2013 Jeep Compass problems
The 2013 Jeep Compass has 80 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 Jeep Compass has 80 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 25 complaints, typically surfacing around 69,721 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Compass | 81 | 0 |
| 2011 Compass | 187 | 0 |
| 2012 Compass | 184 | 3 |
| 2013 Compass (this page) | 80 | 0 |
| 2014 Compass | 306 | 2 |
| 2015 Compass | 113 | 1 |
| 2016 Compass | 289 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Powertrain: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,500–101,340 mi
- Reliability score 8.0/10 — above 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 3 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Jeep Compass? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 25 owner reports · tends to show around 69,721 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- airbags — 14 owner reports · tends to show around 22,667 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- electrical — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 55,183 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 117,812 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 69,721 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Jeep Compass
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Dangerously dropping into limp mode without warning or ability to override for safety. Early full system transmission failure without no options for repair. Finally died by making whining noise, going into limp mode and staying there. The excessive cost of replacing the…
Jeep first issues was at 89k, not shifting. Second issues was at100k transmission over heated. Dealer/ warranty had me changed the fluid and filter for transmission. Third issue, 130k transmission made a whining noise and stopped. Jeep was towed to the shop. After doing some…
Recurring problem- transmission fluid temperature light has gone on and vehicle slows or stops abrubtly during 1 hour or longer trip on highway. Had the car in Jeep dealer 3 times. Contacted Jeep corporate directly , they didnt return last calls. No progress. Port jeff Jeep…
2013 Jeep compass latitude. CVT trans heard up and stops all power. Have to pull over and let cool and repeat process every 10 miles or so
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 2013 Jeep Compass reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Jeep Compass?
The 2013 Jeep Compass is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 25 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,500–101,340 mi; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Jeep Compass?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 25 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,721 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Jeep Compass a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 80 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 69,721 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Jeep Compass?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 25 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,721 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 69,721 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 2013 Jeep Compass?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 80 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.