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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-JEEP-COMPASS NHTSA data synced 8 hours ago
2018 · Jeep

Jeep Compass problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 923 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

0 5 10
Reliability score
5.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

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Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 Compass?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

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

electrical
299 reports · fails ~29,288 mi · avg $850
moderate
engine
198 reports · fails ~27,925 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
145 reports · fails ~28,386 mi · avg $2,500
severe
lighting
35 reports · fails ~21,750 mi · avg $250
moderate
steering
28 reports · fails ~23,585 mi · avg $700
severe
suspension
24 reports · fails ~34,845 mi · avg $900
severe
brakes
22 reports · fails ~19,962 mi · avg $450
severe
airbags
15 reports · fails ~40,083 mi · avg $1,100
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2018 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 2018 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

2018 Compass · electrical
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that there was a loud banging sound coming from the rear undercarriage while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red light the START/STOP system activated, causing the…
12/30/2024 · at 29,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11633085.0 · see electrical pattern →
2018 Compass · engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Jeep compass. While driving various speeds, the vehicle randomly shut off on multiple occasions. The engine was restarted and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to island Chrysler (1239 hylan blvd, staten island, ny) where it was…
12/30/2019 · at 13,200 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291974.0 · see engine pattern →
2018 Compass · electrical
The car stalls or does not start. When we hit the start button it clicks and then the display says the car is running. By no means is the car running. We have checked the battery and disconnected the battery to see if it would reset anything. No go. This has also been…
12/30/2019 · at 45,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291992.0 · see electrical pattern →
2018 Compass · airbags Crash
I was hit from behind on the interstate 2 weeks ago. My Jeep Compass was stopped in heavy traffic on the interstate. A large white pickup truck hit my car first going at least 80 mph. He did not see that traffic was stopped. This caused my jeep to roll and come to a stop on the…
View all 923 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2018 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.

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

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

critical NHTSA 17V732000 November 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.
severe NHTSA 17V740000 November 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles

An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.
severe NHTSA 18V279000 May 1, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles

If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

Common questions

Is the 2018 Jeep Compass reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 923 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Jeep Compass has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2018 Jeep Compass?

On the NHTSA data, the 2018 Jeep Compass is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 145 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,999–41,000 mi; Steering: 28 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 8,300–36,500 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — 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 2018 Jeep Compass?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 299 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 29,288 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 29,288 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 2018 Jeep Compass?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 923 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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 8 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/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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