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2018 Jeep Compass

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Compass years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Compass are substantially higher than the model-year median of 126.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

478 reports with mileage · 463 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 473 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 375 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 151 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports5 fire reports14 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

375 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2025
Electrical System

> After a routine oil change at a Jeep dealer on [XXX], the A/C in my 2018 Compass stopped working the next day. Compressor hardware is fine but the vehicle stored code U0423-00 (“Invalid Data Received from IPC”). This matches the defect covered under Recall T70 (2019 Compass) where invalid cluster data causes A/C failure, but m…

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> After a routine oil change at a Jeep dealer on [XXX], the A/C in my 2018 Compass stopped working the next day. Compressor hardware is fine but the vehicle stored code U0423-00 (“Invalid Data Received from IPC”). This matches the defect covered under Recall T70 (2019 Compass) where invalid cluster data causes A/C failure, but my VIN is not included. This creates a safety concern: without working A/C, I cannot safely transport my [XXX] daughter in Florida heat, and it limits my ability to get to work. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate expansion of the recall to include affected 2018 models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11685473

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2025
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings…

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Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings, service airbag reading, transmission warming sign, and emergency brake engagement without command. These failures have occurred multiple times and forced me off the road to avoid collisions. They mirror known recalls on this model year and create a clear risk of injury or death. Attempts to Repair: The selling dealer (Coral Springs Pre-Owned Superstore) and an authorized Jeep dealer (Arrigo Jeep in Margate, FL and Arrigo Jeep Tamarac,FL) have repeatedly failed to identify or repair the issues despite video evidence. They claim they cannot replicate the malfunctions, though the vehicle continues to fail monthly. Safety Concern: The Jeep Compass shuts down without warning at highway speeds, leaving me stranded in traffic. This is an immediate hazard and should be investigated as a systemic defect. Requested Action: Investigation into recalls/defects on the 2018 Jeep Compass, enforcement of repairs, and accountability for dealerships that continue to sell unsafe vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11685413

34,000 miles · Sep 5, 2025
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the START/STOP indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting to st…

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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the START/STOP indicator light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle set for approximately ten minutes and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH. The contact stated that the Auto STOP indicator was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle could only be driven for twenty minutes before the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to remain parked for ten minutes before being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ODI #11685310

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2025
Electrical System

Car shut down on highway went into limp mode due to electrical issue. Several times already this has occurred. Recall is in place for this situation. Please help. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11683041

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2025
Electrical System

I've had this jeep since September 2021. I've driven about 32,000 miles. When I purchased the car it had 36,000 miles. Every light came on, including the check engine light. I have also seen the car will shut off. Park this vehicle about a month ago.

NHTSA ODI #11679996

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

MAIN ISSUE 1) My 2018 jeep compass has a very high coolant temperature issue, temperature will exceed 256 also transmission temperatures will exceed 210 My dashboard coolant icon appears and says COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH POWER ENGINE OFF ISSUE 2) A! On off power option THE PERSON WHO INVENTED THE POWER ON / OFF A! OPTI…

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MAIN ISSUE 1) My 2018 jeep compass has a very high coolant temperature issue, temperature will exceed 256 also transmission temperatures will exceed 210 My dashboard coolant icon appears and says COOLANT TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH POWER ENGINE OFF ISSUE 2) A! On off power option THE PERSON WHO INVENTED THE POWER ON / OFF A! OPTION NEED TO BR SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE IN PRISON, this “energy efficientoption”option will destroy your vehicle engine , battery, the starter, even my sensor system indefinitely, this has completely disabled all power to my jeep in the middle of I75 interstate with my 3 kids all under 10 45 minutes away from home , could not control a single all power was disabled I could not even power my engine off . I’ve never been so afraid for my kids and I , this could have caused a horrible accident that could have claimed us all , it was all caused by the ON/OFF feature,

NHTSA ODI #11679740

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Key fob not found, tpms not reading but sensors are good, backup camera beeping when things are not behind and continues to beep in drive, engine stalling, worn motor mounts due to no reason

NHTSA ODI #11675257

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Vehicle does not start or starts and will not go into gear. Dash lights go crazy and various issues display on screen

NHTSA ODI #11674914

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The vehicle backup camera has never worked reliably since we purchased the vehicle. It will work intermittently but lately for the last several weeks, the backup camera does not come on at all, ever. The dealership is saying we'd have to bring it in for a several hundred dollar assessment on how much it might cost to fix it and …

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The vehicle backup camera has never worked reliably since we purchased the vehicle. It will work intermittently but lately for the last several weeks, the backup camera does not come on at all, ever. The dealership is saying we'd have to bring it in for a several hundred dollar assessment on how much it might cost to fix it and doing research online it could be hundreds into well over $1,000. We could install an aftermarket camera significantly cheaper, but since the vehicle has one in its system, it should freaking work!

NHTSA ODI #11667953

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2025
Electrical System

The car's dashboard will periodically show all the lights and indicate that the car will stop. In some cases, the car does stop, and you lose power steering. When we brought it into the dealership in early April 2024, they cleared the codes and indicated that start/stop relay may need to be replaced. A few weeks later, the sam…

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The car's dashboard will periodically show all the lights and indicate that the car will stop. In some cases, the car does stop, and you lose power steering. When we brought it into the dealership in early April 2024, they cleared the codes and indicated that start/stop relay may need to be replaced. A few weeks later, the same thing happened and the dealership repaired the start/stop relay. Since then, the lights will periodically come on and turning it off eventually clears the codes. May 18, 2025, it happened again. On the radio, it showed P2AF5. We brought it to the dealership and while there were 30-40 codes that were showing (some active and some stored), the P2AF5 code didn't display. The dealership cleared all the codes in hopes that it would only turn on the code that caused all the other codes. No new codes displayed. They offered no further diagnostic suggestions and said to bring it back if it occurs again. Because losing power steering while driving is a safety hazard and because a lot of people on various sites indicate they have similar problems due to the start/stop relay, I want to report this issue in hopes that you can find a pattern and determine a fix.

NHTSA ODI #11662343

Official recalls

6

18V523000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

Aug 9, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Aug 9, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

18V279000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

May 1, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

17V732000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Nov 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The passenger side air bag assembly may have inflator mounting nuts loose within the module assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.

17V740000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Nov 21, 2017

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

17V670000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Oct 24, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.