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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-JEEP-COMPASS
2012 · jeep

jeep Compass problems

3 safety recalls. 183 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
26 reports · avg $1,100
critical
powertrain
26 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
23 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
16 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
fuel system
10 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
body
8 reports · avg $1,500
severe
suspension
8 reports · avg $900
moderate
cruise control
7 reports · avg $600
moderate

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.
12/30/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164053.0
2012 Compass · other
THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE BROKE OFF. WHEN I PARKED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE PART ON THE FLOOR AT MY HOME. DON'T KNOW WHEN IT MAY HAVE BROKEN.
12/17/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10935948.0
2012 Compass · other
MY JEEP HAS START TO PUT OFF THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS. I BELIEVE THAT THE CATALYST CONVERTER HAS SOME KIND OFF ISSUE. THERE ARE FUMES COMING OUT OF MY CAR AND IN MY CAR. I BELIEVE IT IS A RESULT OF A BAD CATALYST CONVERTER. ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AFTER I HAVE CHANGED…
12/15/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11289145.0
2012 Compass · other
2012 JEEP COMPASS CHECK BALL ISSUE I HAVE A 2012 JEEP COMPASS WITH 59,000 MILES ON IT. DURING A FUEL STOP TWO WEEKS AGO, I DISCOVERED THE NOZZLE WOULD SHUT OFF AFTER FUELING FOR A FEW SECONDS. TO ENSURE IT WASN'T THE NOZZLE AT THE FUEL PUMP, I TRIED 3 OTHER PUMPS AT DIFFERENT…
12/13/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11054602.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 13V233000 04/06/2013

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.
severe NHTSA 13V120000 03/04/2013

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.
severe NHTSA 12V142000 03/04/2012

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.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Jeep Compass reliable?

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.

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. 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. 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 11 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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