Power Train. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

187 reports

Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2023

SteeringWheels

Front wheel assembly with broken connection to frame which was caused by a rusted out frame that mechanic said make vehicle extremly dangerous to drive. Front Wheels buckled outward. Can't drive car any more.

NHTSA ODI #11542372

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2023

Suspension

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Please require Jeep/Stallantis to initiate a recall for all 2008-2012 Jeep Compass' impacted by excessive corrosion to the subframe and front/rear cross members due to an inadequately designed AC drain located right above the vehicle subframe. Condensation from the AC drain drips directly onto critical frame structures. Therefore, excessive and premature rusting to the front & top sides of the subframe occurs because the subframe is constantly wet with the operation of the AC, as well as during the winter months while dehumidifying the air. Of course, road salt throughout the winter in the “salt” states further exacerbates the problem. Extensive rust to the subframes have deemed the vehicles unsafe to drive despite being in otherwise good condition w/ reasonable miles. No safety/dashboard lights, warnings, or operational concerns were present indicating potential safety concerns until the driver either experienced a dangerous driving situation or failed a vehicle inspection. Jeep has known about the significant safety implications, yet failed to effectively remediate critical safety concerns. Although Jeep extended a Front and Rear Crossmember Warranty (X69 Warranty), they neglected to properly notify vehicle owners of the extension. They did not make any type of public announcement to inform or warn drivers of the critical safety issues, did not notify owners of access to free yearly inspections to monitor the subframe. Owners using independent mechanics rather than OEM Jeep dealers have not been afforded the same opportunity to access the X69 Warranty Extension & inspections. Jeep has yet to demonstrate sufficient accountability for the ongoing critical safety and security concern. Acknowledging an insufficient AC drain design and issuing a recall for the AC drain, subframe, and front/rear cross members affirm they stand behind their brand, reputation, & value passenger and vehicle safety.

NHTSA ODI #11539264

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2023

Seats

Headrest clips broke and popped out

NHTSA ODI #11538741

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023

Structure

Was told that the sub frame is bad. After looking into it, it seems to be a known issue with the jeep compass.

NHTSA ODI #11529457

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2023

SuspensionUnknown Or Other

Was told by service center that car was not safe to drive

NHTSA ODI #11524767

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2023

SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

Front subframe rusted out due to salt corrosion and as Kentucky is not listed as a Salt belt state the recall notice went unsent and the consumer was not advised nor were service locations.

NHTSA ODI #11522722

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2023

Suspension

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while running errands, a woman pointed out to me that i had dropped the rear passenger side control arm. she was very concerned about me driving it. i assured her i understood. and that with a mile to drive, i would use flashers and drive slowly. the following day my Compass was brought to my mechanic. i received a phone call i never expected! the rear crossmember was rusted out, and the subframe. above that, there was nothing to bolt to! the car was scrap- and, yes, it is available for inspection. this absolutely is a safety issue. the steering became unpredictable, harder to control. i could have lost a wheel, caused an accident that could have been fatal! the disabled car should not be on the road. i did visit the dealership local to me. i carried with me a TSB dated March 2017 about this very issue. i was told my car was "old" and did i get it serviced there? unfortunately, no, i bought it used 2 years ago. there had been a 10 year warranty extension and now my car was out of warranty? i had no notification. and, even so, why would Jeep deliberately ignore all the complaints on THEIR forums? three people at that dealership knew of this problem and said there was nothing they could do. my car is a 2011, i am a risk-free driver, no accident history. the car itself is clean. there is 40,000 miles on it. the previous owner was meticulous with service calls, getting recalls fixed, oil changes etc. the car was solid when i bought it. i did not abuse, misuse, or neglect my Compass in any way. this is a defect on the manufacturer's end. the folks on your very site are detailing the same severe corrosion. the 2011 and 2012 Compasses and 2011-2012 Patriots were affected. there are forums with owners trying to get compensated, trying to bring attention to this.

NHTSA ODI #11521959

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2023

Suspension

The suspension has completed rusted through. My mechanic can stick his arm all of the way through. There was a recall on other VINs but not mine so far. There needs to be one since I wasn't told about this safety problem until my mechanic went to replace other parts. I was never told this through any means. Jeep needs to do bett…

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NHTSA ODI #11516115

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2023

Suspension

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In 2019 my 2011 jeep compass front subframe rusted really bad which cause corrosions. I called Chrysler and advise if there was a recall on this and they told me no. I paid for the repair to get it fix, fast forward to today I took my car in for an oil change and was informed the rear subframe has now rotted and is also causing corrosion. I called Jeep and was advise the recall expired in 2021 and there is nothing they can do. Please be mindful that I was told that there was no recall on this back in 2019 when I called. It is very unsafe for me to drive with my 4 year old in the car knowing that my subframe is severely rotted which is causing corrosions. jeep was not willing to help with this recall and I think it’s insane due to it being a safety issue

NHTSA ODI #11511889

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2022

Unknown Or Other

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We had our Jeep at the local mechanic for a pre winter check up. He found the rear crossmember broken and the front crossmember had holes in it due to corrosion. The vehicle has 211,000 km on it and we’ve owned since new with zero collisions or even a fender bender. Jeep had an extended warranty on these pcs but has denied our claim as 10 years have passed. In my mind this is a safety issue as the wheel assembly could physically break free causing loss of control of the vehicle. These are parts related to the structural integrity of the vehicle and not a normal wear and tear item. This vehicle has been serviced by our local journeyman mechanic licensed in Alberta. It was at our local dealership on September 15/2017 for a recall but there is no record of inspection of these crossmembers. Jeep service bulletin dated march 10/2017 states that the affected vehicles should have these parts inspected and replaced if necessary..also to add, we never received any correspondence from Jeep asking to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The vehicle has been parked for several days now as both our mechanic and myself believe it’s not safe to be on the road. I’ve gotten nowhere with the district warrant manager or their customer care line staff. I’m reaching out as I believe this is a serious issue and should be a safety recall rather than a service bulletin.

NHTSA ODI #11494816

Official recalls

16V668000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seat Belts:pretensioner

Sep 15, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Seat Belts:pretensioner

Consequence: 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.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Air Bags

13V233000 · Air Bags:side/window; Electrical System:software; Seat Belts

Jun 4, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

Consequence: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Seat Belts

Air Bags:side/window

11V315000 · Steering:column

Jun 8, 2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

PE19014 · Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

Opened Sep 9, 2019 · Closed Feb 25, 2026

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint