YearToAvoid

2012 Jeep Compass Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 25 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Jeep Compass, 14% of its 184 total complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 46,000. Two complaints mention fires. A related recall (13V233000) covers a software error in 2010-2012 Compass and Patriot models.

Electrical System complaints
25
14% of 184
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
46,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle suddenly loses all electrical power while driving, killing lights, hazards, and power steering, then sometimes restarts on its own after a few minutes.
  • Vehicle stalls or shuts off unexpectedly at various speeds while the check engine and battery warning lights come on.
  • Ignition or starting problems occur, including the vehicle failing to start after being parked and the key becoming stuck in the ignition.
  • Smoke or fire emerges from the dashboard or engine area, in one case destroying the vehicle near the liftgate.
  • Battery light comes on paired with stalling, especially reported in cold, wet weather conditions.
  • Dome light above the dashboard leaks water when it rains, raising concern about damage to nearby electrical components.

When 2012 Jeep Compass electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 22, 2012, latest Jan 23, 2024.

2012 Jeep Compass electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Jul 2012Oct 2014Feb 2016May 2017Sep 2017May 2019Sep 2019Dec 2020
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2012 to Jan 2024; peak Nov 2016 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass

  1. NHTSA 13V233000Jun 4, 2013Electrical System254,396 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

    Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Electrical System complaints by Compass model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20108 (11%)
  2. 201122 (12%)
  3. 201225 (14%)
  4. 201313 (16%)
  5. 201440 (13%)
  6. 201523 (20%)
  7. 201662 (21%)
  8. 201790 (39%)
  9. 2018411 (44%)
  10. 2019147 (45%)
  11. 202067 (48%)
  12. 202136 (45%)
  13. 2022128 (58%)
  14. 202317 (37%)
  15. 202419 (37%)
  16. 202512 (46%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA lists 25 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Compass, which is 14% of the 184 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
Yes. Recall 13V233000, reported June 4, 2013, covers a software error affecting 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles built between May 6, 2008 and July 20, 2012. Chrysler corrected the software free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Compass?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Compass is 46,000 miles.
Did the 2012 Jeep Compass electrical issues cause any fires or crashes?
NHTSA records show 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to electrical system complaints on the 2012 Compass.
How does the 2012 Compass compare to other years for electrical complaints?
The 2012 model year's electrical complaints made up 14% of its total complaints, lower than later years like 2018 (44%) and 2022 (58%), based on NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.