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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

Engine complaints

473 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

After being serviced by my vehicle’s dealership only a month earlier (and still well within the powertrain warranty), my vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off in the middle of the freeway during peak morning traffic. I narrowly escaped being hit by a semi-truck from behind and had to quickly pull over to the side of the freeway …

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After being serviced by my vehicle’s dealership only a month earlier (and still well within the powertrain warranty), my vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off in the middle of the freeway during peak morning traffic. I narrowly escaped being hit by a semi-truck from behind and had to quickly pull over to the side of the freeway as safely as I could. I’ve taken my vehicle to several mechanics who could find nothing wrong with my vehicle, save the open recall on similar models (though not my VIN in particular, which I do believe to be an error) involving an issue with the powertrain and an electrical chip. This vehicle has been thoroughly maintained with regular service intervals, yet somehow will randomly stall and shut off when driving. It is dangerous and discouraging.

NHTSA ODI #11501161

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

Vehicle warning lights for Service 4wd, ABS and the A! with arrow flashed on. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate while turning at the stop light. Coasted to side of the road. Powered Vehicle off then back on. Stop/Start error message flashed on screen "start/stop unavailable Service Stop/Start system" Oil and coolant lev…

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Vehicle warning lights for Service 4wd, ABS and the A! with arrow flashed on. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate while turning at the stop light. Coasted to side of the road. Powered Vehicle off then back on. Stop/Start error message flashed on screen "start/stop unavailable Service Stop/Start system" Oil and coolant levels are good. Only error message remains is the stop/Start system.

NHTSA ODI #11499370

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

All lights randomly flashed on dash then the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic. This is the third time it has happened, and the dealership had claimed to have fixed it. Just had brand new batteries installed to ensure sufficient voltage, and it still happened. 32k miles.

NHTSA ODI #11496905

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

The auxiliary battery has failed at least 3 times (2018) and been replaced, as well as the main battery. When this happens the car is dead in the water, even the SiriusXM Guardian controls on the rear view mirror do not respond leaving you in dangerous situations. You are unable to contact emergency services for a tow, or emerge…

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The auxiliary battery has failed at least 3 times (2018) and been replaced, as well as the main battery. When this happens the car is dead in the water, even the SiriusXM Guardian controls on the rear view mirror do not respond leaving you in dangerous situations. You are unable to contact emergency services for a tow, or emergency vehicles. The dealership said it was faulty batteries but has had to replace them one more time after replacing the ones they say were faulty by manufacturer. The dealership wants additional money for tracing the issue but the car is just out from warranty by a few months. Prior to this, the dealership did not trace to find any shorts and the batteries were confirmed to be malfunctioning. There are no error codes found when this occurs. Dealership has confirmed MANY Jeep Compass have had the batteries replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11496685

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2022
Engine

This Compass has been to North Point Jeep in Winston Salem, NC, 3 times for engine problems. The car overheats and then turns completely off after going 60 mph. We have complained but the dealership denies that there is an issue and these cars are "good". The car is currently at the dealership in repair and has been for the last…

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This Compass has been to North Point Jeep in Winston Salem, NC, 3 times for engine problems. The car overheats and then turns completely off after going 60 mph. We have complained but the dealership denies that there is an issue and these cars are "good". The car is currently at the dealership in repair and has been for the last month. Please make them accountable as we have spent a lot of money and time on this car that only has 40,000 miles. Please advise.

NHTSA ODI #11496330

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

Since taking over ownership in 2020 of a 2018 SUV that currently has only 61,000 miles I've had electrical issues with the auto start/stop warning light coming on/off intermittently. I was told by that make and model dealership that that happens for several reasons and was of no large concern. I've had the 1 electrical recall 'r…

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Since taking over ownership in 2020 of a 2018 SUV that currently has only 61,000 miles I've had electrical issues with the auto start/stop warning light coming on/off intermittently. I was told by that make and model dealership that that happens for several reasons and was of no large concern. I've had the 1 electrical recall 'reprogrammed', but then my car wouldn't start on Thanksgiving. Replaced the main battery then took it back to dealership, $180 later was told the steering gear rack needs replacing. I've heard a clunking sound in the steering for about 2-3 weeks. How with so few miles is that possible? After replacing battery they also said all old codes should've cleared from system and hadn't so they cleared them. I've also noted multiple times that the coolant seems to run on the low side periodically. I've already had warranty replace the washer fluid resevoir next to a hot engine component in 2021. The engine does not appear to cool as it should to me and the placement of hoses and electrical is so tight together this has me wondering if it affects the electronic controls to EVERYTHING. Had I not noticed the steering issue myself, no error or warning messages have displayed on the vehicle. It will not properly calibrate test itself and it is $1800 for this steering part and my warranties have all expired after only 2 years. Multiple electrical components seem to be reported issues as well as steering and engine issues for this year and model. I'm ready to trade it in! I feel the maker needs to re-evaluate this model and make several changes to ensure a safe and reliable vehicle as I do not feel safe to even drive it now even after dealer said I could for now. Problem will worsen, and I have a bad taste in my mouth of this maker now anyhow. I loved my car, now I'm left clueless as to what would be safe and reliable. Service reports and receipts can be uploaded if needed to verify the Dealerships notes and Services performed.

NHTSA ODI #11495980

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

I will be driving and suddenly the car stops. The parking break comes on and the car won't start. Takes awhile to get it restarted. It seems dangerous and as I've googled seems like a problem all across the board not just me.

NHTSA ODI #11495968

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

While driving, car began to overheat. I have recently completed an oil change where all my fluids are topped off to ensure proper functionality. Upon inspection, the coolant is completely empty and the car continues to use up coolant as it is used. Car becomes overheated within minutes of driving. When turning on the car occasio…

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While driving, car began to overheat. I have recently completed an oil change where all my fluids are topped off to ensure proper functionality. Upon inspection, the coolant is completely empty and the car continues to use up coolant as it is used. Car becomes overheated within minutes of driving. When turning on the car occasionally, the dashboard flashes and does not work.

NHTSA ODI #11495497

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

I was driving my daughter to school going 25-30 miles per hour and the car engine shut off as we were moving on the road. I didn’t realize it was off until I couldn’t move the steering wheel. The car stopped in the middle of the road disrupting traffic. The lights on the dashboard were on but the engine wouldn’t start. The dashb…

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I was driving my daughter to school going 25-30 miles per hour and the car engine shut off as we were moving on the road. I didn’t realize it was off until I couldn’t move the steering wheel. The car stopped in the middle of the road disrupting traffic. The lights on the dashboard were on but the engine wouldn’t start. The dashboard message said “place the car on Parking, press the break and push the button to turn on the car”. I attempted several times to place the car in Parking but it wouldn’t recognize the shift. Finally after several harsh attempts of going from Drive to Parking on the shift, the lights went off and the car recognized being on Parking. I was able to turn the car back on and drove it to the dealer. This is the second time that the car shuts off, the first time I wasn’t driving it though. It stopped working while warming up with the Auto Start feature and parked. It was asking for the same “to place the car on parking” but the car was already on parking. Eventually we unplugged the battery and plugged it back on and after 20ish minutes the car turned on again. No code was detected by their computer scanner. Mechanic claimed I may just need oil. No diagnosis as of today.

NHTSA ODI #11493752

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

My car will flash a "Coolant Temperature Too High" message, vehicle shuts itself down. There is no way it’s too hot and it is really unsafe for my car to just shut down.

NHTSA ODI #11493338

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.