Jeep Compass problems
187 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Most of the time when making a slow right turn on uneven road, you can hear a load popping or snapping sound coming from the left front area, of the lower control arm. Almost sounds as bolts are snapping apart. *tr
Horn dose not work, but believe it goes deeper than just horn issue. I have seen a trend with these vehicles thru numerous sources such as internet forums ect. Being that the horn can be considered a safety feature.I think the root of the problem is a computer, electrical or a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Jeep compass. While driving 1 MPH out of a parking lot, the contact heard a loud cracking noise coming from the rear window. The contact stated that the window shattered and caused a hole the size of a volleyball in the rear window. The manufacturer…
Tried to get inspected and refused dealer said subframe is rusted and rear-crossmember rusted , dealer smail said. Not covered under extended warrenty !! So my question is why would my jerp frame be rusted when it's a 2011 !!
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2011 Jeep Compass reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Jeep Compass is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Jeep Compass?
The 2011 Jeep Compass is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Jeep Compass?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 31 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 84,579 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 84,579 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Compass has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Jeep Compass?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 187 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.