The 2017 Jeep Compass is associated with 228 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Other / Uncategorized, accounting for 33 reports (14% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 11 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.4l 4-cyl and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 21 to 26 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 228 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Other / Uncategorized (33 / 14%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 10 crash / 3 fire / 3 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 21–26 MPG (11 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| New Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 23 MPG | 32 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| New Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 22 MPG | 31 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 MPG | 28 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Compass FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| New Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| New Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 MPG | 31 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 MPG | 27 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Compass FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 22 MPG | 26 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 21 MPG | 27 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 MPG | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 20 MPG | 23 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV FWD | | | | | 18.5% |
| SUV 4WD | | | | | 16.400000000000002% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2017 Jeep Compass models.
View complete 2017 Jeep Compass crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2017 Jeep Compass problems & component breakdown (84 categories) →
Affected Component: EQUIPMENT
Defect Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Defect Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and will replace the User's Guides with a corrected version, free of charge. The recall began August 22, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T46.
View all 2017 Jeep Compass recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →