Although the Jeep Compass has received mixed reviews regarding its reliability, the model still has above-average ratings from RepairPal, ranking it 11th out of 26 models.
The rate of unscheduled repairs for this model is fairly low, and it has average maintenance costs.
Some of the most common issues Compass owners have reported include water leaks, hard starting issues, and noisy brakes, among others.
The Jeep Compass is a fairly reliable compact SUV that’s well-loved for its spacious interiors and towing capacity. According to CarEdge.com, this model has an average depreciation rate of 47% after five years. The five-year resale value of a Jeep Compass is around $13,000, assuming an initial selling price of $25,000 for a brand new unit.
Is the Jeep Compass Reliable?
There are a lot of mixed reviews regarding the reliability of the Jeep Compass. RepairPal.com gave this compact SUV an above-average reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranking it 11th out of 26 models in this segment. Meanwhile, according to the J.D. Power and Associates website, the Jeep Compass had fairly average reliability scores, ranging from 75 to 78 out of 100.
Maintaining a Jeep Compass is fairly easy on the wallet. RepairPal.com estimates that the average annual cost of repairs for this SUV is around $526, which is pretty average, considering that the average annual maintenance cost for other compact SUVs is $521. You can also expect to bring your Jeep Compass to a shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.2 times per year, with the probability of the repair being severe at 11%.
The Jeep Compass is a fairly reliable compact SUV that’s well-loved for its spacious interiors and towing capacity.
The Jeep Compass was first introduced to the market in 2007, so most estimates regarding its longevity might not be as accurate. But given that many Jeeps can last more than 10 years and 200,000 miles, you can expect that with regular maintenance, the Jeep Compass can last you for a long time.
Top Jeep Compass Problems
As with most vehicles, the Jeep Compass has its fair share of problems and issues that many owners find annoying or downright dangerous. Below are some of the most common Jeep Compass problems:
Vehicle Refuses to Start
A somewhat common 2018 Jeep Compass problem is a no-start condition. According to the affected owners, they first noticed the issue when the vehicle was still relatively new, at approximately 25,000 miles. One owner said that even if they had their vehicle checked at a mechanic, their vehicle still failed to start. They were told that something may be wrong with the vehicle’s battery.
So far, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US LLC) has released three technical service bulletins (TSBs) regarding the no-start condition in some 2018 Jeep Compasses. The first bulletin, TSB #S1908000108, outlines the repair and diagnostic information for no-start conditions that are accompanied by multiple U-codes (i.e. U11B9-00, U0100-00, U0001-00, U0401-00, and U0422-00). The latest version of this bulletin was issued on November 10, 2020.
The second bulletin is TSB #09-004-20, which was released on March 5, 2020. This bulletin contains revisions from an earlier document released back in March 2018. According to this document, some 2018 Jeep Compasses that have a no-start condition in freezing temperatures may have a muffler that lacks a weep hole. The third bulletin, TSB #S2008000075, was released on June 25, 2020. According to this TSB, a no-start condition accompanied by cluster messages to service the shifter or service the start/stop system may be caused by a faulty connection to the auxiliary battery and other related components.
Water Leaking Inside the Passenger Cabin
When driving through inclement weather, everyone should feel secure inside their own vehicle knowing that the snow or rain won’t get inside the passenger cabin. Unfortunately, it’s a different story for some owners of the Jeep Compass. One of the major 2014 Jeep Compass problems is a leaking roof or sunroof. According to some of the affected owners, whenever they’d drive through bad weather, rain or snow would always get inside their passenger cabin. According to one of the owners, the leak is visible through the vehicle’s dome light, while others say there are no visible leaks.
FCA released a TSB (#23-035-15) in September 2015 to address the roof leak issue. According to this bulletin, aside from the Jeep Compass, this issue was also present in some Jeep Patriot, Dodge Journey, and Dodge Caliber units. The document outlines the repair procedure, which involves replacing the sunroof service trough.
Noisy/Grinding Brakes
There are quite a few complaints from owners of 2012 and 2014 Jeep Compasses about noisy/grinding brakes. According to the affected owners, the noise would be low in pitch, but it was definitely noticeable and irritating from the get-go. For the 2012 year models, this issue would be evident at around 8,950 miles. Meanwhile, 2014 year model owners would notice this issue at 12,700 miles on average.
Some owners have brought their vehicles to the shop only to be told by mechanics that this is a normal defect of Jeep Compasses and that nothing can be done to remove the noise. While some owners have resorted to replacing the brakes and other related components, the noise still persisted in most cases.
On August 20, 2016, FCA released a TSB to address this specific issue. TSB #05-003-16 suggests that affected owners install an anti-vibration bracket to the rear brake caliper to get rid of the low, grinding noise they heard when braking.
There are a few complaints about noisy/grinding brakes in the Jeep Compass.
CVT Transmission Overheating
An overheating CVT transmission is perhaps the worst Jeep Compass problem on this list. It affected 2011 year models. Not only is it very expensive to repair, it’s also a significant safety hazard. Owners who experienced this issue have reported that the CVT transmission on their Jeep Compass would overheat whenever the outside temperature is high or when they’re driving at high speeds on the interstate. Their vehicles would suddenly produce unusual whining noises and lose the ability to maintain their speed. This would happen to the affected vehicles more than once.
This issue is quite dangerous, especially when driving on the freeway, where passenger vehicles typically run at 65-75 mph. Suddenly losing speed in these situations can cause major accidents and personal injury.
Affected owners had to pay $1,700 on average to have the issue diagnosed and fixed. Unfortunately, in many cases, even mechanics didn’t know how to address the issue. There are currently no TSBs or recalls to address this specific issue. On a related note, Jeep has released TSBs #9004265 and #9004266 to address another transmission/powertrain-related problem.
Tie Rod and Control Arm/Bushing Failure
The suspension system helps keep your ride comfortable and allows for better steering and handling. The Jeep Compass has a couple of issues with the suspension system, specifically tie rod and control arm/bushing failure. One of the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Compass is tie rod failure. Owners have reported hearing unusual sounds while driving. Upon checking, their tires had worn in an odd way. Aside from replacing the tie rod ends and control arms with new ones, mechanics also recommended getting the wheels realigned, which cost the affected owners an average of $480 to fix.
According to CarComplaints.com, the most common 2007 Jeep Compass problem is control arm/bushing failure, with 17 reports on the site. Affected owners have observed the issue at around 58,000 miles. It cost them an average of $690 to repair. One Compass owner said that the first symptom they noticed was an unusual noise produced by the vehicle as they were turning a corner. The vehicle then skewed to the passenger side as they were turning, causing the vehicle to hit the sidewalk.
In most cases, replacing the ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, and control arm bushings fixed these suspension system-related issues. But as of writing, Jeep/FCA has not released a TSB or recall about these issues.
TIPM Failure
The TIPM or the Totally Integrated Power Module is an electronic device used to manage the distribution of power throughout the entire vehicle. If this part goes haywire, then the entire vehicle may seem like it’s possessed. Many Jeep Compass owners found out about the symptoms of a bad TIPM the hard way. A malfunctioning TIPM is one of the most expensive 2007 Jeep Compass problems. Many owners have reported their vehicle lights (headlights, dashboard lights, etc.) going on and off. Some have even reported that their vehicle just honked on its own, even if it was parked.
According to the affected Compass owners, they started seeing the symptoms at 110,000 miles. Most of the owners said that replacing the TIPM fixed the problem, but this came with a hefty price tag. On average, this issue cost the affected owners $1,650 to repair. There are currently no TSBs or recalls to address this issue.
You should be alright as long as you’re aware of potential problems with the particular Jeep Compass year model you’re planning on buying. It pays to avoid year models with significant issues that are expensive to fix. Taking time to research before buying a used Compass can help save you both time and money in the long run. Just make sure that the seller has cleared everything up before you push through with your purchase.
Delivering Your New Jeep Compass Brake Disc and Pad Kit
Are your Jeep Compass brake discs and brake pads giving you trouble? You’ll need a brake disc and pad kit that contains everything you need to replace the faulty brake parts. CarParts.com can deliver your brand-new Jeep Compass brake disc and pad repair kit to your doorstep.
CarParts.com operates multiple distribution centers in strategic locations across the US. When you complete our straightforward ordering process, our nearest warehouse processes your order and ships your new brake disc and pad kit. If you live in the continental US and place your order before 12 pm ET, expect your new brake parts to arrive within only several business days. We also ensure our products come from established brands that enjoy the trust of many drivers like you. Furthermore, our competitive prices ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Make CarParts.com your one-stop shop for a new brake disc and pad kit and other parts for your Jeep Compass. Browse our selection and order today!
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
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Many of the issues listed here look like a collection from old CVT models, some which have been addressed. The wireless key module can be disabled, there is also a auto shutdown relay located under the drivers side fender. The leaking sunroof is from clogged tubing that redirects water from those areas elsewhere. The Cvt however, needs regular maintenance and upgrades. There are two filters one at the bottom and one on the side, and best to change out at 50k miles, some users have added a transmission cooler to extend that time. The whining noise is from a small bearing on the inside of the transmission that can be relatively easy to replace, somewhat time consuming but the most common failure as it was the cheapest part. The tipm sounds scary at first, a bunch of dooohickeys isolated alone inside a box. You can have those bypassed, fix the problem, don't replace it with a new unit.
I just purchased a 2022 jeep compass about two weeks ago and I have already had it in the service shop within that time because the navigation system, the radio and electric system mal functioned the first day I had it. I have taken it back, the dealership kept it for two days, told me to come back and get it because it was fixed. They blamed the malfunction on ne saying I had blocked or locked up the system. Needless to say I was at a loss for words. I am 73yrs old and know very little about how to lock up a navigation system. I am very intelligent and was disturbed by this.
When I returned to pick up my car, they told me its was fixed. They very next day as I started the car up, the screen never came on. I haven't even made the first payment on this car yet. Im not sure which avenue to take at this point. I want to just give the car back to the dealership and get another one. Can someone point me in the right direction, as I have called the sales person, the top service mgr, and the service dept. And they keep telling me they will call me back, however no return phone calls.
Hi Sandra,
You might try calling Jeep corporate's customer service to tell them about the issues you're having with the dealer. A quick Google search will reveal the phone number. Good luck!
Thank you so very much. I sure will try that.
My jeep compass tyres
Sandra, My 2017 Jeep new compass Latitude has issues with the back up screen sometimes working and other times it lags. Most recently the screen becomes funky colors then black. Sometimes says check your surroundings.
I also have trouble with my remote car starter. That works when it feels like it.
It is very disappointing to not be able to remotely start your car in the winter to warm it up or in summer to cool down because it decides not to work.
Especially when we are paying for it every month. I think there are enough complaints JEEP should recall and fix these issues. This is the 4 th Jeep I’ve owned and I’m seriously thinking not again. It’s to much of a headache.
I have a 2012 Jeep Compass and was wondering if any one could shed some light on a couple issues. First on hot days at interstate speeds the temperature gauge can creep up past normal. It has yet to “over heat,” but seems not normal to me. Also is this an engine only gauge or is it tied to the CVT?
Next problem is a surging/hesitation at takeoff and partial throttle. But if I give it full throttle it clears out and goes as if nothing is wrong. I suspect a fuel filter, but I’d like to be sure before I drop the gas tank and replace it. Any insights on these issues would be greatly appreciated. TYIA
I'm still fighting my whining noise/ overheating CVT. 2x years ago Jeep diagnosed and said all I needed was a idler pulley replacement... fast forward 2x years later now they say I need a brand new transmission. A different shop has since suggested replacing the inline filter and doing a service, which was yesterday, so we'll see.
As for the throttle issue. I had that too. Had my coworker worker/ shop mechanic replace my fuel injector throttle body... it'll run you about $300 but, problem solved. Haven't surged out since. Hope that helps.
View Comments
Many of the issues listed here look like a collection from old CVT models, some which have been addressed. The wireless key module can be disabled, there is also a auto shutdown relay located under the drivers side fender. The leaking sunroof is from clogged tubing that redirects water from those areas elsewhere. The Cvt however, needs regular maintenance and upgrades. There are two filters one at the bottom and one on the side, and best to change out at 50k miles, some users have added a transmission cooler to extend that time. The whining noise is from a small bearing on the inside of the transmission that can be relatively easy to replace, somewhat time consuming but the most common failure as it was the cheapest part. The tipm sounds scary at first, a bunch of dooohickeys isolated alone inside a box. You can have those bypassed, fix the problem, don't replace it with a new unit.
I just purchased a 2022 jeep compass about two weeks ago and I have already had it in the service shop within that time because the navigation system, the radio and electric system mal functioned the first day I had it. I have taken it back, the dealership kept it for two days, told me to come back and get it because it was fixed. They blamed the malfunction on ne saying I had blocked or locked up the system. Needless to say I was at a loss for words. I am 73yrs old and know very little about how to lock up a navigation system. I am very intelligent and was disturbed by this.
When I returned to pick up my car, they told me its was fixed. They very next day as I started the car up, the screen never came on. I haven't even made the first payment on this car yet. Im not sure which avenue to take at this point. I want to just give the car back to the dealership and get another one. Can someone point me in the right direction, as I have called the sales person, the top service mgr, and the service dept. And they keep telling me they will call me back, however no return phone calls.
Hi Sandra,
You might try calling Jeep corporate's customer service to tell them about the issues you're having with the dealer. A quick Google search will reveal the phone number. Good luck!
Thank you so very much. I sure will try that.
My jeep compass tyres
Sandra, My 2017 Jeep new compass Latitude has issues with the back up screen sometimes working and other times it lags. Most recently the screen becomes funky colors then black. Sometimes says check your surroundings.
I also have trouble with my remote car starter. That works when it feels like it.
It is very disappointing to not be able to remotely start your car in the winter to warm it up or in summer to cool down because it decides not to work.
Especially when we are paying for it every month. I think there are enough complaints JEEP should recall and fix these issues. This is the 4 th Jeep I’ve owned and I’m seriously thinking not again. It’s to much of a headache.
I have a 2012 Jeep Compass and was wondering if any one could shed some light on a couple issues. First on hot days at interstate speeds the temperature gauge can creep up past normal. It has yet to “over heat,” but seems not normal to me. Also is this an engine only gauge or is it tied to the CVT?
Next problem is a surging/hesitation at takeoff and partial throttle. But if I give it full throttle it clears out and goes as if nothing is wrong. I suspect a fuel filter, but I’d like to be sure before I drop the gas tank and replace it. Any insights on these issues would be greatly appreciated. TYIA
I'm still fighting my whining noise/ overheating CVT. 2x years ago Jeep diagnosed and said all I needed was a idler pulley replacement... fast forward 2x years later now they say I need a brand new transmission. A different shop has since suggested replacing the inline filter and doing a service, which was yesterday, so we'll see.
As for the throttle issue. I had that too. Had my coworker worker/ shop mechanic replace my fuel injector throttle body... it'll run you about $300 but, problem solved. Haven't surged out since. Hope that helps.