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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

941 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

All lights randomly flashed on dash then the vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic. This is the third time it has happened, and the dealership had claimed to have fixed it. Just had brand new batteries installed to ensure sufficient voltage, and it still happened. 32k miles.

NHTSA ODI #11496905

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

The auxiliary battery has failed at least 3 times (2018) and been replaced, as well as the main battery. When this happens the car is dead in the water, even the SiriusXM Guardian controls on the rear view mirror do not respond leaving you in dangerous situations. You are unable to contact emergency services for a tow, or emerge…

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The auxiliary battery has failed at least 3 times (2018) and been replaced, as well as the main battery. When this happens the car is dead in the water, even the SiriusXM Guardian controls on the rear view mirror do not respond leaving you in dangerous situations. You are unable to contact emergency services for a tow, or emergency vehicles. The dealership said it was faulty batteries but has had to replace them one more time after replacing the ones they say were faulty by manufacturer. The dealership wants additional money for tracing the issue but the car is just out from warranty by a few months. Prior to this, the dealership did not trace to find any shorts and the batteries were confirmed to be malfunctioning. There are no error codes found when this occurs. Dealership has confirmed MANY Jeep Compass have had the batteries replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11496685

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2022
Unknown Or Other

While driving on the highway or at a stop sign or signal light the car would stop and not start back and when driving on the highway it would stop just like that and takes a few minutes to restart causing backup traffic behind me. 12/6/2022 I took it to star Chrysler dealership on Jamaica avenue and I am still awaiting a diagnos…

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While driving on the highway or at a stop sign or signal light the car would stop and not start back and when driving on the highway it would stop just like that and takes a few minutes to restart causing backup traffic behind me. 12/6/2022 I took it to star Chrysler dealership on Jamaica avenue and I am still awaiting a diagnosis.my car has been doing this since before 11/14 when I first notified the dealership but nothing was done about it for over 2 weeks.

NHTSA ODI #11496666

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2022
Unknown Or Other

I purchased this vehicle in June 2021. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had it in the dealership (Lia Jeep, Dodge, Ram in Colonie, NY) five times for the same problem. The vehicle hasn’t been repaired to date. The problem is that the temperature gauge will spike at random and the vehicle will stall out. It will restart afte…

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I purchased this vehicle in June 2021. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had it in the dealership (Lia Jeep, Dodge, Ram in Colonie, NY) five times for the same problem. The vehicle hasn’t been repaired to date. The problem is that the temperature gauge will spike at random and the vehicle will stall out. It will restart after a period of time (usually minutes). If I keep the start/stop feature disengaged the problem is kept in check until the start/stop re-engages which it does on it’s own. I have had this (vehicle stalling out in traffic) to me too many times. It’s amazing that I haven’t been hit from behind. This vehicle has stalled out while I was in a round about and it has happened several time when I was exiting various places I do business with. If the dealership doesn’t get this resolved, I will be left with no other choice than to pursue New York Lemon Law.

NHTSA ODI #11496357

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2022
Engine

This Compass has been to North Point Jeep in Winston Salem, NC, 3 times for engine problems. The car overheats and then turns completely off after going 60 mph. We have complained but the dealership denies that there is an issue and these cars are "good". The car is currently at the dealership in repair and has been for the last…

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This Compass has been to North Point Jeep in Winston Salem, NC, 3 times for engine problems. The car overheats and then turns completely off after going 60 mph. We have complained but the dealership denies that there is an issue and these cars are "good". The car is currently at the dealership in repair and has been for the last month. Please make them accountable as we have spent a lot of money and time on this car that only has 40,000 miles. Please advise.

NHTSA ODI #11496330

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2022
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

Drove the vehicle I purchased and the lights on the dash board began to illuminate at 2500 miles. The u connect would go black, the dash lights air bags, emergency break, cruise control, etc would illuminate. The the car would shift out of gear automatically put in park flashing, and die in the middle of the freeway without war…

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Drove the vehicle I purchased and the lights on the dash board began to illuminate at 2500 miles. The u connect would go black, the dash lights air bags, emergency break, cruise control, etc would illuminate. The the car would shift out of gear automatically put in park flashing, and die in the middle of the freeway without warning, has happened like 3 times, now I am scared to drive it due to the safety of myself and others. I would have to restart the car and it would jerk, then be fine. The hood light would display hood open when it isn't and multiple other lights. Told the wiring harness is melted causing the problems. Lights that come on are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Check engine, Transmission light, Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning

NHTSA ODI #11496171

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

Since taking over ownership in 2020 of a 2018 SUV that currently has only 61,000 miles I've had electrical issues with the auto start/stop warning light coming on/off intermittently. I was told by that make and model dealership that that happens for several reasons and was of no large concern. I've had the 1 electrical recall 'r…

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Since taking over ownership in 2020 of a 2018 SUV that currently has only 61,000 miles I've had electrical issues with the auto start/stop warning light coming on/off intermittently. I was told by that make and model dealership that that happens for several reasons and was of no large concern. I've had the 1 electrical recall 'reprogrammed', but then my car wouldn't start on Thanksgiving. Replaced the main battery then took it back to dealership, $180 later was told the steering gear rack needs replacing. I've heard a clunking sound in the steering for about 2-3 weeks. How with so few miles is that possible? After replacing battery they also said all old codes should've cleared from system and hadn't so they cleared them. I've also noted multiple times that the coolant seems to run on the low side periodically. I've already had warranty replace the washer fluid resevoir next to a hot engine component in 2021. The engine does not appear to cool as it should to me and the placement of hoses and electrical is so tight together this has me wondering if it affects the electronic controls to EVERYTHING. Had I not noticed the steering issue myself, no error or warning messages have displayed on the vehicle. It will not properly calibrate test itself and it is $1800 for this steering part and my warranties have all expired after only 2 years. Multiple electrical components seem to be reported issues as well as steering and engine issues for this year and model. I'm ready to trade it in! I feel the maker needs to re-evaluate this model and make several changes to ensure a safe and reliable vehicle as I do not feel safe to even drive it now even after dealer said I could for now. Problem will worsen, and I have a bad taste in my mouth of this maker now anyhow. I loved my car, now I'm left clueless as to what would be safe and reliable. Service reports and receipts can be uploaded if needed to verify the Dealerships notes and Services performed.

NHTSA ODI #11495980

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

I will be driving and suddenly the car stops. The parking break comes on and the car won't start. Takes awhile to get it restarted. It seems dangerous and as I've googled seems like a problem all across the board not just me.

NHTSA ODI #11495968

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

While driving, car began to overheat. I have recently completed an oil change where all my fluids are topped off to ensure proper functionality. Upon inspection, the coolant is completely empty and the car continues to use up coolant as it is used. Car becomes overheated within minutes of driving. When turning on the car occasio…

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While driving, car began to overheat. I have recently completed an oil change where all my fluids are topped off to ensure proper functionality. Upon inspection, the coolant is completely empty and the car continues to use up coolant as it is used. Car becomes overheated within minutes of driving. When turning on the car occasionally, the dashboard flashes and does not work.

NHTSA ODI #11495497

Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2022
Electrical System

Vehicle has shut down while driving during three separate occasions between 2021 and 2022. While driving, the vehicle flashed a message across the dashboard stating wording about the Electric system and the coolant levels went up, the car stopped for a few seconds, the parking brake came on, radio went off (car powered down) the…

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Vehicle has shut down while driving during three separate occasions between 2021 and 2022. While driving, the vehicle flashed a message across the dashboard stating wording about the Electric system and the coolant levels went up, the car stopped for a few seconds, the parking brake came on, radio went off (car powered down) then everything went back to normal. The coolant levels went down, the message disappeared, and I proceed to driving to my destination.

NHTSA ODI #11493922

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.