2018 Jeep Compass

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Jeep Compass
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of 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.

Complaints
941
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

50% of complaints

Complaints per year

2007: 259 complaints 2007 2008: 93 complaints 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 71 complaints 2010 2011: 188 complaints 2012: 184 complaints 2013: 80 complaints 2013 2014: 307 complaints 2015: 113 complaints 2016: 292 complaints 2017: 229 complaints 2018: 941 complaints 2018 941 2019: 330 complaints 2020: 141 complaints 2021: 79 complaints 2022: 221 complaints 2022 2023: 46 complaints 2024: 52 complaints 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 4 complaints
2007: 259 complaints 2007 2008: 93 complaints 2009: 44 complaints 2009 2010: 71 complaints 2011: 188 complaints 2011 2012: 184 complaints 2013: 80 complaints 2013 2014: 307 complaints 2015: 113 complaints 2015 2016: 292 complaints 2017: 229 complaints 2018: 941 complaints 2018 941 2019: 330 complaints 2020: 141 complaints 2021: 79 complaints 2021 2022: 221 complaints 2023: 46 complaints 2023 2024: 52 complaints 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 4 complaints
2007: 259 complaints 2007 2008: 93 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2009 2010: 71 complaints 2010 2011: 188 complaints 2011 2012: 184 complaints 2012 2013: 80 complaints 2013 2014: 307 complaints 2014 2015: 113 complaints 2015 2016: 292 complaints 2016 2017: 229 complaints 2017 2018: 941 complaints 2018 941 2019: 330 complaints 2019 2020: 141 complaints 2020 2021: 79 complaints 2021 2022: 221 complaints 2022 2023: 46 complaints 2023 2024: 52 complaints 2024 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 4 complaints 2026

2018: 941 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2007259
200893
200944
201071
2011188
2012184
201380
2014307
2015113
2016292
2017229
2018941
2019330
2020141
202179
2022221
202346
202452
202526
20264

Known problem areas

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

Engine

50% · 473 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact leased a 2018 Jeep Compass. While driving 5 MPH, the brake pedal was applied and the vehicle shut down, restarted, and spontaneously accelerated. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a brick pole.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-15

Electrical system

40% · 375 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My odometer flashes since buying. Bluetooth connection causing screen to glitch and jump between settings. Screen turns blue and back up camera doesn’t work randomly. Overheating issue came out of nowhere. No check engine lights.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10

The Stop/Start function malfunctions frequently. On multiple ocassions, the computer system glitches causing the automatic parking brake to engage, the gear shift to lock, and the vehicle to become stuck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

I had my vehicle diagnosed due to interior lights do not dim at night leaving the Jeep very bright and dangerous. I have called Jeep and they refuse to fix the issue or give me a solution on what to do! They still refuse at of today 9/26/17.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-26

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Power train

16% · 151 reports

Most commonly citing differential unit.

CRASHINJURY

Exterior lighting

7% · 64 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle's dash board lighting dimming function is not working and impairing the drivers night vision always being at the highest setting. Reporting this issue as this is not only affecting a single vehicle, but multiples.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-10

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 63 reports
CRASH

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2017-12-05Engine and engine cooling17V670000 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.

    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.

  2. R
    2017-12-08Electrical system17V740000 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.

    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.

  3. R
    2017-12-28Air bags17V732000 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.

    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.

  4. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 941 complaints filed for this model year.
  5. R
    2018-05-31Suspension18V279000 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.

    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.

  6. R
    2018-08-29Service brakes, hydraulic18V523000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

    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.

  7. R
    2018-10-02Electrical system18V524000 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...

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Jeep Compass — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 473 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 375 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 151 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V670000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 17V740000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 17V732000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V279000 · Suspension
  • Recall 18V523000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 18V524000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Jeep Compass reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Jeep Compass is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Compass have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.