RoadVitals

2018 Jeep Compass

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
951
+7 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Aug 9, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
33
18 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 951 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Jeep Compass, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 333 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V523000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Aug 9, 2018
154,335 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number U86View on NHTSA.gov
18V524000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Aug 9, 2018
12,779 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
The risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number U87View on NHTSA.gov
18V279000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 1, 2018
2,761 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.
The risk: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number U42View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 951
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 9, 2026

This vehicle has had multiple electrical issues since time of purchase in 2020. It has been serviced at 3 different jeep dealerships and nobody can seem to resolve the issues. when it was first purchased it would have an issue where after i started it, every warning light and message would flash, the radio would keep restarting, and the vehicle would not let me turn it off. all of this would happen simultaneously. It then sometimes would start and be normal, but the battery and auto start stop light would come on, then it would pop up with a message that says stop vehicle safely, vehicle will shut off soon. It has also given us issues where it would not start at all, no lights would come on like it was dead. More recently, after an 1.5 hour drive, after shutting it off to run in the store, it did not restart when i came back out. No lights would come on at all. We jump started it and tested the main battery, auxiliary battery, and the alternator; and all tested fine. Now neither my main headlights will come on when i start it, nor any of my dashboard lights, but the radio and all other lights still work

NHTSA ID
11776809
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Visibility
Filed Nov 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the moonroof drains were clogged, causing water to leak into the vehicle and drip onto the windshield. While driving, the moisture caused the windshield to fog up, significantly reducing visibility and creating a safety hazard. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the leak was confirmed. The dealer cleaned the moonroof drains on three separate occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact became aware of pine needles inside the vehicle and became concerned about opening the moonroof. The contact activated the defroster to clear the windshield while attempting to drive. Additionally, the leak created mildew inside the vehicle, on the seat, the floor, and the steering wheel. The contact attempted to report the issue to the manufacturer but was unable to get through the automated phone system. After contacting the manufacturer three times, the contact was advised that neither the VIN nor the vehicle was included in a recall associated with the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure might cause a crash. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ID
11775624
Incident
Nov 3, 2026
Mileage
22,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 3, 2026

While driving car started to shake and buck and all the dashboard lights starting going off telling to service everything and then the gear shift wouldn’t work

NHTSA ID
11775410
Incident
Nov 3, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 27, 2026

When trying to start the jeep it says the hood is open and continues to act like the jeep is going to start over and over again! When it does start it runs rough! It’s is stating it needs coil 1 replaced which has been replaced and didn’t fix a thing it can’t be driven appears to be junk. Also the start stop has not been working at all

NHTSA ID
11774110
Incident
Oct 2, 2026
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Oct 25, 2026

Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon

NHTSA ID
11773564
Incident
Oct 25, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 16, 2026

•Manufacturer: Jeep / Stellantis •Year: 2018 •Model: Jeep Compass •VIN: [XXX] •NHTSA ODI Complaint Number: 11771736 •Date of Formal NHTSA Complaint: October 16, 2026 I am writing to formally escalate a serious and recurring electrical and starting-system malfunction affecting my son's 2018 Jeep Compass, identified above. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11771754
Incident
Oct 16, 2026
Electrical
Filed Oct 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, multiple warning lights illuminated, including the start/stop warning light. The contact stated that multiple attempts using the key fob were required to start the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system displayed a blank screen due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ID
11771736
Incident
Oct 16, 2026
Mileage
104,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 8, 2026

Back-up camera (reverse) is inoperable. Camera image is black.

NHTSA ID
11769950
Incident
Jul 13, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

08-323-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Service 4WD Light Illuminated Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● C2260-63 - ECU Internal Performance - Circuit Component Protection Time-Out Customers may also comment on the following: ● Service 4WD indicator is illuminated.

112842

ENGINE

BOLT - HEX FLANGE HEAD

08-208-26 REV. A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle.

08-208-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle

08-208-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data). NOTE: Hub operation does not return until the vehicle undergoes a full key cycle

S2523000003 REV.A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Jeep Compass by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026510—
2025300050.8
2024550050.5
2023492050.1
20222264052.3
2021820044.9
20201431150.0
20193332156.3
2018Viewing9516052.3
20172294359.9
20162941455.0
20151131451.0
20143082257.8
2013801250.3
20121844255.1
20111883253.7
2010712154.3
2009441036.7
2008930031.6
20072593049.2
2006000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.