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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-JEEP-COMPASS NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2016 · Jeep

Jeep Compass problems

283 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

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

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Compass?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
91 reports · fails ~64,930 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
47 reports · fails ~60,585 mi · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
40 reports · fails ~57,525 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
15 reports · fails ~54,226 mi · avg $700
moderate
cruise control
14 reports · fails ~45,613 mi · avg $600
severe
airbags
11 reports · fails ~46,608 mi · avg $1,100
severe
seatbelts
9 reports · fails ~53,940 mi · avg $500
severe
body
4 reports · fails ~19,500 mi · avg $1,500
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Compass's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Compass?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Compass · cruise control
I drive a 2016 jeep compass and I was heading into work at 5AM when my electronic throttle control light, check engine light and traction control light all came on. I lost the ability to accelerate so I pulled off on the side of the road and turned off my car. When I turned it…
2016 Compass · steering
Yesterday I had the Crankshaft Position Sensor replaced because of the ongoing stalling while idle and stalling while in motion issues. Today it has stalled 5 times while in motion on surface streets and the highways going over 40 mph and twice in a parking when sitting idle or…
2016 Compass · powertrain
We were driving down the road and the car started violently shaking, the check engine light went on and the car wouldn't move. The car needed to be pushed to the gas station and we almost got hit with my son in his car seat. I do believe this is a safety concern that needs to be…
2016 Compass · suspension
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was swinging from side to side, almost striking the side rails. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front passenger’s side control arms and bearings…
12/27/2022 · at 117,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11498940.0 · see suspension pattern →
View all 283 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Jeep Compass? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

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

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 16V907000 December 16, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016

If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air 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 →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Jeep Compass reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 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 2016 Jeep Compass?

The 2016 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 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign 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 2016 Jeep Compass?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 91 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 64,930 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,930 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 2016 Jeep Compass?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 283 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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.

Related

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/2016/Jeep/Compass. 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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