2018 Jeep Compass
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 259 |
| 2008 | 93 |
| 2009 | 44 |
| 2010 | 71 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 183 |
| 2013 | 80 |
| 2014 | 306 |
| 2015 | 113 |
| 2016 | 286 |
| 2017 | 228 |
| 2018 | 927 |
| 2019 | 322 |
| 2020 | 136 |
| 2021 | 76 |
| 2022 | 217 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
50% of complaints: engine — 466 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20180815
39% of complaints: electrical system — 363 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20170926
16% of complaints: power train — 150 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 63 distinct reports on file.
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, 20171010
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, 20170926
7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V670000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V740000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V732000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V279000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V523000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V524000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Jeep Compass — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (466 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (363 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (150 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V670000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V740000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V732000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V279000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V523000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V524000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.