained on despite the car being off, driver & passenger entering & exiting multiple times, locking/unlocking the car, etc. It stayed on 18 minutes before this driver shut it off manually. Safety risk to self/others as the car battery was at risk of being drained despite the car being off. -Problem was diagnosed & radio replaced by Jeep dealership. -No inspection by police or insurance. Radio was replaced before it could produce real safety events -No warnings available/applicable. Problem began intermittently & then became a daily issue.

NHTSA ODI #11698642

70,000 miles · Sep 30, 2025
Back Over Prevention

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact reported that the rearview camera display was intermittently blank, and no image was visible. The contact stated that occasionally the image froze and was not properly displayed. The deale…

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact reported that the rearview camera display was intermittently blank, and no image was visible. The contact stated that occasionally the image froze and was not properly displayed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11690591

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2024
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

My 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude has had issues with the backup camera not working properly. It is NOT included in the recall for the 2022-2023 Compass with the same issues. The screen display will only show a black screen with "Check entire surroundings". When I was leasing, I took the vehicle to the dealership a few times for th…

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My 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude has had issues with the backup camera not working properly. It is NOT included in the recall for the 2022-2023 Compass with the same issues. The screen display will only show a black screen with "Check entire surroundings". When I was leasing, I took the vehicle to the dealership a few times for this issue. The backup camera was replaced in 2021 but it continued. It froze up as I was leaving the dealer so the tech got to see what was happening. He said it was was something in the wiring. Again It worked for awhile BUT the black screen returned and NOW sometimes the camera will appear as if it is on delay (freezes).The dealership said they would not replace or repair what they have already fixed under warranty. If you wiggle the wiring leading from the trunk into the car, the camera may come back on. Once you wiggle the wires you have to gently close the trunk but if you open it you have to repeat wiggle then shut gently. Lately it appears more of a delay when camera is on which is a major safety issue. The camera shows that it is clear when actually it may not be. I was pulling out of a parking spot when the camera was on delay. Thankfully I was able to avoid an accident when a car was approaching. However something is preventing the image from appearing on the screen which decreases visibility and increases the risk of a crash. It resembles "buffering" when it is "delayed". Since there is an exact issue as well as a software update for newer Compass models, this recall and fix should also include my 2018 Jeep Compass. Please add the 2018 Jeep Compass to this recall.

NHTSA ODI #11609528

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2022
Back Over PreventionElectrical System

The navigation/backup camera screen is going out. I cannot see when reversing, navigating, or any other function of the screen. This is a risk because I cannot use the backup camera properly to see cross traffic or other obstructions, such as children or pets. This started occurring in July 2022. When attempting to take it to th…

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The navigation/backup camera screen is going out. I cannot see when reversing, navigating, or any other function of the screen. This is a risk because I cannot use the backup camera properly to see cross traffic or other obstructions, such as children or pets. This started occurring in July 2022. When attempting to take it to the dealership in Roseville, CA, the service personnel told me I would have to replace the entire screen, and it would cost roughly $1,500. This was without him even having a technician looking at the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11486376

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2022
Back Over PreventionUnknown Or Other

I purchased the vehicle in November 2021 when it was cold out. The unconnect radio worked fine until I would have the heat running a while and then the screen would either go completely black or black with colored lines going through it. Since it has warmed up I can come out and the screen does not work. This cause a safety issu…

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I purchased the vehicle in November 2021 when it was cold out. The unconnect radio worked fine until I would have the heat running a while and then the screen would either go completely black or black with colored lines going through it. Since it has warmed up I can come out and the screen does not work. This cause a safety issue it’s many blind spots in the vehicle and hard to see when going in reverse! Also the car’s temperature control settings are in the screen. When this happens at night it causes a issue because its like a flashing with the black and other colors it does when the screen goes out. Google it this is a know issue jeep need to put a recall out on these radios.

NHTSA ODI #11462691

42,000 miles · Jan 19, 2022
Back Over PreventionEquipment

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the infotainment screen would occasionally independently operate or fail to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, various safety features including the defroster could not be used as needed. The contact had initially called the maker of the infotainme…

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the infotainment screen would occasionally independently operate or fail to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, various safety features including the defroster could not be used as needed. The contact had initially called the maker of the infotainment screen and she was informed that a case had been opened regarding the failure; however, the manufacturer had not helped regarding the failure. The vehicle manufacturer was then notified of the failure and referred her to a local dealer and the NHTSA. The contact then notified the dealer and made an appointment for service. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #11447999

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2021
Back Over PreventionService Brakes

Two issues to report. Both common and known to happen. Causing safety issues. The 1st. Wheel speed sensors either come loose or disconnected. This turns off AbS , dynamic steering and hill descent. Could be very dangerous is rainy or icy conditions. The 2nd. The Jeep radio unit starts to go out and then dies. Dealers know a…

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Two issues to report. Both common and known to happen. Causing safety issues. The 1st. Wheel speed sensors either come loose or disconnected. This turns off AbS , dynamic steering and hill descent. Could be very dangerous is rainy or icy conditions. The 2nd. The Jeep radio unit starts to go out and then dies. Dealers know about the issue but have no idea how to fix other than make the consumer pay for a replacement if out of warranty. When the head unit goes out, the driver looses the ability to use the rear view camera while reversing, could be potentially deadly for kids behind a vehicle. Both issues are widely known on Jeep Compass 2nd generations and above. Just like the engines consume oil, Jeep knows about the wheel speed issue and radio issue.

NHTSA ODI #11440728

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2021
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

the backup camera is black sometimes when backing up, sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.

NHTSA ODI #11426811

Official recalls

6

18V523000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Aug 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Aug 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

18V279000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 1, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

17V732000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Nov 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The passenger side air bag assembly may have inflator mounting nuts loose within the module assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.

17V740000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Nov 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.

17V670000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 24, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.