When I drive the car jerks and often speeds up or slows down on its own, it hesitates and sometimes I am afraid some one will hit me from behind
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Compass years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Power Train complaints
151 reportsI purchased the vehicle on [XXX] from Mall Chevy in Cherry Hill NJ. From the first day, i was getting an intermittent A! warning for the vehicle start/stop function. The vehicle would feel like it is trying to turn off when not active. Finally on [XXX], it stayed on. The entire time i have been trying to get the dealership to fi…
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I purchased the vehicle on [XXX] from Mall Chevy in Cherry Hill NJ. From the first day, i was getting an intermittent A! warning for the vehicle start/stop function. The vehicle would feel like it is trying to turn off when not active. Finally on [XXX], it stayed on. The entire time i have been trying to get the dealership to fix it, they refused to look at it. The transmission keeps slipping, jerking forward and back, wants to take off at a stop. They refuse to acknowledge. I finally took it to Performance Dodge in Woodbury NJ, they determined it was a defective IBS( Intelligent battery sensor). Then a BCM issue was determined and 2 wires had insulation exposed, an OHMED was needed as well as HVAC and DTCM updates. It still needs ABS and TCM module work. The vehicle still feels like it wants to shut off, jerks while accelerating and makes a banging sound INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
With absolutely zero prior indication of a problem, the car became completely immobilized in drive while attempting to turn after being stopped at a traffic light on a busy four lane road. Every imaginable code was cycling through on the dash and all warning code lights came on. I was unable to shift the car into any gear. Meani…
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With absolutely zero prior indication of a problem, the car became completely immobilized in drive while attempting to turn after being stopped at a traffic light on a busy four lane road. Every imaginable code was cycling through on the dash and all warning code lights came on. I was unable to shift the car into any gear. Meaning, I could not shift into neutral to push the car safely out of the way of traffic. Additionally the car could not be turned off. I could not roll down the windows and the touchscreen was inoperable. After approximately 6-8 minutes I was able to shift into neutral to push the car to a safer area. The same immobilization issue happened 3 days later after the battery and alternator were replaced. This time, I put the car in reverse and it became immobilized in exactly the same way. The car turned itself off after approximately 10 minutes and was towed to the dealership where it has been for 30 days. The dealership scanned the codes on the car and the result was 300+ error codes. The dealer cannot diagnose the problem but they have been able to replicate the issue. The car is well maintained and there were no warning messages or other symptoms of any problem prior to the first incident January 27, 2024. The car remains at the dealer and it is available for inspection.
CAR HAS BEEN STOPPING WHILE DRIVING ON MAJOR ROADWAYS. REQUIRES A RESTART IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY AND DOES NOT EVEN MAKE IT TO THE ROADSIDE TO RESTART. UPON BRINGING IT IN TO BE CHECKED, IT HAD 0 BUT NO REPORTED LEAK AND OIL LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON. PURCHASED USED JUST 2 MONTHS AGO AND ONLY DROVE 6K MILES. WAS TOLD TO CHANG…
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CAR HAS BEEN STOPPING WHILE DRIVING ON MAJOR ROADWAYS. REQUIRES A RESTART IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY AND DOES NOT EVEN MAKE IT TO THE ROADSIDE TO RESTART. UPON BRINGING IT IN TO BE CHECKED, IT HAD 0 BUT NO REPORTED LEAK AND OIL LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON. PURCHASED USED JUST 2 MONTHS AGO AND ONLY DROVE 6K MILES. WAS TOLD TO CHANGE OIL EVERY 5K MILES BECUASE THIS MODEL CONSUMES EXCESSIVE OIL. I SEARCHED AND FOUND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE HOWEVER MY VIN # DOES NOT SHOW A RECALL.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power from the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was coasted to a safe location. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as int…
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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power from the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle was coasted to a safe location. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as intended. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The contact also stated that the process was repeated three times, going to work and three times while returning from work. The contact connected the vehicle to a diagnostic machine and received a code that Torque request denied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4-WD, ABS, Hill Assist, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the differential malfunctioned due to a tightening and then releasing that occurred while attempting to steer the vehicle. The ve…
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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the 4-WD, ABS, Hill Assist, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the differential malfunctioned due to a tightening and then releasing that occurred while attempting to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the rear ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and then confirmed that parts were not available nor longer in production. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
SUV has died several times for no reason. Taken to dealership several times. They laugh and say it’s normal for this compass. Engine oil is constantly low and they say that it’s common for oil to just disappear on these suvs. Nothing can be recreated at the dealership each time. I’ve been driving down the road with two kids in t…
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SUV has died several times for no reason. Taken to dealership several times. They laugh and say it’s normal for this compass. Engine oil is constantly low and they say that it’s common for oil to just disappear on these suvs. Nothing can be recreated at the dealership each time. I’ve been driving down the road with two kids in the car and traffic behind me and the car just dies and doesn’t want to restart. This morning my heater stopped working. No lights came on. No sensors went off. Car was out of coolant and not one single low sensor light came on. Oil has to be added in between each 3000 mile oil change. Seat has broken twice. No sensors for oil low. No sensors for coolant. Nothing to let you know your engine is 3.5 quarts low of oil before the 3000 mile oil change is due. It’s bad when the dealership knows all of this and it’s considered normal to spend $28000 on a vehicle which has all these issues! Now there is a popping noise when you turn the wheels and i see the lower control arms are on recall but not for mine. Engine oil issue is on recall but not for mine. Is it going to take someone getting killed when their car stalls out before anything is done? I’ve also had to replace the batteries already last year and now my auto start stop system has quit working again. Last time this happened it was the battery. So I’m going to have to replace it again. Worst vehicle I’ve ever had.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled while making a left turn while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated after the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The …
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The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled while making a left turn while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated after the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The next day, the contact restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart while parked at a gas station. The dealer was not notified of the failure. An email was sent to the manufacturer about the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Car is intermittently stalling, power steering intermittently failing and all service lights come on at one time, took to a non Jeep dealership they diagnosed as a TIPM failure and told me to take it to a Jeep dealership , took to two Jeep dealerships and they said since the issue wasn’t happening while the vehicle is in their c…
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Car is intermittently stalling, power steering intermittently failing and all service lights come on at one time, took to a non Jeep dealership they diagnosed as a TIPM failure and told me to take it to a Jeep dealership , took to two Jeep dealerships and they said since the issue wasn’t happening while the vehicle is in their care there’s nothing they can do about it.
Received notice for excessive oil consumption recall. Took to dealer to fix recalls. Realized nothing is noted of Jeep excessive oil consumption. Constant oil changes and adding oil. Just got another oil change, all filters changed, drove a couple hundred miles. Oil is low. Car has stalled on me in intersection with my baby in b…
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Received notice for excessive oil consumption recall. Took to dealer to fix recalls. Realized nothing is noted of Jeep excessive oil consumption. Constant oil changes and adding oil. Just got another oil change, all filters changed, drove a couple hundred miles. Oil is low. Car has stalled on me in intersection with my baby in backseat. Had to get pushed to side of road. Engine feels shakey/vibrates randomly but often since I purchased brand new. Engine and fan EXCESSIVELY LOUD with no AC and sometimes in am when just started. No weather conditions to affect that. Check engine would be on then turn off. Auto shop would check it and say everything is good. But it’s clearly not and I’ve been dealing with these issues since I purchased. I shouldn’t stress on my vehicle because I don’t feel safe with my baby. Traveling shouldn’t drain oil. Thank you for your help.
Official recalls
618V523000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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