YearToAvoid

2014 Jeep Compass Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2014 Jeep Compass ranks 4th worst out of 19 model years, with a complaint index of 83 and an Avoid verdict. Owners reported 307 complaints, led by engine problems (116 complaints, 38% share) and airbags that failed to deploy in crashes, backed by two recalls.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
83/100
#4 of 19 Compass years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
307
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
20
reported in complaints
Fires
7
Injuries
24
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2013
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
23
21 city / 27 hwy
Injuries / deaths
24 / 0

Top 2014 Jeep Compass problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine116 (38%)
  2. Airbags91 (30%)
  3. Seat Belts53 (17%)
  4. Structure & Body41 (13%)
  5. Electrical System40 (13%)
  6. Other37 (12%)
  7. Brakes36 (12%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain35 (11%)
  9. Fuel System26 (8%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating or lurching forward unexpectedly while parking or slowing down, sometimes striking objects or other vehicles.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during head-on or rear-end collisions, in some cases at low speeds, resulting in injuries.
  • Some owners reported the engine catching fire, with smoke and flames coming from under the hood while driving or parked.
  • One owner reported the vehicle suddenly shutting off and losing brake function while driving at highway speed, leading to a rear-end collision.
  • A steering-related loss of control was reported while turning at low speed on snow-covered roads.
2014 Jeep Compass complaints: complaints filed per quarter242013 Q22015 Q22017 Q12018 Q42020 Q32022 Q22024 Q22026 Q2
307 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q2 (24).

2014 Jeep Compass recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Airbags1,435,625 vehicles

    Air bags

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

    Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

  2. NHTSA 13V552000Nov 6, 2013Engine521 vehicles

    Engine

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.

    Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

2014 Jeep Compass fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2014 compared with other Compass years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Good39184424
2013Best1180124
2014Avoid83307223
2015Good28113123
2016Avoid78293122

All Jeep Compass years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2014 Compass ranks 4th worst of 19 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 83 and an Avoid verdict based on owner complaints and recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Jeep Compass?
Engine issues account for 38% of complaints (116 total), followed by airbag problems at 30% (91 complaints) and seat belt issues at 17% (53 complaints).
Does the 2014 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
NHTSA lists two recalls: one for an airbag Occupant Restraint Control issue reported in 2016 and one for an engine balance shaft module issue reported in 2013, both affecting 2014 Compass vehicles.
How does the 2014 Compass compare to other years?
The 2014 model's complaint index of 83 is higher than most other Compass years; only the 2018, 2019, and 2022 model years score worse, with indexes of 100, 89, and 94 respectively.
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Jeep Compass?
EPA rates the 2014 Compass at 23 mpg combined (21 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.

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.