← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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
Clear category filter
68,000 miles · Jul 24, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the message "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle on several occasions, the messages "Service Engine" and “Stop/Start Syst…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the message "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle on several occasions, the messages "Service Engine" and “Stop/Start System Unavailable - Service Stop/Start System" were displayed, and the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle shut off while depressing the brake pedal to pull to the side of the roadway. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart on several occasions and was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer secured the positive cable to the junction box, performed an oil change, and replaced cylinder #2 ignition coils. Additionally, an independent mechanic replaced the batteries and the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that both batteries needed to be replaced, and the BCM software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #11604302

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

3 years ago the first problem started. If my car was idle for more than 15 minutes the SERVICE TRANSMISSION & CHECK ENGINE lights would turn on. I made an appointment at Jeep but could not be helped because the light turned off the next day. I was advised this would not be covered because I had 32,000 miles on the car. Last mon…

Read full complaint

3 years ago the first problem started. If my car was idle for more than 15 minutes the SERVICE TRANSMISSION & CHECK ENGINE lights would turn on. I made an appointment at Jeep but could not be helped because the light turned off the next day. I was advised this would not be covered because I had 32,000 miles on the car. Last month as I was driving on the. Freeway my SERVICE TRANSMISSION & CHECK ENGINE lights turned own. The car slowed down. I pulled off the freeway and turned the car off. After 20 minutes i turned it back on and the TRANSMISSION light turned off and only the CHECK ENGINE stayed on. This has now happened twice. I took my car to a transmission shop and was advised to contact the manufacturer as this is a factory issue. Code P1dd2.

NHTSA ODI #11603559

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Seat heat turns on and off randomly by itself. Screen does not always work. Transmission jumped, service transmission came on. Took to dealer. They said updates to the computer system needed done and charged me $450 saying they were not covered by the warranty I bought from Mopar. If updates are required to keep you and your p…

Read full complaint

Seat heat turns on and off randomly by itself. Screen does not always work. Transmission jumped, service transmission came on. Took to dealer. They said updates to the computer system needed done and charged me $450 saying they were not covered by the warranty I bought from Mopar. If updates are required to keep you and your passengers safe how are they not free of charge and charge you almost $500 for these updates? Had I been on the interstate and not a side road my son and I could have been badly injured due to this problem. I will never purchase another car “American Made” again.

NHTSA ODI #11601714

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -the emergency brake will automatically turn on when my car stops due to the automatic stop start. Then it will not start again and it won’t let me turn the brake off. I have been stuck in the middle of traffic before because of th…

Read full complaint

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -the emergency brake will automatically turn on when my car stops due to the automatic stop start. Then it will not start again and it won’t let me turn the brake off. I have been stuck in the middle of traffic before because of this. Also, the automatic stop start has killed both of my batteries multiple times. In the last 2 years I have had this car, I have replaced my batteries 2 times and have had to go get them fully recharged multiple times because they just completely drain and die How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -I was unable to move my vehicle from the middle of the road while I was trying to get it to turn back on, this had happened several times Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -no Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -no there was not any warnings, there is usually a check engine light after the fact but not before, and it disappears after driving it once or twice after that happens

NHTSA ODI #11601154

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Random shiggling when driving between 20 ad 35mph specifically goin up slight inclines or hills, hardshifting randomly some times light some no noise times catches u off guard and makes metal noise , power dips only to 12v wall and cigarette plug stops charging what ever is plugged into it or restarts the item when engin starts …

Read full complaint

Random shiggling when driving between 20 ad 35mph specifically goin up slight inclines or hills, hardshifting randomly some times light some no noise times catches u off guard and makes metal noise , power dips only to 12v wall and cigarette plug stops charging what ever is plugged into it or restarts the item when engin starts back up at a stop sign or stop light with autostart stop activated,

NHTSA ODI #11597168

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG …

Read full complaint

ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A OVER TWO WEEKS THEY SAID CAR WAS FIX TWO MONTHS AFTER THAT CAR DID IT AGAIN WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM THEY CHANGE SOME WIRING, BATTERIES AND THE RADIO AND THEY SAID ITS FIX BUT NO. THE CAR KEEP DOING THE SAME THING, OVER AND OVER NO I DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR SPECIALLY IN THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE WHEN IT SHUTS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER AND IS NOT SAFE AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI #11593449

164,002 miles · May 8, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop sign, the vehicle stalled without warning. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,002.

NHTSA ODI #11587700

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2024
Engine

Since the purchase of the car (2017), the vehicle has had the issue of excessive oil consumption causing the vehicle to burn up oil at higher unknown fluctuating rates. The vehicle doesn’t have an oil life indicator to begin with, and the only thing that indicates you have no oil in your car is the oil pressure light that will S…

Read full complaint

Since the purchase of the car (2017), the vehicle has had the issue of excessive oil consumption causing the vehicle to burn up oil at higher unknown fluctuating rates. The vehicle doesn’t have an oil life indicator to begin with, and the only thing that indicates you have no oil in your car is the oil pressure light that will SOMETIMES pop on and off. My car has stalled out multiple times while driving on the road and luckily has never happen on the freeway. I have been getting routine oil changes more than frequently ( anywhere from 1500-2000 miles sooner than the recommended oil change. What’s concerning is the oil is burning up at an unknown fluctuating rate, making it hard to tell when there is any oil left in the vehicle. This is causing the vehicle to stall randomly while operating it, which ultimately can result in a devastating fatal crash in the near future. Every time I get an oil change there is little to no oil left in the vehicle. This is an issue that needs to get addressed for the safety and well being of myself, family, and others on the road.

NHTSA ODI #11587172

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

The auto stop/start feature on this vehicle continues to have issues after parts such as; alternator, batteries and cables were replaced twice!

NHTSA ODI #11586264

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2024
Engine

People involved: Car purchased from CarMax- Michael Sanders is my current contact CNA- Warranty company Auto Clinic- first auto repair shop brought to. Previous owner issues- [XXX] Auxillary battery replaced-22,821 [XXX] Towed in to dealership- 2/3 qts low on oil 23, 230 [XXX] oil consumption test- 26,797 [XXX]- Restart oil …

Read full complaint

People involved: Car purchased from CarMax- Michael Sanders is my current contact CNA- Warranty company Auto Clinic- first auto repair shop brought to. Previous owner issues- [XXX] Auxillary battery replaced-22,821 [XXX] Towed in to dealership- 2/3 qts low on oil 23, 230 [XXX] oil consumption test- 26,797 [XXX]- Restart oil test- 29,546 [XXX]- passed oil test- NOt sure how because was driven less than 40 miles- 29,583 Carmax oil change prior to purchase- [XXX] at 35,920 miles. Purchased car with 35,927 miles Drove 3,455 miles before first engine light. Current odometer reading is approximately 40,000 [XXX] Car purchased [XXX]- Called into work. Car would not go over 40 miles per hour. Service engine light and oil light on. [XXX]- Towed to Auto Clinic [XXX] Rental car from Enterprise [XXX] Rental returned and loaner issued [XXX] -Auto Clinic- [XXX] AClinic calls and says possible ring failure. CNA needs oil consumption test to determine how much oil is being burnt. AClinic recommends a tear down to determine the extent of the damage. [XXX]- Engine died on the way to work. Took day off and towed to CarMax. [XXX] Notified car is ready. Low on oil. Oil change and oil consumption test [XXX]- Picked up car after returning from out of town. Did not feel confident driving. [XXX] Service engine light is on again. Drove to CarMax/ recommendation by Chris Prayer. U110A was the diagnostic reading. Was given a loaner from CarMax. Main battery was low, draining from auxiliary battery. [XXX] car is ready to be picked up. [XXX] Reporting of door panel issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11583311

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.