The 2018 Jeep Compass is associated with 935 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 6 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 184 reports (20% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 4 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.4l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 25 to 26 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 935 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 6 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (184 / 20%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 28 crash / 5 fire / 14 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 25–26 MPG (4 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 |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 23 MPG | 32 MPG | 26 MPG | — | $2,350 / yr |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 22 MPG | 31 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 MPG | 31 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / 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 | | | | | 20.200000000000003% |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 20.599999999999998% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Jeep Compass models.
View complete 2018 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 2018 Jeep Compass problems & component breakdown (148 categories) →
Affected Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2018 Jeep Compass recalls & campaign history (6 campaigns) →