USB update to S27.10 for UTN radio - Japan The customer may describe one or more of the following: ? **Customer not receiving the map updates via the USB.** ? Menu for Active Lane Management is missing two settings, Lane Warning and Steering Assist Strength. This bulletin involves updating the radio software with USB to **S27.10.**
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Compass steering problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass have filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Compass | 15 |
| 2018 Compass | 28 |
| 2019 Compass | 19 |
| 2020 Compass | 5 |
| 2021 Compass (this page) | 6 |
| 2022 Compass | 11 |
| 2023 Compass | 6 |
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
When driving this car, the steering wheel sometimes pulls strongly to the left or the right, making it more difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. This is particularly problematic when on a freeway with narrow lanes and lots of traffic. Sometimes it simply pulls left or right for a brief moment. Other times, such as when going around a tight curve at a high speed, it pulls strongly…
A noise, coming front the front end of my 2021 Jeep Compass is generated while is driving at low velocity (15 mph or slower). The noise intensity increases when the jeep is driven for over an hour. I took the jeep to dealer on Nov 3, 2021, with 701 miles to have it checked and repaired. At that moment, the service manager indicated me that the noise is coming from the rack and pinion and the…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2021 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 80,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.