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2018 Jeep Compass engine problems

moderate 198 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
198
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3crashes
1injury

When does it fail?

Of the 198 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
2 (33.3%)
25-50k
2 (33.3%)
50-75k
2 (33.3%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Of the 16 model years of Jeep Compass we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 198.

Owners have filed 198 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.

What owners are reporting 7 most recent

engine · 13,200 mi · filed 12/30/2019

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 diagnosed that the engine oil was very low. The contact was informed that the engine shut off due to very low oil and…

engine · filed 12/29/2021

Engine sputtering, stalling, then shutting down during intersection turns while trying to move from a stationary position, etc. This started happening only recently during colder temperatures here in Michigan, December 2021, and has only happened at the second intersection on a declined roadway, and only if the vehicle engine has not been "warmed up". This issues has now occurred 4 times at the…

engine · 55,000 mi · filed 12/29/2020

Car burns a lot of oil, will shut down while driving. Will also say service transmission when idling for 5 minutes & not allow me to drive.

engine · 28,000 mi · filed 12/28/2019

On three different occasions my engine has shut off and gone into a 'limp mode' while I am driving without any warning or indicator light activation. This has occurred while driving at high speeds and has nearly resulted in more than one multi-vehicle accidents. The parking brake engages and I am unable to restart the vehicle for several minutes thereafter. I was nearly rear ended on both…

engine · 32,000 mi · filed 12/28/2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Jeep compass. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and completely shut off without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had to be shifted into park and the start button had to be pressed multiple times before the vehicle would restart. The contact also mentioned that the failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to solomon Chrysler Jeep…

engine · 52,000 mi · filed 12/27/2022

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact later noticed that the oil and coolant levels were low. The contact stated that he topped off the oil and refilled…

engine · 23,000 mi · filed 12/27/2019

This Jeep cannot go 3,000 miles between oil changes. Even when using a fully synthetic oil that has a life span of 5,000 miles, the "low oil pressure" warning comes on. If not serviced, the vehicle stalls (usually while turning the steering wheel, usually in the middle of an intersection!). Upon towing it to a service station, they state that they can't fix it, only the dealership can fix it.…

Had engine trouble with your 2018 Jeep Compass? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 Jeep Compass?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 198 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 140 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 6,200 and 32,500 miles, with the median around 19,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,200; a quarter make it past 32,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Jeep/Compass. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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