Is the 2011 Jeep Compass reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Jeep Compass is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Jeep Compass?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Jeep Compass have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Jeep Compass

◆ Worse than typical

2011 Jeep Compass
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:48.582Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 188
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2011: 188 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	259
2008	93
2009	44
2010	71
2011	188
2012	184
2013	80
2014	308
2015	113
2016	292
2017	229
2018	945
2019	331
2020	142
2021	80
2022	224
2023	48
2024	55
2025	28
2026	4

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

20% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Engine

16% · 30 reports

FIRE

Suspension

14% · 27 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

My wife and I just exited the highway where we were traveling 70 MPH (Rt 75 south Tennessee). We came to a stop light that was red and applied the brakes. We heard a load sound from the right front wheel and the wheel pulled from my hands.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-11

The crossmebers front and rear were rusted to where the back broke and made the car unsafe and unable to drive

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-07

2011 Jeep Compass with 62,000 miles on it the subframes rod about the wheel almost fell off the arm that holds the wheel fell off the rear frame and that could have caused the real big accident accident would have lost control of the vehicle and...

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-09

Also filed under Wheels

Structure

12% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The exhaust hanger allowed the exhaust to shift up into the bumper causing the rear bumper to melt/burn. My family's lives were put in danger and my bumper was ruined because of this engineering defect.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-08

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-06

Electrical system

11% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing horn.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 188 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2011-07-04Steering11V315000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2013-06-21Air bags, electrical system, seat belts13V233000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-08-15Air bags, seat belts16V668000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-02-25 Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Jeep Compass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 38 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 30 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 27 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V315000 · Steering
Recall 13V233000 · Air bags, electrical system, seat belts
Recall 16V668000 · Air bags, seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Jeep Compass reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Jeep Compass is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Jeep Compass?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Jeep Compass have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.