Jeep Compass 2007–2016 problems by year and mileage
1st generation (MK) · MK49 (Chrysler PM/MK, Mitsubishi GS-derived)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,917 complaints, 1,383 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 200780kmedian
- 200886kmedian
- 200982kmedian
- 201077kmedian
- 201170kmedian
- 201259kmedian
- 201352kmedian
- 201458kmedian
- 201562k†median
- 201655k†median
The 2007 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 435
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2007
- Suspension163 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system84 reports · median 97,000 mi
- Steering64 reports · median 51,000 mi
Recall areas Vehicle speed control — accelerator pedal · Wheels — hub · Service brakes, hydraulic — antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 86,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 172
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2008
- Suspension63 reports · median 66,000 mi
- Body structure42 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Steering26 reports
The 2009 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 82,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 64
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2009
- Suspension22 reports
- Body structure12 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise9 reports
Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 77,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 81
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2010
- Airbag system19 reports
- Body structure13 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system12 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — pretensioner · Electrical system — software
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 188
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2011
- Transmission and driveline37 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Engine30 reports
- Suspension27 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — pretensioner · Electrical system — software · Steering — column
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 59,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 184
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine36 reports
- Fuel and propulsion system34 reports
- Airbag system28 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — pretensioner · Electrical system — software · Fuel system, gasoline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 80
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2013
- Transmission and driveline27 reports
- Airbag system16 reports
- Electrical system13 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — pretensioner
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 58,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 307
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2014
- Airbag system91 reports · median 43,000 mi
- Engine91 reports · median 68,000 mi
- Seat belts53 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — pretensioner · Engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 62,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 113
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Engine30 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise29 reports
- Electrical system22 reports
Recall areas Steering — hydraulic power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Jeep Compass
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 293
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine135 reports · median 55,000 mi
- Electrical system62 reports · median 57,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise47 reports
Recall areas Engine and engine cooling — engine
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2008; earliest: the 2013, and the 2008 is 5 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2007–2016 Jeep Compass reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 68,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 134,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 1,383
- Recalls
- 13
Most reported
- Engine21.3% of complaints · median 68,000 mi
- Suspension16.1% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline13.1% of complaints · median 69,000 mi
Owners filed 1,917 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2016 Jeep Compass; the engine leads with 21.3% of them, and half of the 1,383 that record an odometer reading came by 68,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 39,000 to 100,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2007–2016 Jeep Compass last?
On the 2007–2016 Jeep Compass, half of the 1,383 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 68,000 miles and 90% by 134,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
86 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 10 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Compass reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Jeep Compass 2007–2016 · 1,383 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 105 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 10 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 11,000
- 25%
- 39,000
- Median
- 68,000
- 75%
- 100,000
- 90%
- 134,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 105 | 7.6% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 21 | 1.5% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 36 | 2.6% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 30 | 2.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 23 | 1.7% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 29 | 2.1% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 47 | 3.4% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 58 | 4.2% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 66 | 4.8% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 56 | 4.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 76 | 5.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 52 | 3.8% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 49 | 3.5% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 68 | 4.9% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 62 | 4.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 54 | 3.9% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 51 | 3.7% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 47 | 3.4% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 41 | 3.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 48 | 3.5% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 51 | 3.7% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 38 | 2.7% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 37 | 2.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 30 | 2.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 28 | 2.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 23 | 1.7% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 21 | 1.5% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 20 | 1.4% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 22 | 1.6% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 8 | 0.6% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 26 | 1.9% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 9 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 12 | 0.9% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 5 | 0.4% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 8 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 4 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 10 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Compass problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Jeep Compass 2007–2016
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Airbag system222 reportsmedian 49,000middle half 28,000–87,000
- Electrical system242 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 42,000–97,000
- Suspension309 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 42,000–111,000
- Engine408 reportsmedian 68,000middle half 41,000–96,000
- Transmission and driveline251 reportsmedian 69,000middle half 39,000–104,000
- Problems owners could not categorise235 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 46,000–104,000
- Fuel and propulsion system215 reportsmedian 82,000middle half 61,000–110,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 408 | 21.3% | 68,000 | 41,000–96,000 |
| Suspension | 309 | 16.1% | 65,000 | 42,000–111,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 251 | 13.1% | 69,000 | 39,000–104,000 |
| Electrical system | 242 | 12.6% | 65,000 | 42,000–97,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 235 | 12.3% | 70,000 | 46,000–104,000 |
| Airbag system | 222 | 11.6% | 49,000 | 28,000–87,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 215 | 11.2% | 82,000 | 61,000–110,000 |
| Body structure | 183 | 9.5% | 88,000 | 48,000–109,000 |
| Steering | 156 | 8.1% | 54,000 | 32,000–91,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 139 | 7.3% | 69,000 | 47,000–100,000 |
Known problems with the 2007–2016 Compass
Transmission 2007–2016
Jatco JF011E (CVT2) overheating, slipping, shuddering and premature failure. Fluid breaks down under heat stress, the pulleys wear and the belt slips; the transmission drops into limp mode and fails, commonly between roughly 60,000 and 95,000 miles when fluid service is neglected. A US class action specifically targeted the 2010-2013 cars.
Engine 2007–2016
2.0L/2.4L World engine excessive oil consumption and top-end ticking are recurring complaints across the generation.
Electrical 2011–2016
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) faults consistent with the wider Chrysler TIPM population of the era — no-start, stall, and unrelated multi-system electrical symptoms.
Before you buy a 2007–2016 Compass: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,383 mileage-tagged complaints, 13 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission on 2007–2016 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2007–2016 cars.
- Check electrical on 2011–2016 cars.
- Years differ here: from 64 to 435 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Compass problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi43% below | At 90k mi67% below | At 120k mi85% below | At 150k mi94% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 41,000–96,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 42,000–111,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 39,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 42,000–97,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 46,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 28,000–87,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 61,000–110,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Jeep Compass 2007–2016 · 1,383 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 67% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 85% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2007–2016 Jeep Compass recalls (13)
NHTSA records 13 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the steering (2), the fuel system (2), the engine and its cooling system (1) (why one area can repeat).
Dec 2016 · 2016 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
What can happen. If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at…
Sep 2016 · 2010–2014 · Seat BeltsIf the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk…
The defect. 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. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit…
What can happen. If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates…
The free fix. 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…
Dec 2015 · 2015 · SteeringIf the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in…
What can happen. If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may…
Nov 2013 · 2014 · EngineIf the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a…
What can happen. If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's…
Jun 2013 · 2010–2012 · Electrical SystemIn the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed…
The defect. 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 error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment…
What can happen. In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a…
The free fix. 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.
Apr 2013 · 2012 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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 tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the…
What can happen. If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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 19…
Apr 2012 · 2012 · Fuel System, GasolineIn the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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 assembly containing a damaged roll-over valve.
What can happen. In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. 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.
Jun 2011 · 2011 · SteeringA missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the…
The defect. 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 patriot, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.…
What can happen. A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal…
The free fix. 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…
Jun 2010 · 2007 · Vehicle Speed ControlShould the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 Dodge caliber and Jeep Compass passenger vehicles manufactured from march 7 through may 19, 2006. The pivot bushings in vehicles with oversized accelerator pedal bearing pockets may become dislodged and…
What can happen. Should the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator pedal in certain conditions.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace all affected accelerator pedal assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on june 29, 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler…
Oct 2008 · 2009 · Power TrainThis can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and Compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
What can happen. This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
May 2007 · 2007 · WheelsThis could allow unintended movement of the vehicle under certain conditions and cause a crash without…
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 135, "Light vehicle brake systems." The length of the rear wheel hub mounting bolts may prevent actuation of the…
What can happen. This could allow unintended movement of the vehicle under certain conditions and cause a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rear wheel hub mounting bolts and repair the park brake free of charge. The recall began on may 8, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Dec 2006 · 2007 · Service Brakes, HydraulicThis could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The defect. On certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (ABS) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
What can happen. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit. The recall began on february 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Nov 2006 · 2007 · EquipmentWithout the rollover warning information in the owner's manual, drivers may not be aware of the significantly…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, the owner's manual does not contain the required higher rollover risk warning information.
What can happen. Without the rollover warning information in the owner's manual, drivers may not be aware of the significantly higher rollover rate on this type vehicle, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Daimlerchrysler will mail an addendum to the owner's manual to all affected vehicle owners. The recall began on november 14, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,917 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 74 (3.9%)
- Fires
- 38
- Injury reports
- 63
- Fatality reports
- 1
Compass problems by model year
The 2007 drew the most complaints of this generation, 435, most of them about the suspension, and the 2009 the fewest, 64. A typical year drew about 178.
That makes the 2007 stand out at roughly 2.4 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 435 | 366 | 80,000 | Suspension (163) | 4 |
| 2008 | 172 | 146 | 86,000 | Suspension (63) | 0 |
| 2009 | 64 | 52 | 82,000 | Suspension (22) | 1 |
| 2010 | 81 | 59 | 77,000 | Airbag system (19) | 2 |
| 2011 | 188 | 131 | 70,000 | Transmission and driveline (37) | 3 |
| 2012 | 184 | 129 | 59,000 | Engine (36) | 4 |
| 2013 | 80 | 56 | 52,000 | Transmission and driveline (27) | 1 |
| 2014 | 307 | 190 | 58,000 | Airbag system (91) | 2 |
| 2015 | 113 | 73 | 62,000† | Engine (30) | 1 |
| 2016 | 293 | 181 | 55,000† | Engine (135) | 1 |
What Compass owners reported
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The…
2016 · 79,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. Several Unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to a towing issue. In addition, the contact…
2014 · 128,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the driver’s side headrest had deployed from the bottom of the headrest and was partially separated. The contact stated that while driving, the headrest was sticking out and poked her in the back of the neck. The vehicle was not…
2014 · 103,000 miles · Seats
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the…
2012 · 109,000 miles · Fuel system
Built from 1,383 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Compass generations
- Compass 2017–2025 845 reports with mileage, most about the engine