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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-JEEP-COMPASSNHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2012 · Jeep
Jeep Compass problems
183 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.0 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Compass?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
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.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Compass· powertrain
Two hours into highway driving, transmission overheated and would not accelerate above 40 MPH. Took the nearest exit and cooled down and made the rest of the trip without problem.
2012 Jeep compass engine shuts down while driving on city streets and county roadways. Loss of power and steering control. Engine will crank again after waiting for a few minutes. Check engine light comes on prior to shutting down.
This vehicle has shut down while on the street & on the dangerous highway with vehicles behind me. It wouldn’t start back up either I had to keep playing with the key or try starting it & it wouldn’t turn over
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep compass. The contact stated that the engine stalled numerous times without warning while driving various speeds. The dealer was unable to locate a failure code. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number:…
Had a problem with your 2012 Jeep Compass?
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Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012
In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep patriot and compass vehicles manufactured from december 17, 2011, through january 2, 2012
In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 25, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 183 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 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 2012 Jeep Compass?
The 2012 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 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. 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 2012 Jeep Compass?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 26 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 78,649 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 78,649 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 2012 Jeep Compass?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 183 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Jeep/Compass.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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