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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

Forward Collision Avoidance complaints

38 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2026
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureUnknown Or Other

Subject: Vehicle Lost Power While Driving – Potential Battery/Electrical Safety Issue On August 15, 2026, my vehicle suddenly began malfunctioning and lost power while I was driving my daughter to a medical appointment. I was on/near Highway 20 and had to maneuver the vehicle into a parking lot to avoid being struck. My daughte…

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Subject: Vehicle Lost Power While Driving – Potential Battery/Electrical Safety Issue On August 15, 2026, my vehicle suddenly began malfunctioning and lost power while I was driving my daughter to a medical appointment. I was on/near Highway 20 and had to maneuver the vehicle into a parking lot to avoid being struck. My daughter and I were extremely fortunate not to be injured. The vehicle was subsequently towed to Mall of Georgia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for evaluation. The dealership stated that both the main and auxiliary batteries need to be replaced and indicated that the main battery purchased from AutoZone may be faulty. The main battery was purchased from AutoZone on June 20, 2026. After an earlier vehicle failure, AutoZone tested the battery on July 24, 2026, and reported it as 100% charged/good. AutoZone Corporate has since stated that its testing equipment is functioning properly, while the dealership maintains that the battery is faulty. I am concerned that there may be an underlying battery, electrical, charging, or vehicle-system safety issue that caused the vehicle to lose power while being driven. I am requesting that NHTSA document this incident and determine whether it may represent a safety defect or a broader vehicle safety concern. I can provide the battery purchase receipt, AutoZone test results, dealership service records, towing records, and other documentation upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11758038

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2026
EngineForward Collision Avoidance

As I was driving my vehicle, it stalled on me and my parking brake engaged. I had to put my vehicle in park, open my door to dis-engage the brake to restart. it has happened twice now, once on Saturday May 30th and June 2nd 2026.

NHTSA ODI #11741610

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2026
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

Engine light came on, breaking light, abs

NHTSA ODI #11738361

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2026
Forward Collision Avoidance

I was driving up a hill and coming to a light. Another car was asking the turn at the light. I let off the gas to slow the car down and there was no way I was going to hit the car turning. The Automatic Emergency Braking engaged, slamming on the brakes, causing an abrupt stop in traffic. I was almost hit from behind because t…

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I was driving up a hill and coming to a light. Another car was asking the turn at the light. I let off the gas to slow the car down and there was no way I was going to hit the car turning. The Automatic Emergency Braking engaged, slamming on the brakes, causing an abrupt stop in traffic. I was almost hit from behind because this system took over my car and did not allow me the driver to co trol the car.

NHTSA ODI #11712993

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026
Electrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance

When coming to a stop at a stop light or stop sign sometimes the car will stall and the automatic stop/start will turn off and put the cars emergency brake on. This is typically in the middle of traffic. I put the car in park and the car won't turn off. I have to take my foot off the brake while it is in park, turn off the car t…

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When coming to a stop at a stop light or stop sign sometimes the car will stall and the automatic stop/start will turn off and put the cars emergency brake on. This is typically in the middle of traffic. I put the car in park and the car won't turn off. I have to take my foot off the brake while it is in park, turn off the car that way. Then to turn it back on, put my foot on the brake and start the car all over again. All while cars are behind me and it is taking me minutes to get my car moving. This is happening very often. It can happen in dangerous places in the road as well. This cannot be normal.

NHTSA ODI #11709033

Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2025
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceLane Departure

My car has had an ongoing issue where it doesn’t start and has even stopped while I was driving before and not turned on again. I had the battery changed and still the same issue. My gps is not locating the correct location of my car, also the warnings are wrong (blind spot, etc.) they go off sometimes when there is nothing ther…

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My car has had an ongoing issue where it doesn’t start and has even stopped while I was driving before and not turned on again. I had the battery changed and still the same issue. My gps is not locating the correct location of my car, also the warnings are wrong (blind spot, etc.) they go off sometimes when there is nothing there. It’s an angojng issue, I only added one incident date but there have been many and I think it is associated to the recalls on this model.

NHTSA ODI #11705047

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

Car turn off while driving on the freeway, all dashlights come on ( 4WD, service engine, transmission service, ABS, crash detector, high voltage, battery voltage, etc) the car has 79k miles

NHTSA ODI #11698553

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2025
Air BagsElectrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance

The jeep use to stop if I was going and a car suddenly stopped in front of me. But now it has done it 3 times and there wasn’t a car or anything infront of me.

NHTSA ODI #11686462

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2025
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings…

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Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings, service airbag reading, transmission warming sign, and emergency brake engagement without command. These failures have occurred multiple times and forced me off the road to avoid collisions. They mirror known recalls on this model year and create a clear risk of injury or death. Attempts to Repair: The selling dealer (Coral Springs Pre-Owned Superstore) and an authorized Jeep dealer (Arrigo Jeep in Margate, FL and Arrigo Jeep Tamarac,FL) have repeatedly failed to identify or repair the issues despite video evidence. They claim they cannot replicate the malfunctions, though the vehicle continues to fail monthly. Safety Concern: The Jeep Compass shuts down without warning at highway speeds, leaving me stranded in traffic. This is an immediate hazard and should be investigated as a systemic defect. Requested Action: Investigation into recalls/defects on the 2018 Jeep Compass, enforcement of repairs, and accountability for dealerships that continue to sell unsafe vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11685413

Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

Theres a few issues with this car Im a mechanic and ive done some research on this vehicle there are multiple safety concerns including the engine for the 2.4L losing power while trying to accelerate, the abs system failing and electrical system throwing codes up that aren't actually an issue. I feel the whole car needs to be re…

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Theres a few issues with this car Im a mechanic and ive done some research on this vehicle there are multiple safety concerns including the engine for the 2.4L losing power while trying to accelerate, the abs system failing and electrical system throwing codes up that aren't actually an issue. I feel the whole car needs to be reassessed from the engine transmission all sensors and the brake system. There is a lot of issues with the new motor that was put in, including an issue with the 2.4L motor which is the oil pump housing causing the vehicle to stall and to lose power while accelerating. This is a major safety concern and could kill someone. Please fix it.

NHTSA ODI #11655708

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.