2018 Jeep Compass Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 16 Compass years
The 2018 Jeep Compass ranks worst of 16 model years, with 942 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 6 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 52% of complaints, followed by electrical issues at 44%, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Compass years.
- Complaints
- 942
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 28 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 18 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 31 hwy
Top 2018 Jeep Compass problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine492 (52%)
- Electrical System411 (44%)
- Other197 (21%)
- Transmission & Powertrain151 (16%)
- Brakes90 (10%)
- Fuel System64 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras50 (5%)
- Steering28 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires27 (3%)
- Airbags22 (2%)
What owners report
- Some drivers report unintended acceleration or forward lurching after releasing or depressing the brake pedal, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Owners describe brake pedals that fail to engage or stop the vehicle, occurring at low mileage in several cases.
- Several owners report the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly, including while merging onto highways or after sharp turns.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crash reports, including rear-end and frontal collisions at highway speeds.
- Owners report the check engine light illuminating alongside transmission problems requiring repair.
- Some drivers describe steering lockups occurring together with loss of braking function.
2018 Jeep Compass recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V523000Aug 9, 2018Brakes154,335 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
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.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 18V524000Aug 9, 2018Electrical System12,779 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood
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.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 18V279000May 1, 2018Suspension, Wheels & Tires2,761 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
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.
Risk: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2018 Jeep Compass fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 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.
2018 compared with other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Jeep Compass reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2018 Compass ranks worst among 16 model years for this model, with 942 complaints and a complaint index of 100, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Jeep Compass?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 52% of complaints (492 complaints) with a median failure mileage of 19,000 miles.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Compass have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Compass, covering brakes, electrical system, suspension, airbags, and engine components, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- Are there brake problems in the 2018 Jeep Compass?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 90 brake-related complaints with 5 crashes and a median failure mileage of 13,806 miles, and one recall addressed insufficient rear brake caliper piston coating.
- How does the 2018 Compass compare to other model years?
- The 2018 Compass has the highest complaint index (100) of the 16 model years with data, ranking worst overall, compared to years like 2023 with an index of 7.