2011 Jeep Compass Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Jeep Compass, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4015.8%
- Powertrain (other)3513.8%
- Suspension2610.3%
- Body & structure239.1%
- Driver assistance218.3%
- Electrical207.9%
- Steering197.5%
- Airbags176.7%
- Fuel system145.5%
- Seat belts93.6%
- Brakes83.2%
- Visibility62.4%
- Other / unspecified31.2%
- Exterior lighting31.2%
- Tires & wheels31.2%
- Transmission31.2%
- Interior & seats31.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
[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 illuminated, and the vehicle has suddenly lost acceleration. This malfunction seems to cause the car to change gears unexpectedly or, in some instances, stop accelerating altogether. As a result, I have been forced to pull over to the side of the road in order to perform a YouTube-suggested reset just to get my vehicle back in motion. This situation has nearly led to accidents, as I have found myself stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, or worse, pulling into traffic where the car fails to accelerate, almost causing collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, during colder weather, I have experienced issues with the throttle, where it becomes erratic and unresponsive. Despite having multiple repairs made, the problem persists, and I have observed that the throttle may either rev unexpectedly or fail to shift at all. While I understand that some repairs have been made, I am deeply concerned that the vehicle's ongoing malfunctions are indicative of serious safety hazards, which should be addressed by a professional dealership, at no cost rather than being dismissed with the assertion that "it won’t hurt anything." Given the potential for life-threatening incidents and the fact that I have already had several close calls, I strongly urge that these issues be diagnosed and rectified by a certified dealership or technician. , ran out of spac INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 never informed about the extended warranty, or I would have had the car checked. The thing that really makes me mad is the rust thru occurred on only one side because the A/C drain was routed so it dripped condensation onto the frame on that side. I have the subframe and have included pictures.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and was difficult the steer. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front subframe had failed due to severe corrosion, causing damage to the engine bay, and causing the engine and transmission to lower. The subframe and front lower control arms were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently, while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 98,500.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
[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 illuminated, and the vehicle has suddenly lost acceleration. This malfunction seems to cause the car to change gears unexpectedly or, in some instances, stop accelerating altogether. As a result, I have been forced to pull over to the side of the road in order to perform a YouTube-suggested reset just to get my vehicle back in motion. This situation has nearly led to accidents, as I have found myself stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, or worse, pulling into traffic where the car fails to accelerate, almost causing collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, during colder weather, I have experienced issues with the throttle, where it becomes erratic and unresponsive. Despite having multiple repairs made, the problem persists, and I have observed that the throttle may either rev unexpectedly or fail to shift at all. While I understand that some repairs have been made, I am deeply concerned that the vehicle's ongoing malfunctions are indicative of serious safety hazards, which should be addressed by a professional dealership, at no cost rather than being dismissed with the assertion that "it won’t hurt anything." Given the potential for life-threatening incidents and the fact that I have already had several close calls, I strongly urge that these issues be diagnosed and rectified by a certified dealership or technician. , ran out of spac INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
[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 illuminated, and the vehicle has suddenly lost acceleration. This malfunction seems to cause the car to change gears unexpectedly or, in some instances, stop accelerating altogether. As a result, I have been forced to pull over to the side of the road in order to perform a YouTube-suggested reset just to get my vehicle back in motion. This situation has nearly led to accidents, as I have found myself stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, or worse, pulling into traffic where the car fails to accelerate, almost causing collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, during colder weather, I have experienced issues with the throttle, where it becomes erratic and unresponsive. Despite having multiple repairs made, the problem persists, and I have observed that the throttle may either rev unexpectedly or fail to shift at all. While I understand that some repairs have been made, I am deeply concerned that the vehicle's ongoing malfunctions are indicative of serious safety hazards, which should be addressed by a professional dealership, at no cost rather than being dismissed with the assertion that "it won’t hurt anything." Given the potential for life-threatening incidents and the fact that I have already had several close calls, I strongly urge that these issues be diagnosed and rectified by a certified dealership or technician. , ran out of spac INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
The vehicle shuts off while driving at any speed. Steering locks and will not allow driver to pull over to safety.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 never informed about the extended warranty, or I would have had the car checked. The thing that really makes me mad is the rust thru occurred on only one side because the A/C drain was routed so it dripped condensation onto the frame on that side. I have the subframe and have included pictures.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
FOR OVER TWO YEARS MY AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. I TRIED TO LOCATED THE A POSSINLE FUSE BUT FOUND THE FUSE BOX WAS MISLABLED ON THE DIAGRAM. CHECK YOU TUBE AND DIAGRAM IN MANUAL DID NOT MATCH. SO I LIVED WITH THE ISSUE BECAUSE FOR INSPECTION IT DID NOT AFFECT EMMISSIONS. NOW THAR I AM PASSING THE VEHICAL TO MY DAUGHTER I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ALONG WITH A STEERING NUT TO CHECK. I WANT THE VWHICLE TO BE SAFE FOR HER. I ALREADY PUT A LOT OF MONEY INTO THE JEEP FROM A NEW TRANSMISSION, WIRING CONCERNS LOCATED UNDER DRIVERS FRONT TIRE, TIMING BELT AND GENERAL MAINTAINANCE.
2011 JEEP COMPASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO COMPLETE SAFETY RECALL ISSUED FOR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. UPDATED 09/29/2017*JS
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
CUANDO ESTOY CON EL VEHICULO EN MARCHA SUBEN LAS REVOLUCIONES DEL VEHICULO ESTE DIMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD CORRIENDO, LO CUAL PODRIA OCACIONAR UN ACCIDENTE
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
RECALL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 ACCELERATING ISSUES OCCUR, THEY TEN TO OCCUR INNER CITY RATHER THAN HIGHWAY.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 because they are robbing people thank you I hope you can do something about it and I can get reimbursed and have my front one fixed too because that is rotted out too I just don't have the money to do both
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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..
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 COMPASS WHEN IT HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE GRAND CHEROKEE, WRANGLER AND DURANGO. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT IF MY HUSBAND WASN'T SO QUICK TO GET THE JEEP OFF THE ROAD AND GET US OUT OF THE WAY OF TRAFFIC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 JEEP COMPASS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM RECORDS LOW PRESSURE INCORRECTLY. *SMD
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
(AMONG OTHER PROBLEMS), THIS 2011 JEEP COMPASS HAS TRANSMISSION DIFFICULTIES. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TO SHIFT FROM GEAR TO GEAR WITHOUT MANUAL ASSISTANCE. IT WILL WHINE AND STRAIN AND JUST NOT CHANGE, EVEN AS THE RPM CLIMB SKY HIGH, IT WILL NOT SHIFT WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THIS FAILURE WAS FIRST DOCUMENTED ON 6/19/11 BUT THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURE BEFORE THIS DATE. THE SYSTEM FAILURE HAS RESULTED IN A REDUCTION OF POWER TO SUCH EXTENT THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO SAFELY MERGE INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC. DURING SUCH EPISODES THE ACCELERATOR COULD BE PRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE MAXIMUM SPEED WOULD NOT EXCEED 20 OR 25 MILES PER HOUR. THIS VEHICLE (WHICH HAS OTHER PROBLEMS) IS CONSIDERED TO BE UNSAFE. I AM PRESENTLY WAITING FOR A COMPANY "INVESTIGATOR" TO ACCESS THESE PROBLEMS. *KB
THE PROBLEM VEHICLE IS A 2011 FWD JEEP COMPASS. ON 5/31/11 WITHIN THE FIRST 10 (TEN) MILES OF OWNERSHIP THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT ON ME WHILE STROPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT WITHOUT ANY DIFFICULTY. ON 6/19/11 (WHILE IN MOTION), WITHOUT ANY ADVANCE INDICATION OF A PROBLEM THE VEHICLE TOTALLY LOST POWER. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO ROLL IT OUT OF TRAFFIC AND INTO A TURN LANE. THE VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO RESTART BUT DID AFTER A COUPLE OF TRIES, A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES. AFTER WEEKS, I AM STILL WAITING FOR AN "INSPECTOR" TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle pulls when I’m driving it and the transmission over heats if I go over 80 and turns off.
Headrest clips broke and popped out
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .