2014 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 2014 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
- Engine9319.5%
- Airbags9119.1%
- Seat belts5511.5%
- Driver assistance4810.1%
- Electrical357.3%
- Powertrain (other)336.9%
- Fuel system265.5%
- Interior & seats255.2%
- Brakes194.0%
- Body & structure142.9%
- Steering81.7%
- Other / unspecified81.7%
- Suspension81.7%
- Exterior lighting61.3%
- Visibility51.0%
- Transmission20.4%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
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 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine). Several dealers and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest deployed. Approximately 2 months later, while entering the vehicle, the passenger’s side headrest deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to another facility to replace the air bags; however, the air bags were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Headrest airbag went off randomly with no reason while driving. It broke when it went off and cannot be put back or reset.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest deployed. Approximately 2 months later, while entering the vehicle, the passenger’s side headrest deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to another facility to replace the air bags; however, the air bags were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it’s not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn’t handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!
I was slowing to make a left turn and the engine began to sound like it was accelerating. A lightning bolt light, skid warning light and check engine light all came on. I needed to get it home, but the car wouldn’t go above 25mph. Googling says that it has a stuck throttle body. Have not attempted to fix yet.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.
The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it’s not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn’t handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or recall may be necessary. I can provide additional information, videos, photographs, or repair documentation if needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Thermostat keeps going to hot or stops working and drops to cold. Replaced thermostat coolant sensor since that’s what the code popped up. Didn’t work it continues to out. Radiator cap is collecting engine oil and not coolant. Engine oil is getting into my radiator hose. I had just got my radiator and stuff replaced by the dealership. I only had it for 6 months and been putting a lot of money in it and I’m still having engine and thermostat and radiator problems. Also it keeps smoking when it already has coolant in it.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 stated that the vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was repaired for an electronic throttle body control unit failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Thermostat keeps going to hot or stops working and drops to cold. Replaced thermostat coolant sensor since that’s what the code popped up. Didn’t work it continues to out. Radiator cap is collecting engine oil and not coolant. Engine oil is getting into my radiator hose. I had just got my radiator and stuff replaced by the dealership. I only had it for 6 months and been putting a lot of money in it and I’m still having engine and thermostat and radiator problems. Also it keeps smoking when it already has coolant in it.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headrest airbag went off randomly with no reason while driving. It broke when it went off and cannot be put back or reset.
The 2014 Jeep Compass was in a parking lot and the driver side head restraint opened up as though there was an accident, but there was no accident and no warning system, message, or other symptoms. There is broken plastic inside the headrest, so it cannot be reassembled. It is a safety issue because the part cannot be put into the original configuration that was intended by Jeep, so the current safety of my neck while in this car is unknown. Police and insurance were not involved because there was no accident. Dealer claims that (a) Jeep will not pay for a replacement despite the existence of multiple TSB's, and (b) there is a federal law preventing replacement parts from being manufactured on hand, so they must be ordered for every occurrence of a complaint, meaning I have been waiting for months to get this replaced - while in an uncertain state of safety. I am concerned that I will approach a statute of limitations on my complaint and not be able to get it fixed at all.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to the primary control module of the ABS system malfunctioning. The ABS indicator light was on prior to seeking support from an independent service center. The service center's report is below: "ABS Module Internal Malfunction: Suring diagnostic the tech found the computer system recognized an issue with the ABS system. Tech tested the ABS module as well as all connecting parts and found that there is currently a failure within the Primary Control Module."
I HAVE REPEATEDLY GOT MY CAR SENT TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR SCREECHING TRANSMISSION & BRAKES. EVERY TIME NO ONE CAN FIND AN ISSUE AND THE NEXT DAY THE NOISES WILL COME BACK AGAIN. RECENTLY ONCE AGAIN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. I HAVE CONSTANTLY STATED THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION SINCE THE FIRST MONTH OF BUYING THIS CAR, BUT NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING SO EVERYTHING IS GOOD WITH THE CAR APPARENTLY. ITS NOT SAFE DO SOMETHING & I'VE FILLED A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND GOTTEN NO RESPONSE. RECENT INCIDENT: THE CAR IS CURRENTLY WAS STATIONARY WHEN I TRIED TURNING ON MY CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE PAST INCIDENTS: I WAS IN MOTION ON A 40MPH ROAD AND THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF. THE REPAIR SHOP TOOK A CRANK PIECE OUT BUT THAT'S NOT MAIN PROBLEM SINCE 2 WEEKS LATER MY CAR DOESN'T WANT TO TURN ON.*DT*JB*DT CONSUMER STATED SHE FOUND THE PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR.*JB
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2014 Jeep Compass is making vibrating noises, swerving moments and cracking sounds. Brought it to my mechanic, he found that the REAR SUBFRAME is rotted out. The FRONT SUBFRAME is also strating to pivot. Reading up on this issue it seems to be very common yet Chrysler has not made a recall for the safety of the passengers and driver and I was told by Chrysler that the extended warranty was only for models up until 2007 and that's it only for the original owner. I would like to report this issue as it is a serious problem.
I took my car to be inspected for yearly registration. I was told by the repair shop that I have parts of the subframe and suspension that are excessively rusted, to the point where they are a safety concern and have to be replaced. Other model years of the first generation Jeep Compass have been issued extended warranties on those parts, and I believe it should be extended to the entire first generation of the Jeep Compass.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or recall may be necessary. I can provide additional information, videos, photographs, or repair documentation if needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
ENGINE OVERHEATING, SLIDING TURNS, BRAKES MAKE NOISE.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The harness has come loose on two inconsistent occasions. Once in our neighborhood and the other time when I arrived at my destination my child’s body weight was able to loosen the harness. Nuna is rejecting returns or replacements for these $600 car seats.
1.Electrical: the touch screen, which is used for the radio & backup camera, is completely shot. One day in May, I was driving my car & the screen went from working to a fuzzy image & then to it going completely black. The radio stopped working as well. The lights around the screen (connected to the buttons) work but tend to flicker every now & then. This is a safety risk for myself & my family because I don’t have the extra support & awareness to backup with confidence or warnings. It hasn’t been looked at by anyone & there were no warnings prior to failure. It has been a consistent failure since then. 2. Engine: Jeep keeps overheating. Has been since April. It was inspected by a mechanic & also paid to have it “fixed” however the problem persists. It is a safety issue because my car could overheat & stop working & cause issues with other drivers. I also have a 5 yo & we have to drive around with the windows down & heat on no matter the weather. Sometimes we get home & her face is bright red. Sometimes the warning light comes on & the fluid is at the appropriate level. 3. Tire pressure in at least one of my tires is always low. I receive a warning light almost every time I drive. These are brand new tires. After I fill up the tire, it is only “fixed” approx 1 day before the light comes back on. It was checked by mechanic & he stated there were no issues he could find. This has been ongoing since December 2021. This is a safety issue because I could get a flat tire & crash into other vehicles or cause an accident. Jeep is available for inspection upon request for all issues.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or recall may be necessary. I can provide additional information, videos, photographs, or repair documentation if needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that there was severe rusting to the rear suspension, with fractures on the passenger's side of the vehicle, with a fractured, detached suspension on the driver's side. The mechanic replaced the rear sub-frame, stabilizer links, and control arm. Approximately one year later, after driving 130,000 additional miles, the daughter informed the contact that oil needed to be added more frequently. The contact was informed that while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated quickly; and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved abnormally and coasted before decelerating. The driver was able to make it to the nearest parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a Certified Mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a rear catalytic converter failure; however, replacing the part failed to fix the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensors had failed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. Subsequently, a different mechanic replaced the front catalytic converter and performed an oil change. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger air bag fault randomly causes warning light. TIPM causing headlights to randomly shut off and flicker when driving at night. Both high and low beams. Randomly affects passenger and drivers headlights at different times, sometimes shutting off all lighting completely for a couple of seconds.
driving vehicle and a torrential down pour of water came out of the front interior light which is located at the windshield . The water fell onto the entire entire of the car onto me driving and almost caused an accident as I was shocked and surprised. I have a sunroof in this vehicle and in researching it find that prior lawsuits have been filed and won. Jeep is aware of this and does not inform the buyers instead ignores it. I researched and saw that the drainage tubes were too small and tend to clog up and Jeep does not inform the customer of this. When researching further this has happened over and over and no recall has ever been started. I could have died or severely injured other, Brought it to Jeeps attention and they stated we do not start recall that is up to the US government(arrogance of a supervisor) They refused to tell me who to report this to and told me to do the research myself If line is recorded it occurred11/03/2021 at app 3:10 . I paid. approximately 920.00 for the repairs where the Jeep shop left 7 inches of water on my carpeting and drivers seat. Corporate stated my problem and to deal with Jeep repair shop If prior lawsuits were won on this every one is aware of this why is a recall not done to help the consumer and Jeep made to notify their customers to have maintenance done on drain tubes. Please help [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
LIGHT SYSTEM TURNS ON BY THEM SELVES. INSIDE LIGHTS TURN ON BY THEMSELVES WIPERS TURN ON BY THEMSELVES TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC THEY SAID IT'S THE MAIN CONTROL MODULE THAT'S FAULTY IT SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL BC HE HAS SEEN THIS PROBLEM A FEW TIMES
BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEAKING FROM DAY ONE ,TOOK TO DEALER ON 03-23-15,THEY REPLACE PADS AND TURNED ROTORS ALSO DID THE SAME WITH REAR BRAKES .FEW WEEKS LATER DOING SAME THING AND STILL GETTING LOUDER. THIS OCCUR WHEN BACKING OUT PARKING PLACE
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
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the warning message "Automatic Transmission overheating " appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to stall. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for a short period. The contact stated as she restarted the vehicle, she was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the automatic transmission system was overheating, and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who informed the contact that they could not provide further assistance and advised the contact to turn off the vehicle whenever the failure reoccurred so the vehicle could cool off. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE "CIRCUIT LOW" WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED PERTAINING TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND FAILED TO CHANGE OVER FROM PARK INTO DRIVE SEVERAL TIMES. IT WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. CLINTON AUTO GROUP (2850 VALLEY WEST DRIVE, STE A, CLINTON, IA 52732, (888) 373-1135) WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT UNTIL JULY 30, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,416.
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
TIRE LOW AIR INDICATOR CAME ON AND TIRE WENT FLAT. I LOOKED AT TIRE AND REFILLED WITH AIR JUST ABOVE THE SIDE WALL INTO THE TREAD ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE TIRE WAS THREE HOLES UP TO 1/4 AND THE SIDE WALL HAD A BUBBLE THREE INCHES ACROSS JUST ABOUT 3 INCHES BELOW THE THREE HOLES . I HIT NOTHING AND DID NOT DAMAGE THE SIDEWALL. THE DEALER AUTO NATION IN SPRING TX ACTED LIKE A 3RD GRADER SHRUGGED HIS SHOULDERS AND SAID TAKE IT TO A FIRESTONE DEALER. *TR
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 .