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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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80,000 miles · Nov 9, 2022
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while driving at various speeds, the transmission temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R) or drive(D), the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to a loc…

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while driving at various speeds, the transmission temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R) or drive(D), the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on three different occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11492964

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

Car is stopping while driving at highway speed (second time in a little over a month). Car was taken to Spartanburg dodge after first incident. They claimed it was due to unknown factor and then claimed it was low on oil, which was not true as there was no warning or low oil warning. this car belongs to my daughter and the deale…

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Car is stopping while driving at highway speed (second time in a little over a month). Car was taken to Spartanburg dodge after first incident. They claimed it was due to unknown factor and then claimed it was low on oil, which was not true as there was no warning or low oil warning. this car belongs to my daughter and the dealerships think that women are not knowledgeable enough to know of the oil situation. On public forums, there are many sites telling of exact problem and the dealerships will not take responsibility for the situation.

NHTSA ODI #11491554

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Stalled in the middle of traffic and would not switch out of gears almost was rear ended. Acceleration delayed and jerks when accelerating going up hill. Check engine light comes on if idling too long. Constant need for oil changes and burning smell of oil leak. Smoke coming from hood due to oil leak. Misfires and if idle temper…

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Stalled in the middle of traffic and would not switch out of gears almost was rear ended. Acceleration delayed and jerks when accelerating going up hill. Check engine light comes on if idling too long. Constant need for oil changes and burning smell of oil leak. Smoke coming from hood due to oil leak. Misfires and if idle temperature of coolant and transmission increases.

NHTSA ODI #11490891

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The vehicle would not go into gears engine stalled in the middle of road. the engine cut off after it slowed and wouldn't go down. consumes a lot of oil struts tips when turning and bounce when going uphills picked up speed on its on when the highway without pressing on gas pedal

NHTSA ODI #11490449

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

My car uses too much oil and my car keeps shutting off after 3000 miles when I should be getting 5-6000 to an oil change. My engine literally ran out of oil in about 6 weeks and my mechanics stated that it must be a recall issue. I feel like this is a threat to engine safety.

NHTSA ODI #11489051

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2022
Engine

My car has been shutting off, at low speeds and high speeds the auto on/off will go on even after I turn it off

NHTSA ODI #11488737

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2022
Engine

Jeep stalls while driving. Brake pedal becomes stiff and car will not start. Happens in the middle of the highway sometimes. It also will do this when I come to a complete stop. I have caused traffic interference and almost caused an accident. Sometimes I am able to get it started again after 10-15 minutes, sometimes I need to c…

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Jeep stalls while driving. Brake pedal becomes stiff and car will not start. Happens in the middle of the highway sometimes. It also will do this when I come to a complete stop. I have caused traffic interference and almost caused an accident. Sometimes I am able to get it started again after 10-15 minutes, sometimes I need to call a tow truck. The dealership said that it was the batteries in my key fab so they replaced them and it continued to happen. When researching online, I see that a lot of people have this issue and Chrysler has not responded to anyone.

NHTSA ODI #11488694

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID "SERVICE ENGINE", THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND SHORTLY AFTER RESTARTED ON IT'S OWN. WHEN IT RESTARTED IT DID NOT ALLOW ME TO REACH THE PREVIOUS SPEED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO RESTART THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. IT DID FINALLY LET ME REACH…

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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID "SERVICE ENGINE", THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND SHORTLY AFTER RESTARTED ON IT'S OWN. WHEN IT RESTARTED IT DID NOT ALLOW ME TO REACH THE PREVIOUS SPEED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO RESTART THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM. IT DID FINALLY LET ME REACH A DECENT SPEED. I PARKED THE CAR AND THEN LATER STARTED THE CAR, IT APPEARED TO BE NORMAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED AGAIN. AT HOME I WAS ABLE TO RESET THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. THIS WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE CLOSE BEHIND ME THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11486124

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

OUTRAGIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION, CAR SHUTS DOWN OR SLOWS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW READS CODE P1DD2, IVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 1.5 YRS. AND IVE HAD TO CHANGE OIL ABOUT 8 TIMES AND CARRY EXTRA OIL WITH ME IN CASE IT ACTS UP OR NEEDS IT. NOW CAR WONT GO OVER 30 MPH AND SPITS AND SPUTTERS. …

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OUTRAGIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION, CAR SHUTS DOWN OR SLOWS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY WHILE DRIVING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW READS CODE P1DD2, IVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 1.5 YRS. AND IVE HAD TO CHANGE OIL ABOUT 8 TIMES AND CARRY EXTRA OIL WITH ME IN CASE IT ACTS UP OR NEEDS IT. NOW CAR WONT GO OVER 30 MPH AND SPITS AND SPUTTERS. I JUST GOT AN OIL CHANGE DONE! LITERALLY 2 DAYS AGO. PLUS I JUST HAD TO REPLACE SWAY BAR LINKS AND BOTH FRONT TIRES DUE TO ACCESSIVE WEAR. THIS VEHICLE DOESNT EVEN HAVE 35,000 MILES ON IT. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON TO REPLACE THOSE THINGS SO SOON. PLEASE HELP!

NHTSA ODI #11485238

61,938 miles · Sep 16, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact arrived on the scene and added two quarts of oil…

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact arrived on the scene and added two quarts of oil to the engine. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, and the dealer performed an oil change; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 61,938.

NHTSA ODI #11484812

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.