YearToAvoid

2018 Jeep Compass Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 492 of 942 total complaints for the 2018 Jeep Compass, or 52% of all filings. NHTSA lists a recall (17V670000) for a cracked oil pump housing on 2.4L engines. Median mileage at failure was 19,000 miles.

Engine complaints
492
52% of 942
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
19,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds, sometimes restarting on its own after the accelerator is released.
  • Some owners describe the vehicle lurching or accelerating unintentionally while stopped or when the brake pedal is applied, in some cases leading to a collision.
  • Several complaints describe rough or delayed acceleration paired with the transmission failing to shift properly, with some owners reporting the dealer replaced the entire engine without resolving the issue.
  • Owners report the auto stop-start system malfunctioning, with the engine shutting off unexpectedly on the highway and being slow to restart.
  • One owner reported the engine needing full replacement for burning oil, followed later by a stall and an underhood fire.
  • A complaint noted fuel economy far below the EPA estimate of 22 city/30 highway, along with a loss of power after startup and after stopping at lights.

When 2018 Jeep Compass engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 8, 2017, latest Sep 24, 2026.

2018 Jeep Compass engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter482017 Q42019 Q12020 Q22021 Q32022 Q42024 Q12025 Q22026 Q3
492 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q4 (48).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Jeep Compass

  1. NHTSA 17V670000Oct 24, 2017Engine357 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

    Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

Engine complaints by Compass model year

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

  1. 201011 (15%)
  2. 201151 (27%)
  3. 201245 (24%)
  4. 201314 (18%)
  5. 2014116 (38%)
  6. 201543 (38%)
  7. 2016174 (59%)
  8. 201777 (34%)
  9. 2018492 (52%)
  10. 2019169 (51%)
  11. 202083 (59%)
  12. 202124 (30%)
  13. 202241 (18%)
  14. 202310 (22%)
  15. 20249 (17%)
  16. 20254 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 492 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Compass, which is 52% of the 942 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2018 Jeep Compass?
Yes. Recall 17V670000 covers 2018 Jeep Compass and Cherokee models with 2.4L engines that may have a cracked oil pump housing, which can cause oil pump failure. Dealers inspect and replace the pump as necessary at no charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 19,000 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2018 Compass.
Have engine problems on the 2018 Compass led to crashes or fires?
NHTSA records 10 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries tied to complaints in the engine area for the 2018 Jeep Compass.

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.