Is the 2018 Jeep Compass electrical system reliable?

NHTSA lists 411 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Compass, 44% of all 942 complaints filed that year, which is a high share compared to most other model years for this component.

Does the 2018 Jeep Compass have an electrical recall?

Yes. Recall 18V524000 covers powertrain control module replacement, and recall 17V740000 addresses instrument panel cluster backlighting brightness that could not be adjusted.

What electrical problems do 2018 Compass owners report most?

Owners describe dashboard lights that will not dim at night, unexpected battery drain, stalling with warning lights, and in some cases fires, with a median failure mileage of 20,000.

Were there any fires linked to the 2018 Compass electrical system?

NHTSA data shows 3 fires and 1 injury reported alongside the 411 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Compass, along with 3 crashes.

2018 Jeep Compass Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 411 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Jeep Compass, 44% of all 942 complaints filed for the year. Owners report unintended battery drain, fires, instrument panel dimming failures, and stalling with warning lights, with a median failure mileage of 20,000. Two related recalls (18V524000 and 17V740000) cover powertrain control module and instrument cluster brightness issues.

Electrical System complaints: 411; 44% of 942
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 20,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Instrument panel and dashboard lighting stay at full brightness at night and will not dim, even with headlights on and the dimmer switch engaged.
Batteries drain unexpectedly, leaving the vehicle unable to start until jumped, sometimes followed by unusual noises after restart.
Electrical fires have started near the engine, under a door panel, and after smoking was noticed beneath the vehicle.
The radio screen develops a bubble that causes it to glitch and disables the backup camera while driving.
Rear windows roll down on their own at various speeds, and the vehicle stalls with multiple warning lights appearing on the instrument panel.
Auxiliary battery has needed repeated replacement alongside radio and camera malfunctions.

When 2018 Jeep Compass electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 26, 2017, latest Sep 24, 2026.

411 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q3 (25).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Jeep Compass

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 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.

Electrical System complaints by Compass model year

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

20108 (11%)
201122 (12%)
201225 (14%)
201313 (16%)
201440 (13%)
201523 (20%)
201662 (21%)
201790 (39%)
2018411 (44%)
2019147 (45%)
202067 (48%)
202136 (45%)
2022128 (58%)
202317 (37%)
202419 (37%)
202512 (46%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Jeep Compass electrical system reliable?: NHTSA lists 411 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Compass, 44% of all 942 complaints filed that year, which is a high share compared to most other model years for this component.
Does the 2018 Jeep Compass have an electrical recall?: Yes. Recall 18V524000 covers powertrain control module replacement, and recall 17V740000 addresses instrument panel cluster backlighting brightness that could not be adjusted.
What electrical problems do 2018 Compass owners report most?: Owners describe dashboard lights that will not dim at night, unexpected battery drain, stalling with warning lights, and in some cases fires, with a median failure mileage of 20,000.
Were there any fires linked to the 2018 Compass electrical system?: NHTSA data shows 3 fires and 1 injury reported alongside the 411 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Compass, along with 3 crashes.