2011 Jeep Compass Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 37

“[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] 2/7/26 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing, critical safety issues with my vehicle, which have been increasingly dangerous while driving. These issues appear to be interconnected and involve multiple components, including the valve body, transmission, TCM, ABS module, ECM, and throttle body. These problems have posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of others on the road. On several occasions, while driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), the traction control and ABS warning lights have illum…”
NHTSA complaint #11716492, 2026

“speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall F 50 for the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11627421, 2024

“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND STARTED TO PRESS ON THE GAS AND THE RPM WENT UP REALLY HIGH AND MY CAR WASN'T MOVING. I WAS GETTING ONTO A MAIN HIGHWAY. I HAD LOTS OF CARS BEEPING AT ME. IT WAS SCARY BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE STUCK THERE FOREVER.”
NHTSA complaint #11376252, 2020

Engine 30 1 fire

“FIRE STARTED SPONTANEOUSLY UNDER THE HOOD. UNABLE TO CONTROL OR STOP THE FIRE. MELTED EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD AND FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE CALLED. NO PRIOR WARNING THAT THERE WAS ANY ISSUE ELECTRICAL OR OTHERWISE.”
NHTSA complaint #10983083, 2017 · fire

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refueling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11625149, 2024

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine subframe was damaged. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11454793, 2022

Unknown Or Other 27 1 crash

“I STARTED UP MY VEHICLE AND THE ETC LIGHT CAME ON, LET ME REMIND YOU THAT IT'S BEEN GOING ON AND OFF EVERY DAY, WELL, I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND AS SOON AS I LET OFF THE BRAKE, MY CAR ACCELERATED TO 4 RPM'S AND I HIT THE BACK END OF A FAMILY FRIEND WHO WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. I HAD THE BODY/MECHANIC SHOP TAKE A LOOK AT IT WHILE REPAIRING THE BODY, AND THEY HAD NO FOR SURE ANSWER. I HAVE HAD 5 DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND HAD MY CODES RAN MORE THAN ONCE. IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE ETC LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY. IT'S ALL A MATTER WHICH DAY ITS GOING TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND WHICH DAY ITS G…”
NHTSA complaint #10761551, 2015 · crash

“Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the front end was approaching a catastrophic failure. I contacted Jeep and was told that a special 10 year extended warranty had expired in 2022. The dealer offered no help in covering the cost either. I was…”
NHTSA complaint #11599548, 2024

“CUANDO ESTOY CON EL VEHICULO EN MARCHA SUBEN LAS REVOLUCIONES DEL VEHICULO ESTE DIMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD CORRIENDO, LO CUAL PODRIA OCACIONAR UN ACCIDENTE”
NHTSA complaint #11593776, 2024

Suspension 26 1 crash

“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. I EXITED THE CAR TO FIND THE LOWER A FRAME HAD BROKEN OFF THE SUB FRAME. IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON THE EXIT RAMP, WE WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. THE POLICE AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND AGREED IF THIS HAPPENED AT SPEED, WE MAY HAVE BEEN HURT. TOWED THE 2011 COMPASS TO A DODGE DEALER IN CLEVELAND, TN.”
NHTSA complaint #11084664, 2018 · crash

“Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the front end was approaching a catastrophic failure. I contacted Jeep and was told that a special 10 year extended warranty had expired in 2022. The dealer offered no help in covering the cost either. I was…”
NHTSA complaint #11599548, 2024

“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. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11570274, 2024

Structure 23 1 crash 1 fire

“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. [XXX], CEO OF TOWN & COUNTRY DEALERSHIPS IN OREGON SENT AN EMAIL TO WARN HIS CUSTOMERS OF THIS PROBLEM STATING THE FOLLOWING: "DEAR PATRIOT AND COMPASS OWNERS, .... SOMETHING OF CONCERN THAT WE FEEL WE SHOULD SHARE WITH YOU. THE ISSUE HAS TO DEAL WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE ON (NON LIMITED) MODELS. IN PARTICULAR THOSE MODELS THAT DO NOT HAVE CHROME TIP EXTENSION ON THE END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE.…”
NHTSA complaint #10483778, 2012 · fire

“I STARTED UP MY VEHICLE AND THE ETC LIGHT CAME ON, LET ME REMIND YOU THAT IT'S BEEN GOING ON AND OFF EVERY DAY, WELL, I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND AS SOON AS I LET OFF THE BRAKE, MY CAR ACCELERATED TO 4 RPM'S AND I HIT THE BACK END OF A FAMILY FRIEND WHO WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. I HAD THE BODY/MECHANIC SHOP TAKE A LOOK AT IT WHILE REPAIRING THE BODY, AND THEY HAD NO FOR SURE ANSWER. I HAVE HAD 5 DIFFERENT MECHANICS LOOK AT IT AND HAD MY CODES RAN MORE THAN ONCE. IT'S RIDICULOUS. THE ETC LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY. IT'S ALL A MATTER WHICH DAY ITS GOING TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND WHICH DAY ITS G…”
NHTSA complaint #10761551, 2015 · crash

“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. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11570274, 2024

Electrical System 20 1 fire

“FIRE STARTED SPONTANEOUSLY UNDER THE HOOD. UNABLE TO CONTROL OR STOP THE FIRE. MELTED EVERYTHING UNDER THE HOOD AND FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE CALLED. NO PRIOR WARNING THAT THERE WAS ANY ISSUE ELECTRICAL OR OTHERWISE.”
NHTSA complaint #10983083, 2017 · fire

“[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] 2/7/26 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing, critical safety issues with my vehicle, which have been increasingly dangerous while driving. These issues appear to be interconnected and involve multiple components, including the valve body, transmission, TCM, ABS module, ECM, and throttle body. These problems have posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of others on the road. On several occasions, while driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), the traction control and ABS warning lights have illum…”
NHTSA complaint #11716492, 2026

“The vehicle shuts off while driving at any speed. Steering locks and will not allow driver to pull over to safety.”
NHTSA complaint #11657619, 2025

Steering 19 1 crash

“WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN CAR STARTED TO SWERVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND THE BRAKES LOCKED. SHE SMASHED INTO THE BARRIER AND WHOLE CAR WAS TOTALLED. DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW WE CAN GET COMPENSATION FOR THIS. *DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11169993, 2018 · crash

“Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the front end was approaching a catastrophic failure. I contacted Jeep and was told that a special 10 year extended warranty had expired in 2022. The dealer offered no help in covering the cost either. I was…”
NHTSA complaint #11599548, 2024

“Front wheel assembly with broken connection to frame which was caused by a rusted out frame that mechanic said make vehicle extremly dangerous to drive. Front Wheels buckled outward. Can't drive car any more.”
NHTSA complaint #11542372, 2023

Air Bags 17 3 crash 2 injury

“I HIT THE WALL AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT COME OUT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10533088, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“INVOLVED IN SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE COLLISION ON PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2011 JEEP COMPASS. SIDE AIR CURTAIN DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN MY WIFE BEING KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND SUFFERING A CONCUSSION FROM HITTING THE PASSENGER DOOR GLASS. IMPACT WAS TO HER DOOR AND SHOULD HAVE SET OFF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND AVOIDED HER INJURY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10439201, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 25 MPH AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP DUE TO SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS AND HIT CAR IN FRONT. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10658967, 2014 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 14

“[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] 2/7/26 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing, critical safety issues with my vehicle, which have been increasingly dangerous while driving. These issues appear to be interconnected and involve multiple components, including the valve body, transmission, TCM, ABS module, ECM, and throttle body. These problems have posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of others on the road. On several occasions, while driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), the traction control and ABS warning lights have illum…”
NHTSA complaint #11716492, 2026

“speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall F 50 for the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11627421, 2024

“WIPERS GO OFF WHEN MAKING A TURN AND/OR TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT ON. VEHICLE RANDOMLY GETS ENGINE LIGHT ON COLD DAYS (NEW ENGLAND WINTERS). THE JEEP WILL JOLT WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE OR STALL FOR A MOMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE WHEN STOPPED (AT A LIGHT FOR EXAMPLE) AND SOME NIGHTS THE JEEP WILL NOT ACCELERATE EVEN WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATE AND NO "REVVING" SOUND OCCURS AS THOUGH THE CAR DOES NOT REGISTER THAT IT NEEDS TO ACCELERATE AND ACCELERATION SLOWLY INCREASES TO NO MORE THAN 25-30 MPH AND STALLS AT AN INCLINE. NO LIGHT COMES ON WHEN ACCELERATING ISSUES OCCUR. WHEN ACCELE…”
NHTSA complaint #11376910, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 11

“CUANDO ESTOY CON EL VEHICULO EN MARCHA SUBEN LAS REVOLUCIONES DEL VEHICULO ESTE DIMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD CORRIENDO, LO CUAL PODRIA OCACIONAR UN ACCIDENTE”
NHTSA complaint #11593776, 2024

“After 4 years of driving my 2011 Jeep Compass and hitting 95,000 miles on it, I noticed that there were problems with filling up my tank and my car stalling. If I don't stop the gas pump myself, a few seconds after pulling out of the gas station my car would stall and idle until my engine would just shut off and my wheel and break would lock. This happened while entering a highway, going into a busy intersection, and trying to get out of large mall space. In all of these settings, I was inches away from a car crash. I have brought this up to multiple mechanics who have never heard of this prob…”
NHTSA complaint #11468806, 2022

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON ROUTE 73 IN CINNAMINSON NJ AT 930 PM WITH MY 15 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WITHOUT WARNING - THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND MY CAR HAD ZERO POWER. THE POWER STEERING WAS LOCKED UP AND WE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY A HUGE TRUCK. IT WAS TERRIFYING. I CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD TO WAIT IN A DARK CAR WITH NO HEAT. THIS IS HORRIBLE”
NHTSA complaint #11400069, 2021

Engine And Engine Cooling 10 1 fire

“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. [XXX], CEO OF TOWN & COUNTRY DEALERSHIPS IN OREGON SENT AN EMAIL TO WARN HIS CUSTOMERS OF THIS PROBLEM STATING THE FOLLOWING: "DEAR PATRIOT AND COMPASS OWNERS, .... SOMETHING OF CONCERN THAT WE FEEL WE SHOULD SHARE WITH YOU. THE ISSUE HAS TO DEAL WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE ON (NON LIMITED) MODELS. IN PARTICULAR THOSE MODELS THAT DO NOT HAVE CHROME TIP EXTENSION ON THE END OF THE EXHAUST PIPE.…”
NHTSA complaint #10483778, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GLOBAL AUTO MALL (LOCATED AT 1099 RT. 22 WEST, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ 0706, (866) 233-6719) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. *BF *TR *BF”
NHTSA complaint #11228928, 2018

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THERE WAS A CHIME THAT SOUNDED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 04/06/15*LJ ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED . UPDATED 07/02/15*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10691833, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 8

“ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND 4X4! CAME ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. DROVE OUT OF WORK'S DRIVEWAY STOP AT SIGN THEN ACCELARATE DOWN A STEEP WINDING HILL AND MY CAR WAS ACCELERATING BY ITESELF..RPMS WENT FROM 3 TO 4 AND I WAS NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE..I PULLED OVER BECAUSE THE CAR DIDNT WANT TO STOP..ABS FELT LIKE IT CAME ON AND FELT LIKE NO BRAKES..LUCKILY IT DID STOP WITH PUMPING AND DIDNT FLIP OVER INTO THE HUGE DRAIN DITCH. WE HAVENT EVEN HAD THIS CAR A YEAR AND WE ALREADY HAD TO SPEND OVER 1 GRAND IN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS FOR THE RELAY..IN WHICH THERE IS NOT EVEN A PART TO REPLACE IT..GUESS I…”
NHTSA complaint #11245004, 2019

“DRY, HOT SURFACE ON HIGHWAY. IN CONSTRUCTION MOVING THROUGH STOP AND GO AS TWO MAJOR ROUTES WERE MERGING. APPROACHED AREA GOING UNDER A OVERPASS, SLIGHT DOWNWARD AND SWEEPING LEFT CURVE. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OFF AND ON DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC FLOW. GENTLY DEPRESSED BRAKE TO SLOW THEN WENT TO GENTLY ACCELERATE AND CAR JUST QUIT, HAD NO ACCELERATION. LOOKED AT INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ESC LIGHT IS ON. BE PUT HAZARDS ON, PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED. EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. TRULY TERRIFYING AS THERE WOULD BE NO WAY FOR A TOW TO EVEN GET TO ME OR FOR ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR! I WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11231540, 2019

“ENGINE LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT AND FLASHING LIGHTNING BOLT LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE WOULDN'T EXCEED 30 MPH. OCCURRENCE FIRST HAPPENED WHEN TURNING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO SHUT DOWN/RESTART VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, AT TIMES, TO GET BACK TO BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY, OTHERWISE, IF ABLE, I WILL PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PLACE THE CAR IN PARK TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES. LIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY COME ON AND DRASTICALLY ALTER ABILITY TO OPERATE VEHICLE. OTHER OCCURRENCES APPEARED WHILST WAITING IDLE IN LINE AT A DRIVE THRU, DRIVING DOWN CIT…”
NHTSA complaint #11230966, 2019

Seat Belts 8 1 crash 2 injury

“S61/NHTSA 16V-668 OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER - THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT ABOUT 1 YEAR PRIOR TO THIS RECALL AND THE SAFETY BELTS DIDN'T RESTRAIN PROPERLY, AS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED AND AFTER 19 MONTHS LATER ARE STILL BEING TREATED FOR INJURIES. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT INDICATOR WOULDN'T GO OFF WHEN NO SEAT BELT WAS ON EVEN AT SPEEDS OF 40+ MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALERSHIP FOR A FIX AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIND SUCH AN ISSUE. IT MALFUNCTIONS PERIODICALLY AND WILL NOT GO OFF AS TO NO SEAT BELT ON WHEN GOING 40+MILES OR LIGHT WILL COME ON BUT DINGING NOISE OR SOMETI…”
NHTSA complaint #10981655, 2015 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SZOTT M-59 CHRYSLER JEEP (LOCATED AT 6700 EAST HIGHLAND RD, WHITE LAKE, MICHIGAN 48383) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11016042, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11003245, 2017

Service Brakes 8

“speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall F 50 for the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11627421, 2024

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that an abnormal squeaking noise would emit from the brakes as the 4-wheel drive and tire pressure warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered severe corrosion was on the entire subframe, but mostly on the front end of the vehicle. The mechanic replaced the rear passenger’s side rotor; he also informed her that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the corrosion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repair…”
NHTSA complaint #11439194, 2021

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and would not exceed 25 mph. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the brake switch, camshaft sensor, catalytic converter, and the crankshaft sensor needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer a month later where it was diagnosed with the throttle body and the brake switch needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not rep…”
NHTSA complaint #11419408, 2021

Seats 4 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD REST SEPARATED. THE HEAD REST STRUCK THE CONTACT'S NECK AND HEAD, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO SUFFER A DISLOCATED NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD REST PLASTIC BASE SEPARATED DUE TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC. THE HEAD REST WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,519.”
NHTSA complaint #10725202, 2015 · 1 injury(ies)

“The vehicle pulls when I’m driving it and the transmission over heats if I go over 80 and turns off.”
NHTSA complaint #11682843, 2025

“TH E COVERAGE OF THE SEATS BELT IS EXPOSED. THAT IS IN THE TWO FRONTS SEATS. THE MIRROR OF THE WINDSHIELDS WERE TAKEN OFF PARTLY AND/ OR TOTALITY BROKEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11299048, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 4

“WIPERS GO OFF WHEN MAKING A TURN AND/OR TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT ON. VEHICLE RANDOMLY GETS ENGINE LIGHT ON COLD DAYS (NEW ENGLAND WINTERS). THE JEEP WILL JOLT WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE OR STALL FOR A MOMENT BEFORE BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE WHEN STOPPED (AT A LIGHT FOR EXAMPLE) AND SOME NIGHTS THE JEEP WILL NOT ACCELERATE EVEN WHEN PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATE AND NO "REVVING" SOUND OCCURS AS THOUGH THE CAR DOES NOT REGISTER THAT IT NEEDS TO ACCELERATE AND ACCELERATION SLOWLY INCREASES TO NO MORE THAN 25-30 MPH AND STALLS AT AN INCLINE. NO LIGHT COMES ON WHEN ACCELERATING ISSUES OCCUR. WHEN ACCELE…”
NHTSA complaint #11376910, 2020

“TH E COVERAGE OF THE SEATS BELT IS EXPOSED. THAT IS IN THE TWO FRONTS SEATS. THE MIRROR OF THE WINDSHIELDS WERE TAKEN OFF PARTLY AND/ OR TOTALITY BROKEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11299048, 2018

“WE (MY HUSBAND AND I) WERE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY TO WORK AT 7:00AM WHEN IT IS STILL DARK OUTSIDE, WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS SHUT OFF (HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS AND THE HAZARDS WOULD NOT WORK). THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEN SHUT OFF AND IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE. WE HAD THE JEEP TOWED HOME. I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT COMPASS OWNERS HAVE IS THE TIPM WILL GO OUT AND CAUSE SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE WHOLE VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE IT FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $651.00 BECAUSE IT IS A DEALER SPECIFIC PART. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PART HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED IN THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11155737, 2018

Exterior Lighting 3

“MY WIFE AND I NOTICED ALOT OF HARD BANGING IN THE REAR AND FRONT OF VEHICLE , AT THE SPEED OF IDLING OUT OF OUR PARKING. CROSSING ANY RAIL SERVICE NO MATTER HOW NEW AND WE'LL BUILT THE LOUD BANGS IN THE FRONT AND REAR ARE THERE AT EVEN THE SLOWEST OF SPEEDS. I HAVE CRAWLED AROUND UNDER OUR JEEP BEST I CAN , THE FRONT MEMBER AND REAR ARE BEYOND ROTTED, I CAN ONLY GET PICTURES OF THE REAR DAMAGE BUT THE FRONT IS HORRIBLE ALSO..”
NHTSA complaint #11404142, 2021

“WE (MY HUSBAND AND I) WERE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY TO WORK AT 7:00AM WHEN IT IS STILL DARK OUTSIDE, WHEN ALL THE LIGHTS SHUT OFF (HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS AND THE HAZARDS WOULD NOT WORK). THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEN SHUT OFF AND IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE. WE HAD THE JEEP TOWED HOME. I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT COMPASS OWNERS HAVE IS THE TIPM WILL GO OUT AND CAUSE SOME SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE WHOLE VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE IT FIXED AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $651.00 BECAUSE IT IS A DEALER SPECIFIC PART. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PART HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED IN THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11155737, 2018

“WHEN CHANGING BURNED DAYTIME RUNNING BULB I NOTICED THAT THE SOCKET WAS VERY HOT AND BURNED BROWN. AT THE SAME TIME I NOTICED THAT THE FRAME REFLECTOR HAD LOST ITS REFLECTING SURFACE. I CONTROLLED THE OTHER SIDE AND THE SAME HAD HAPPENED TO THE OTHER SIDE FRAME AND SOCKET AND WAS BURNING HOT. I WAS UPSET IF THERE WAS A DANGER OF FIRE. PLEASE NOTE THAT I CANNOT BUT MY ADDRESS THERE BELOW, BECAUSE THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ACCEPT EUROPEAN ADDRESSES AND CANNOT DELETE THE "ALABAMA". HOWEVER I WANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR IS US MADE.”
NHTSA complaint #10734183, 2014

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refueling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11625149, 2024

“The contact's son owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while his son was exiting the parking lot and driving approximately 15-25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and the steering wheel locked-up. The contact did not know whether there were warning lights illuminated. The contact's son was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated his son was able to restart the vehicle and drove to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact's son was able…”
NHTSA complaint #11428941, 2021

“VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY. BUCKING AND JERKING FOR THE FIRST APPROX. 500' OF ACCELERATION. VERY UNSAFE WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ACTED AS IF IT WERE OUT OF GAS, THEN WOULD FINALLY KICK IN. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED 1/22/13, AND A COMPUTER UPDATE WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP 1/31/13 AND THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO OWNER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY HAD THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, IT WAS RANDOM AND COULD NOT BE RE-CREATED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEA…”
NHTSA complaint #10531694, 2013

Tires 3

“2011 JEEP COMPASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM RECORDS LOW PRESSURE INCORRECTLY. *SMD”
NHTSA complaint #10918193, 2016

“THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORS ARE SENDING FALSE INFORMATION TO THE COMPUTER. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIND PROBLEM OR CORRECT. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS GIVING FALSE INFORMATION TO THE DRIVER AND HE/SHE MAY BE DRIVING WITH A TIRE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY INFLATED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10610319, 2014

“WIPERS RANDOMLY COME ON (AND STAY ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES) WHEN TAKING LEFT HAND TURNS. THE WIPER CONTROL IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. WHEELS LOSE AIR PRESSURE AND DEFLATE FREQUENTLY. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #10432971, 2011

Wheels 3

“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 they told and dealership told me that the warranty expired 2 years ago it was a 10-year extension on it so they did not do it it's because they used cheap metal and they know they did but they will not fix it I just fixed the rear subframe and all parts going to it and all bolts cost me 1500 dollars I do not think that's fair I hope you look into it be…”
NHTSA complaint #11543610, 2023

“Front wheel assembly with broken connection to frame which was caused by a rusted out frame that mechanic said make vehicle extremly dangerous to drive. Front Wheels buckled outward. Can't drive car any more.”
NHTSA complaint #11542372, 2023

“WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 5 TRAVELING AT 65 - 70 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION TYPE SOUND AND THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF OUR 5 WEEK OLD 2011 JEEP COMPASS SUDDENLY DROPPED. UPON COMING TO A SKIDDING STOP IN THE CENTER DIVIDE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL AND TIRE HAD BROKEN OFF OF THE VEHICLE LEAVING ONLY THE CENTER PART OF THE WHEEL BOLTED TO THE CAR. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP ON THE ROTOR. THE WHEEL'S FIVE SPOKES WERE COMPLETELY SNAPPED AND THE TIRE STILL ATTACHED WITH SEVERAL BURN HOLES ON THE SIDE WALLS BUT NO TREAD DAMAGE. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR EXCEPT FOR TIRE…”
NHTSA complaint #10413452, 2011

Visibility 2

“WIPERS RANDOMLY COME ON (AND STAY ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES) WHEN TAKING LEFT HAND TURNS. THE WIPER CONTROL IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. WHEELS LOSE AIR PRESSURE AND DEFLATE FREQUENTLY. *TT”
NHTSA complaint #10432971, 2011

“I SHUT THE HATCH ON MY 2011 JEEP COMPASS THAT WAS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE BACK WINDOW SHATTERED. I TOOK IT UP TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT IT, THEY TOOK PICTURES AND SUBMITTED THEM TO CHRYSLER AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE AND REPAIR THE WINDOW BECAUSE THEY SAID THERE IS NO POSITIVE WAY TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10416501, 2011

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“The crossmember- engine cradle that hold the engine in place. I heard a noise and took it to my mechanic he took pictures of the crossmember showing that it is rusted through showing holes. Took it in to a jeep dealer to have it diganosed, they confirmed that it is unsafe to drive as the engine can actually fall out. I contacted chrysler and they said that there was an extension of the warranty on this part that expired a month ago. They sent me to Mopar parts to see if they would pay for the repair. After days they rejected the claim. Now this car is 10 years old however it only has 48000 mi…”
NHTSA complaint #11427009, 2021