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.
942
+6 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 942 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

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

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

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

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

Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 24, 2026

Aux battery failed; start/stop, stopped at a red light car shut off in start/stop mode, when I went to drive my car went into limp mode and emergency break engaged and every single light on my dash came on. I had to turn car off in the intersection. Once I turned the car back on every light came back on and when I shifted it into drive the transmission slammed so hard it jerked the entire car. This has issue started around 60,000 miles. I have 131,000miles now. Being broke down in the middle of an intersection is extremely dangerous especially with a new born in the car and it reoccurs every couple of months. Also wheel speed sensor has frequently loosen since 60,000 miles. This caused every light to come on the dash and car go into limp mode. It happened the first time on the highway going 70mph. The car lost drivetrain we almost lost control. It’s has not been inspected by a “certified tech” but a backyard tech has. No accidents have been caused. Also oil leaks where the dipstick meets the block and has since I purchased the car at 34,000 miles. I’ve spent well over $1000 in main batteries and auxiliary batteries since 2020 (year of purchase) to fix the stalling issues each time they occur. If I don’t catch the aux battery dying in time it kills my main battery and I have to purchase both just so my car doesn’t stall in the middle of the road and possibly cause a life threatening accident.

NHTSA ID
11766578
Incident
Aug 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly as: “Vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power.” Because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

NHTSA ID
11764325
Incident
Sep 14, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly as: “Vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power.” Because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

NHTSA ID
11764324
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2026

I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any PCM/powertrain-control-module recalls or campaigns, and check whether there are any applicable technical service bulletins or known issues related to this symptom. I would also like the concern documented on my repair order exactly as: “Vehicle intermittently stalls/cuts off while driving, causing loss of motive power.” Because this is a safety-related issue, I would like the service department to advise whether the vehicle should be driven or towed in for diagnosis. Please do not simply tell me there are no codes or that the check-engine light is not on. The vehicle is actually shutting off while I am driving.

NHTSA ID
11764323
Incident
Sep 12, 2022
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera was inoperable, and the audible alert failed to sound while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ID
11764204
Incident
Sep 12, 2026
Mileage
79,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 6, 2026

Vehicle 2018 Jeep compass, 2.4 l tiger shark multi-air space safety defect summary, my vehicle is experiencing a severe recurring safety hazard causing unexpected vehicle stall and loss of power while driving at high speeds on the highway while operating normally the vehicle abruptly jerks and immediately forces itself into neutral or defensive lip mode leaving me unable to accelerate and placing me in immediate danger of a high-speed collision concurrently the dashboard displays severe failure messages including service electronic throttle control and service transmission the vehicle is also suffering from the documented 2.4 l tiger shark excessive oil consumption defect burning oil at a rapid pace and shutting down without a low oil warning indicator light additionally the coolant levels behave erratically causing the vehicle to falsely signal overheating and the vehicle has previously dropped six active safety recalls from its public then history without the mechanical defects actually being repaired the manufacturers temporary software patches have failed to resolve the structural engine and powertrain failures. I have also going to attach a screenshot of the six open recalls I found with my specific Vin number from the Kelley Blue Book website last July in 2025. And now searching my VIN number there’s no open recalls and this is very concerning. This has became a huge safety issue with me and I’ve tried reaching out to y’all before and y’all still have not tried to reach out to me, I’m taking it to the dealership this week.

NHTSA ID
11762479
Incident
Mar 29, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 28, 2026

On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop recommended engine replacement at an estimated cost of $9,221.49. Jeep confirmed that the vehicle was associated with Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 concerning excessive oil consumption and potential engine stalling, as well as XB1, the 2.4L excessive-oil-consumption warranty extension. Jeep stated that XB1 expired on September 20, 2025. I am concerned that abnormal oil consumption or a related engine defect may have caused progressive internal engine damage and created a stalling or loss-of-power safety risk. I request that NHTSA document and investigate this failure. Jeep customer-care reference number: 97940025.

NHTSA ID
11760368
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment center display intermittently was distorted, flashed on and off, and independently initiated calls; the contact stated that the failure occurred every time the temperature was warm and/or hot outside and inside of the vehicle and that when the air conditioner was on and/or it was cold outside the vehicle returned to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen display was delaminated and that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11760138
Incident
Mar 11, 2026
Mileage
160,000 mi

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—
2026410—
2025260051.6
2024520051.9
2023462049.8
20222224052.1
2021800045.2
20201401150.2
20193292156.6
2018Viewing9426052.2
20172294359.9
20162931455.0
20151131451.8
20143072257.3
2013801250.3
20121844255.0
20111873253.1
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.