Jeep Compass Best and Worst Years (2007–2025)
Jeep Compass years to avoid are 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022, with 2018 the worst (942 complaints, complaint index 100). Best years across the model's history are 2010, 2013, and 2023, all with low complaint indexes and no capped verdicts.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2014Avoid 2016Avoid 2018Avoid 2019Avoid 2022Best 2010Best 2013Best 2023
- Model years
- 19
- 2007–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,697
- Recall campaigns
- 26
- Crashes reported
- 152
- Fires reported
- 48
- Top problem area
- Engine
Compass Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Jeep Compass problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Caution | 61 | 259 | 9 | 6 | 3 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 23.5 | — |
| 2008 | Good | 6 | 93 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Structure & Body | 24 | — |
| 2009 | Good | 0 | 44 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 24.5 | — |
| 2010 | Best | 22 | 71 | 5 | 3 | 2 | Airbags | 25 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 50 | 187 | 7 | 2 | 3 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 39 | 184 | 3 | 5 | 4 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2013 | Best | 11 | 80 | 7 | 5 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 24 | 3★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 83 | 307 | 20 | 7 | 2 | Engine | 23 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Good | 28 | 113 | 4 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 23 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 78 | 293 | 9 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 22 | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 72 | 229 | 10 | 3 | 4 | Electrical System | 22 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Avoid | 100 | 942 | 28 | 5 | 6 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 89 | 329 | 13 | 2 | 2 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 67 | 140 | 3 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Good | 33 | 80 | 5 | 2 | 0 | Electrical System | 25 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 94 | 222 | 11 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 25 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Best | 17 | 46 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 27 | — |
| 2024 | Caution | 56 | 52 | 6 | 1 | 0 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 27 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Good | 44 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | 27 | 4★ |
Compass years to avoid: what went wrong
2018 Jeep Compass Index 100 · 942 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2018 Compass is the worst year in the lineup, with 942 complaints and a complaint index of 100, ranking 1st worst. Engine problems accounted for 52% of complaints (median 19,000 miles) and electrical system issues 44% (median 20,000 miles). NHTSA recorded 6 recalls, including insufficient brake fluid in rear calipers, a powertrain control module replacement, and incorrectly welded front lower control arms. Owners described airbags not deploying in rear-end and front-end collisions, sudden engine shutdowns while braking, and brakes failing to engage at low speed.
2018 engine problems →2018 electrical system problems →2018 transmission & powertrain problems →
2022 Jeep Compass Index 94 · 222 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2022 Compass had 222 complaints and a complaint index of 94, ranking 2nd worst. Electrical system issues were 58% of complaints (median 11,500 miles), with collision avoidance and camera problems at 21%. NHTSA logged 4 recalls, including a radio software update and two fixes for instrument panel cluster brightness and illumination. Owners described transmission control module failures causing sudden power loss, collision avoidance systems shutting off before a crash with a school bus, and steering wheels spinning independently at low speed.
2022 electrical system problems →2022 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2022 engine problems →
2019 Jeep Compass Index 89 · 329 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2019 Compass had 329 complaints and a complaint index of 89, ranking 3rd worst. Engine complaints were 51% of the total (median 10,000 miles) and electrical system complaints 45% (median 9,261 miles). Two recalls covered loosening windshield wiper arms and insufficient rear brake caliper fluid. Owners reported an engine fire while the vehicle was parked, poor braking and traction control that caused sliding, and airbags that failed to deploy in a rear-end collision.
2019 engine problems →2019 electrical system problems →2019 brakes problems →
2014 Jeep Compass Index 83 · 307 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2014 Compass logged 307 complaints with a complaint index of 83, ranking 4th worst of 19 model years. Engine problems made up 38% of complaints at a median 69,000 miles, with airbags close behind at 30% (median 45,000 miles). NHTSA issued 2 recalls, including one for an airbag Occupant Restraint Controller and one for an engine balance shaft module with abrasive debris on 2.4L engines. Owners described airbags failing to deploy in crashes, including a deer collision that also caused a fire.
2014 engine problems →2014 airbags problems →2014 seat belts problems →
2016 Jeep Compass Index 78 · 293 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2016 Compass had 293 complaints and a complaint index of 78, ranking 5th worst. Engine issues dominated at 59% of complaints (median 58,000 miles), followed by electrical system problems at 21%. A recall addressed a crankshaft or camshaft sensor that could work intermittently. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in a crash that totaled the vehicle, steering that locked up and led to a collision, and brakes that failed to respond, sending the car into a snow bank.
2016 engine problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Jeep Compass problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine1,435 (39%)
- Electrical System1,162 (31%)
- Other679 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain527 (14%)
- Brakes355 (10%)
- Fuel System295 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires274 (7%)
- Airbags272 (7%)
- Structure & Body241 (7%)
- Steering200 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Jeep Compass years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022 as the years with the highest complaint indexes, led by 2018 at 100 with 942 complaints.
- What is the best Jeep Compass year to buy?
- 2010, 2013, and 2023 rank as the best years, with complaint indexes of 22, 11, and 17 respectively and no capped verdicts.
- Is the 2018 Jeep Compass reliable?
- The 2018 Compass has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year, with 942 complaints and 6 recall campaigns, mostly tied to engine and electrical system problems.
- Does the Jeep Compass have engine problems?
- Engine issues are the top problem area across all Compass years, making up 39% of the 3,697 total complaints, and the leading category in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
- Why is the 2008 Jeep Compass rated Good instead of Best?
- The 2008 model year's verdict is capped at Good because NHTSA complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are considered less complete, despite a low complaint index of 6.