← 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

Steering complaints

28 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

Randomly high temperature warning light comes on dash which causes car to immediately shut off. After a complete stop you are able to restart car. All obvious cooling components fine. This happens often and random putting occupants in serious danger of collision. Has happened on highway and in middle of intersection making a tur…

Read full complaint

Randomly high temperature warning light comes on dash which causes car to immediately shut off. After a complete stop you are able to restart car. All obvious cooling components fine. This happens often and random putting occupants in serious danger of collision. Has happened on highway and in middle of intersection making a turn. This false warning causing car shutdown happens 5-8 times a month.

NHTSA ODI #11700410

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

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2023
EngineService BrakesSteering

CAR ENGINE SHUT OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAR LOST ALL POWER NO ACCELERATION / BRAKING / STEERING THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. NO NO. AS IT WAS HAPPENING

NHTSA ODI #11509880

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…

Read full complaint

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 · Oct 4, 2022
SteeringUnknown Or Other

I was sitting at a stop light when the start/stop system fault warning indicator light came on. My vehicle cut off unbeknownst to me. Was unable to drive once the light changed. I had to activate my hazard lights so I could try to restart my vehicle. During the first try the vehicle did not restart it just stalled, however, it …

Read full complaint

I was sitting at a stop light when the start/stop system fault warning indicator light came on. My vehicle cut off unbeknownst to me. Was unable to drive once the light changed. I had to activate my hazard lights so I could try to restart my vehicle. During the first try the vehicle did not restart it just stalled, however, it restarted during the second try. The start/stop system warning indicator light did not cut off and the light stayed illuminated. at . This was very scary and unsafe because I was at a traffic light at the bottom of an hill and it was raining which could been a high risk for an accident. I immediately called the dealership and scheduled an appointment for service.

NHTSA ODI #11487890

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2022
Electrical SystemSteering

This situation started back in April 2022. The steering wheel, ABS, Slip Hill, and other electrical lights came on. April 30th I took my Jeep Compass into the dealership where they said the front right sensor was the cause. The part came-in/installed on May 13,2022. Two months later the same thing is happening. The ABS, Steering…

Read full complaint

This situation started back in April 2022. The steering wheel, ABS, Slip Hill, and other electrical lights came on. April 30th I took my Jeep Compass into the dealership where they said the front right sensor was the cause. The part came-in/installed on May 13,2022. Two months later the same thing is happening. The ABS, Steering wheel, Slip Hill, Check engine lights are all coming back on. I was driving when the Jeep stalled out and I got it to a nearby gas station where it took roughly 5mins to get it started again! While driving the Jeep home I noticed it started to smoke, so it has to be towed! The only appoint I can get is a month out! How am I to get around if I have to wait on service, Jeep do something about this issue that has been happening to many of us that Love our Jeeps!

NHTSA ODI #11475917

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2022
EngineSteeringUnknown Or Other

Dealer had to replace motor cause of oil usage and motor tapping. And know its worse. They even done something to my steering or something plus runs like crud

NHTSA ODI #11456443

30,000 miles · Dec 23, 2021
SteeringCrashInjury

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude. The contacts daughter stated while driving approximately 20 mph when the vehicle pulled to the right without warning, which resulted in hitting a parked vehicle. The air bags were deployed minus the rear driver-side air bag. The contacts daughter sustained some bruising o…

Read full complaint

The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude. The contacts daughter stated while driving approximately 20 mph when the vehicle pulled to the right without warning, which resulted in hitting a parked vehicle. The air bags were deployed minus the rear driver-side air bag. The contacts daughter sustained some bruising on her legs, chest, and hands but did not seek medical treatment and a police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #11444851

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

While driving the engine will shut off completely, I’m unable to press the gas pedal to accelerate the vehicle and have to coast my vehicle to a place in order to shut off the vehicle and start it in order to continue driving.

NHTSA ODI #11437661

36,500 miles · Apr 24, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

I HAVE A 2018 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE AND ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS HAVE HAD THE CAR STALL AT RED LIGHTS WHEN SHUTTING OFF FROM BRAKING, WHEN RELEASING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITH OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME. IN THESE INSTANCES I HAVE HAD TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND THEN POWER IT OFF AND RESTART IT AS THE QUICK…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2018 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE AND ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS HAVE HAD THE CAR STALL AT RED LIGHTS WHEN SHUTTING OFF FROM BRAKING, WHEN RELEASING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITH OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME. IN THESE INSTANCES I HAVE HAD TO PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND THEN POWER IT OFF AND RESTART IT AS THE QUICKEST FIX. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME IN DRIVE THRUS WHILE STOPPING TO PAY AND AT STOP SIGNS, ALL DOING THE SAME THING AFTER BRAKING AND THE AUTOMATIC START/STOP ENGAGING. THE OTHER ISSUE I HAVE HAD HAS OCCURED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD/HIGHWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES NOW. IN ONE INSTANCE I WAS GOING 30 MPH AND MY CAR JUST STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THE POWER STIRRING NO LONGER WOULD WORK, THE SCREEN DISPLAYED A MESSAGE SAYING TO PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK AND THAT MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE STARTED BEFORE IT COULD BE SHIFTED AND THE D SHOWN ON MY DASH WAS BLINKING. WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW I TRIED TO PULL OVER, BUT MY POWER STIRRING WOULDN'T WORK AND I WAS FROCED TO STAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ANOTHER TIME I WAS TRUNING A CORNER AT A RED LIGHT AND IN THE PROCESS OF THE TURN GOING AROUND 15 MPH MY CAR DASH SHOWED THE SAME MESSAGE AND PERFORMED THE SAME WAY WITH NO POWER STIRRING. THE THIRD TIME I WAS GOING 55 MPH DOWN A HIGHWAY AND THE CAR DID THE SAME THING. IN EACH OF THESE INSTANCES I PUT MY CAR IN PARK, PRESSED THE BREAK AND THE START BUTTON AND THE CAR DID NOT START, ON THE SECOND TIME IT DID NOT START AS WELL AND SOUNDED AS IF MY CAR WAS NOT GOING TO START AT ALL AND STALLED LIKE THE BATTERY WAS DEAD, WHICH IT CLEARLY WAS NOT. EVENTUALLY THE CAR STARTS AND I COULD THEN SHIFT TO DRIVE AND PROCEED AS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT OKAY THOUGH, AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. MY CAR IS NOT VERY OLD AND DOES NOT HAVE A LOT OF MILES ON IT AT THE TIMES THESE OCCURED I WAS AT 31,000- 36,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11413656

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.