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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-JEEP-COMPASSNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Jeep
2018 Jeep Compass problems
The 2018 Jeep Compass has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 929 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2018 Jeep Compass has 929 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 302 complaints, typically surfacing around 29,288 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
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.
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
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
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD. 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 2018 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
electrical — 302 owner reports
· tends to show around 29,288 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 200 owner reports
· tends to show around 27,925 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 145 owner reports
· tends to show around 28,386 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
lighting — 35 owner reports
· tends to show around 21,750 mi · ~$250 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 28,386 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 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.
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.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 929 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 should I check before buying a used 2018 Jeep Compass?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 302 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 29,288 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 2018 Jeep Compass a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 929 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 29,288 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 2018 Jeep Compass?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 302 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 929 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days 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.
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