Is the 2012 Jeep Compass reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Jeep Compass is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?

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

How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Compass have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Jeep Compass

◆ Worse than typical

2012 Jeep Compass
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:19.837Z

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: 184
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 184 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.

Engine

20% · 36 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle spontaneously caught fire in driveway.*dt contact stated the inspector who inspected the Jeep said fire was due to electrical issues.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-08

Also filed under Electrical system and electronic stability control (esc)

Fuel/propulsion system

18% · 34 reports

Air bags

15% · 28 reports

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

- The passenger headrest of my 2012 Jeep Compass Limited deployed while the car was in motion on the highway with no reason to deploy. Yes, the component is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-10

Power train

14% · 26 reports

Electrical system

13% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2012Complaint volume 184 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2012-05-21Fuel system, gasoline12V142000 Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured from December 17, 2011, through January 2, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about May 25, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

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

2013-07-19Fuel system, gasoline13V120000 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July…

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

2012 Jeep Compass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 36 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 34 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 28 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V142000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 13V233000 · Air bags, electrical system, seat belts
Recall 13V120000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 16V668000 · Air bags, seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Jeep Compass reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Jeep Compass is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Compass have?: 4 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.