UAQ and UCQ Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance. ? Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) missing from radio, no connected services working.** ? Intermittent, black radio display screen (Rear View Camera (RVC) not affected). ? Intermittent, radio freezes (RVC not affected). ? Wireless connectivity pairing and/or connection issues. ? Lost radio presets. ? Radio channels change by itself. ? SXMT icon inoperative. ? SXMT favorite song not displaying/playing. ? Incorrect navigation address/location/directi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Jeep Compass steering problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 25,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Compass | 8 |
| 2015 Compass | 4 |
| 2016 Compass | 16 |
| 2017 Compass | 15 |
| 2018 Compass (this page) | 28 |
| 2019 Compass | 19 |
| 2020 Compass | 5 |
| 2021 Compass | 6 |
| 2022 Compass | 11 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 28 steering complaints filed for the 2018 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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
Owners have filed 28 steering 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.
Among the 17 model years of Jeep Compass in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GEAR, Rack and Pinion If looking to replace the rack and pinion due to a clunking / knocking noise, please use the Chassis Ear Tool to pinpoint the exact location of the noise following the proper diagnostics. The points where you should place the chassis ear tool in sequence are: steering column, rack and pinion, intermediate shaft or the outer tie rod of the rack and pinion. Also ensure all related components are properly torqued such as shock absorbers, steering column, lower ball joints, stabilizer links, sway bar links and cradle mount bolts (front and rear). Please contact FCA Redacted Content for feedback related ONLY to this GPOP Tech Tip. Do Not email regarding repair procedures unr
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Volume Uncontrollable Or Stuck On High
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Loss of Steering Assist This bulletin involves replacing the steering column due to water intrusion. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find thefollowing DTCs have been set:C1593-49 - Steering Torque Sensor Circuit - Internal Electronic Failure. C1592-01 - Electronic Power Steering Motor Circuit - General Electrical Failure. C15DB-00 - EPS Disabled. C2217-00 - Electric Power Steering Module Internal. C2210-00 - ECU Over-temperature. In addition the customer may experience one or more of the following: Cluster screen message: ?Power Steering Deactivated, Repair System?. High steering effort.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint across these 28 narratives is engine stalling without warning—sometimes at highway speeds, sometimes at traffic lights—that strips away both power steering and braking. Owners describe going 35–80 mph when the engine cuts out completely. Many report the vehicle won't restart on the first or second attempt. The emergency brake often engages automatically. Several describe almost being hit by following traffic or unable to pull off the road safely because the steering wheel locked up hard.
Dealerships consistently tell owners the cause is low oil, and some recommend checking oil before every drive or changing it every 750 miles—claims owners find absurd on a new vehicle with low mileage (3,000–36,000 miles at time of failure). At least one dealership stated burning 1 quart per 4,000 miles is "normal," yet the vehicle shuts down from low pressure anyway. One owner's engine was replaced due to oil burn and tapping.
Steering problems appear in two forms: the power assist dying when the engine stalls (making the wheel nearly impossible to turn), and separate reports of steering column bolts coming loose or falling out, causing popping noises and the wheel to lift when turning. One dashboard light flashing episode lasted six months of dealership service with recurring failures.
A few owners report spurious warnings—high temperature lights triggering shutdown 5–8 times monthly despite working cooling systems, or start/stop system faults at traffic lights. One hood popped open on the highway.
No owner mentions a recall or permanent fix. The consistent refrain is "not safe to drive."
Same Jeep Compass steering reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling with loss of power steering and brakes
Engine shuts down while driving, causing complete loss of power assist for steering and braking. Owners report this occurs without warning at highway speeds, intersections, and stop lights. The vehicle either will not restart immediately or takes multiple attempts. Emergency brake often engages during these events.
When: Between 3,000 and 80,000 miles; incidents reported at various driving conditions (highway, intersections, while turning, during stop-and-go driving)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts out without warning during normal driving; Complete loss of power steering assist; Loss of power braking; Emergency/parking brake engages automatically; Check engine light, low oil pressure light, and service warnings appear; Vehicle difficult or impossible to restart immediately; Steering wheel becomes stiff/hard to turn when engine off
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure warning, Start/stop system fault, Check engine light, Service steering, ABS, Hill-assist warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships attributing failures to low oil levels and recommending frequent oil changes (some dealers suggested checking oil before every drive or changing every 750–4,000 miles). Engine replacement performed in at least one case due to oil consumption and tapping. Sensor replacements (front-right sensor, passenger-side door sensor) attempted but failures recurred. Steering gear rack replacement cited in one case at $1,800.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report dealers stating this behavior is normal for the vehicle and oil burn rate of 1 quart per 4,000 miles is within tolerance. No comprehensive recall noted in narratives; one electrical recall reprogrammed mentioned but did not resolve issue.
Steering wheel lock-up and loss of control
Steering wheel becomes locked or extremely stiff, preventing normal steering input during driving. Occurs simultaneously with engine shutdown in many cases, making the vehicle impossible to steer to safety.
When: Reported between 4,000 and 80,000 miles; occurs during normal highway driving, turns, and intersections
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Loss of power steering assist; Occurs during sharp turns and highway driving; Often accompanied by engine shutdown; Vehicle veers or pulls uncontrollably (at least one collision reported)
Codes mentioned: Steering wheel warning light, Power steering fault indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column bolts found loose and fallen out in two cases, requiring reinstallation and re-torquing. Steering gear rack replacement quoted at $1,800 in one case. Multiple diagnostic attempts by dealers have not resolved the issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reported this as normal behavior in at least one case. No comprehensive service bulletin or recall mentioned.
Steering column hardware failure (loose/missing bolts)
Bolts and washers in the steering column assembly become loose and fall out during normal operation, particularly during turning. This creates an immediate safety hazard and allows the steering wheel to lift or move abnormally.
When: Reported around 43,000 miles and other mileages not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise from steering wheel when turning; Bolt and washer fall out onto floor near driver's foot; Steering wheel lifts upward when turning left; Loose steering column bolts discovered during inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reinstalled bolts and re-torqued all steering column bolts. Issue appears to be assembly or fastener specification problem.
Front suspension alignment wear (toe and camber issues)
Front tires wear unevenly on the inner edges, suggesting camber and toe-out misalignment. At least one owner suspects a factory camber setting issue causing rapid and excessive tire wear on both sides.
When: Observed at 43,000 miles; owner had vehicle for just over one year
Symptoms owners cite: Both front tires bald on inside edges evenly; Rapid tire wear despite normal driving; Vehicle does not pull to one side; Service supervisor notes indicate possible toe-out condition
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment checked; toe-out and negative camber issues noted. Specific repair costs and parts not mentioned in narrative.
Electrical system instability with dashboard warning light issues
Dashboard lights flicker on and off erratically, engine shuts down, and radio malfunctions simultaneously. Dealership service attempts to resolve issue but problem recurs repeatedly over extended periods, suggesting an unresolved electrical fault.
When: Reported years after purchase; recurred after multiple repair attempts over 6+ months of dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights blink on and off; Radio cuts in and out; Engine shuts down during light flashing; Steering wheel becomes stiff when engine off; Recurring despite multiple dealership repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership initially found nothing wrong. After two weeks of service, claimed to have fixed the issue. Six months later, after changing wiring, batteries, and radio, still unresolved.
False temperature warning and unwarranted engine shutdown
High temperature warning light triggers and causes immediate engine shutdown despite all cooling components being confirmed operational. Occurs 5–8 times per month, creating intermittent hazards.
When: Frequency: 5–8 times monthly; timing random, on highway and at intersections
Symptoms owners cite: Random high temperature warning light on dashboard; Engine shuts down immediately upon warning; Engine restarts after complete stop; Cooling system components verified as functioning normally; Occurs while turning and on highways
Codes mentioned: High temperature warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; cooling components inspected and found fine.
Auto start/stop system faults and stalling at traffic lights
Vehicle stalls at traffic lights when the auto start/stop system engages, particularly after braking. The system appears to malfunction, cutting engine power at critical moments like stop signs, drive-throughs, and traffic lights.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one case at 178 miles (just after first fill-up)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at traffic lights and stop signs; Vehicle stalls in drive-throughs while paying; Engine fails to restart immediately on first attempt; Start/stop system warning light illuminates; Requires putting vehicle in park, powering off, and restarting to recover
Codes mentioned: Start/stop system fault warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership blamed a passenger-side door sensor. No resolution mentioned for other cases.
Spontaneous parking brake engagement
Parking/emergency brake engages on its own while vehicle is in motion, causing engine stall and loss of control. Occurs without driver input and without warning.
When: Reported at various mileages and driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake engages without driver action; Engine stalls when brake engages; Vehicle becomes immobilized; Occurs during normal acceleration and highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs mentioned.
Hood latch failure (hood opens during highway driving)
Hood pops open while driving on a highway, creating visibility hazard and potential danger from flying hood.
When: Reported during highway operation
Symptoms owners cite: Hood opens unexpectedly while vehicle in motion; Loss of visibility for driver; Safety hazard to vehicle and surrounding traffic
Power steering loss during cruise control deactivation
Power steering cuts out when cruise control is turned off at highway speed, leaving driver unable to steer vehicle.
When: At 80 mph on freeway
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering and stability control shut off when cruise control deactivated; Vehicle uncontrollable at highway speed
Vehicle pull/drift to one side without warning
Vehicle suddenly pulls to the right without warning or driver input, resulting in collision with parked vehicle. No warning lights present.
When: At approximately 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls right abruptly at 20 mph; No warning lights displayed; Results in collision with parked vehicle; Airbags deployed (except rear driver-side)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to lot pending diagnosis.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude. The contacts daughter stated while driving approximately 20 mph when the vehicle pulled to the right without warning, which resulted in hitting a parked vehicle. The air bags were deployed minus the rear driver-side air bag. The contacts daughter sustained some bruising on her legs, chest, and hands but did not seek medical treatment and a…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2018 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,300 and 36,500 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,300; a quarter make it past 36,500. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.