For at least two months the driver's seat belt buckle intermittently unlatches or won't stay latched in my 2018 Jeep Compass. Because it's a critical safety component, I hope that Jeep may offer a goodwill repair or replacement, especially because the failure is due to a defective buckle.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Compass years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Seat Belts complaints
10 reportsSeat belt buckle rear left, yes Child buckled up and noticed it came unbuckled. No, I have purchased another own that also failed No No
When starting the vehicle the error message comes on with the man holding the air bag and it comes on bigger in the dashboard too. And feels like the car runs hotter with this message on. If someone is riding in the passenger side and I get into an accident. It could be deadly for that person. So the area is on the passenger sid…
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When starting the vehicle the error message comes on with the man holding the air bag and it comes on bigger in the dashboard too. And feels like the car runs hotter with this message on. If someone is riding in the passenger side and I get into an accident. It could be deadly for that person. So the area is on the passenger side. Yes spoke to the dealer at Flow Volvo in Greensboro NC, and she know about the problem of the car also. I do see in 2017 there was a patrolman that noted the kbb about the situation. Now I was no there so I do know abything about it,just read this on the kbb information for the car. And as I have stated when you start the car the the warning lamp with the man comes on small holding the air bag and in the dashboard also. Also uploading pictures of the warning lamps.
Both the passenger and diver seat belts don't latch correctly. Causing them to randomly un-latch while driving or even just initially trying to latch them when getting in. There is no odd movements causing this and they sound and act as if there is no problem until the un-latch. Have had a mechanic look into it and they confirme…
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Both the passenger and diver seat belts don't latch correctly. Causing them to randomly un-latch while driving or even just initially trying to latch them when getting in. There is no odd movements causing this and they sound and act as if there is no problem until the un-latch. Have had a mechanic look into it and they confirmed that isn't not an every time failure but they are unsure as to why it works and then doesn't since it functions as it's supposed to. The only warning I get for this is the unbuckled light/sound after the incident happens.
Electrical
Since 2023, my vehicle has had water leakage coming from the back right passenger side from the seat belt opening and right side of the back trunk. This is a major concern because my son’s car seat is seated on the right back seat where the water leakage is coming from. I don’t want any mold to grow under his car seat or on his …
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Since 2023, my vehicle has had water leakage coming from the back right passenger side from the seat belt opening and right side of the back trunk. This is a major concern because my son’s car seat is seated on the right back seat where the water leakage is coming from. I don’t want any mold to grow under his car seat or on his car seat. Also I gave jumper cables in the back of my trunk for safety. What if they were to get soak and wet then they are not able to work. Also I put my groceries in the trunk of my car. I don’t want them to get spoiled or become contaminated.
Unknown. The rear seat belts in the vehicle are being ripped by the plastic trim that the belts go into. There was no accident or anything.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP COMPASS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (718-547-5500, LOCATED AT 4007 BOSTON RD, BRONX, NY 10466) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. A LOANER VEHICLE WAS NOT PROVI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 JEEP COMPASS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (718-547-5500, LOCATED AT 4007 BOSTON RD, BRONX, NY 10466) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. A LOANER VEHICLE WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO GET A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS AND THE DEALER WOULD REIMBURSE HIM. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND STRUCK HER HEAD ON THE DASHBOARD. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER PROPERLY AND SHE SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY CENTER FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT WAS NOT TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT SOMEONE TO INVESTIGATE. THE INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT PERFORMED AS EXPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR-END AND FRONT END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME REAR-ENDED THE JEEP COMPASS AT APPROX 50 MPH PUSHING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE JEEP COMPASS. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK CAUS…
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THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR-END AND FRONT END COLLISION, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME REAR-ENDED THE JEEP COMPASS AT APPROX 50 MPH PUSHING ME INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE JEEP COMPASS. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS FAILED TO LOCK CAUSING MYSELF TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL.
PASSENGER BACKSEAT SEATBELT BUCKLE, INSIDE BROKE APART AND IS UNABLE TO RECEIVE THE TONGUE. CAR WAS STATIONARY. DAUGHTER WAS UNABLE TO BUCKLE HERSELF IN SEAT.
Official recalls
618V523000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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