2017 Jeep Compass Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#7 most-complained of 16 Compass years
The 2017 Jeep Compass has a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 7th worst of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 229 complaints, 4 recalls, and an Electrical System problem area covering 39% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 229
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 22 city / 27 hwy
Top 2017 Jeep Compass problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System90 (39%)
- Engine77 (34%)
- Other66 (29%)
- Transmission & Powertrain42 (18%)
- Brakes40 (17%)
- Steering16 (7%)
- Airbags10 (4%)
- Fuel System10 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (4%)
- Structure & Body7 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the computer system shutting off while driving around 65 mph, followed by warning lights and, in one case, smoke.
- Some describe the driveshaft detaching while turning at low speed, causing the steering wheel to become hard to turn and leading to a crash.
- Owners report a burning odor from the vents along with rear doors opening unexpectedly while driving at low speed.
- Several report dashboard warning lights, loss of fuel service, and locked brakes and steering happening repeatedly, tied to a Takata-related recall.
- Owners describe small flames or burn marks near the windshield and dashboard after using the remote starter.
- One owner reports a ball joint snapping while turning at low speed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn.
2017 Jeep Compass recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V824000Dec 21, 2017Other61,791 vehicles
Equipment
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
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
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.
- NHTSA 17V740000Nov 21, 2017Electrical System25,823 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
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."
Risk: An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 17V433000Jul 7, 2017Other12,989 vehicles
Equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
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.
Risk: If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
2017 Jeep Compass fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 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.
2017 compared with other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Jeep Compass reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 Compass a Complaint Index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst out of 16 model years for this model. It has 229 complaints and 4 recalls on file.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Jeep Compass?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 39% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 20,000 miles. Engine issues follow at 34% of complaints.
- Does the 2017 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Compass, covering electrical instrument panel brightness, a transmission halfshaft engagement issue, a fire extinguisher replacement, and a User's Guide correction. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 Compass compare to other years?
- The 2017 model's Complaint Index of 60 is worse than years like 2013 (13) and 2015 (20), but better than 2018 (100) and 2014 (87), which are rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Jeep Compass?
- The 2017 Compass gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (22 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.