Last updated: 2026-03-15

2018 Jeep Compass
RELIABILITY SCORE: 61/100 (GOOD)

2018 Jeep Compass Reliability Report

The 2018 Jeep Compass scores 61/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 912 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

6

Complaints

912

Complaint Rate

53.3

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$526

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity38/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity70/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (293)
  • ENGINE (189)
  • POWER TRAIN (143)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2018 is year 2 of the Second generation (MP).

  • Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 2nd generation Compass (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2017 (redesign year) vs 2018+ pricing and recalls.

2017: Second generation (MP) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 2 of the Second generation (MP).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Jeep Compass?

The 2018 Jeep Compass scores 61/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is year 2 of the Second generation (MP).

Its complaint rate (53.3 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 24.4. The most common reports involve electrical system (293).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (293). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2019 Jeep Compass, which scored 9 points higher.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (11%)

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several recurring electrical system issues with the 2018 Jeep Compass (293 complaints)

Compare 2018 Jeep Compass With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (293)
  • ENGINE (189)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

6

recalls on record

The 2018 Jeep Compass has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

53.3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 24.4

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

28

Crashes

5

Fires

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Jeep Compass Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Jeep Compass. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

17V6700002017-10-24

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

Consequence

If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

18V5240002018-08-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

18V5230002018-08-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

2018 Jeep Compass NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 20.2%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvic/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (No)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep Compass Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$526

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

11%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Compass
$526
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Jeep Compass.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by reviewing oil change records

  • Test infotainment system for screen malfunctions or delamination

  • Inspect for unintended emergency brake engagement while driving

  • Verify operation of start/stop system to ensure it doesn't cause stalling

  • Check for any signs of transmission shudder or unexpected shifting

  • Inspect suspension components for wear, especially sway bar links

Buying a 2018 Compass? Check Its History First

Every 2018 Jeep Compass has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

2018 Jeep Compass Common Problems by Component

912 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

293
189
143
98
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (293)ENGINE (189)POWER TRAIN (143)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (98)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (35)STEERING (28)SUSPENSION (24)SERVICE BRAKES (22)Other (80)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

293 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2018 Jeep Compass. Complaints frequently mention problems with the start/stop system, where vehicles stall at traffic lights and fail to restart for several minutes, often accompanied by numerous warning lights on the dashboard. Another common issue involves the infotainment screen delaminating, causing erratic touchscreen behavior that distracts drivers. Multiple owners describe emergency brake malfunctions, with the brake engaging randomly while driving, leading to unexpected stops. These issues often appear around 40,000 miles, but some reports occur earlier or later. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes and three mention fires, indicating potential risks for buyers considering this model.

293 complaints total2 crashes3 fires

ENGINE

189 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently experiences excessive engine oil consumption, with vehicles stalling unexpectedly due to low oil levels. Typical symptoms include the oil pressure warning light activating, the vehicle shutting off while driving, and the need for frequent oil top-ups, often within 1,000 to 2,900 miles after an oil change. Complaints also describe issues with the engine overheating, leading to stalling and smoke from the engine compartment. These problems are often reported around 30,000 to 68,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of vehicles stalling in traffic and two incidents involving crashes, highlighting potential hazards for drivers and passengers.

189 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

POWER TRAIN

143 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent power train issues with the 2018 Jeep Compass, particularly involving stalling and loss of power while driving. Complaints commonly describe incidents where the vehicle unexpectedly shuts down at various speeds, sometimes accompanied by warning lights and messages such as "Park the Vehicle" or "START/STOP not Available." Multiple reports mention the vehicle failing to start or shift into gear, often requiring towing and leaving drivers stranded. These issues often occur around 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with six complaints involving crashes and four reporting injuries, highlighting concerns about sudden stalls on highways and loss of vehicle control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety risks.

143 complaints total6 crashes4 injuries
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (98 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

98 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently report the vehicle unexpectedly stalling or shutting down, often while in motion or at intersections. Symptoms commonly include the vehicle shifting into neutral on its own, warning messages about engine shutdowns, and issues restarting the car. Many complaints highlight problems with the backup camera and infotainment system, such as freezing or malfunctioning screens. These issues are often reported at various mileages, sometimes as low as 30,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with several owners describing being stranded in traffic or narrowly avoiding accidents due to sudden vehicle shutdowns.

98 complaints total1 fire
STEERING (28 complaints)

STEERING

28 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Jeep Compass related to unexpected engine shutdowns, often accompanied by a loss of steering control. Complaints frequently mention the engine stalling during various driving conditions, including at highway speeds, intersections, and while turning, with some incidents linked to low oil levels. These events typically occur around 30,000 to 61,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two reports involving crashes and one injury due to loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware that these issues may pose a risk of sudden vehicle immobilization, which could lead to hazardous situations.

28 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
SUSPENSION (24 complaints)

SUSPENSION

24 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with the suspension system, particularly involving sway bar links and control arms. Symptoms commonly described include rattling noises, clunking sounds over bumps, and the need for early replacement of struts and sway bar links, often around 10,000 to 35,000 miles. Some complaints also mention alignment issues that lack factory adjustments, leading to uneven tire wear. Safety implications are notable, with three reports of crashes linked to suspension failures, including incidents where a tie rod snapped and a wheel broke off, resulting in two injuries. These patterns suggest potential safety risks and maintenance costs for prospective buyers.

24 complaints total3 crashes2 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (22 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

22 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly the unintended activation of the emergency brake while driving, which can cause sudden stops and vehicle shutdowns. Complaints often describe the car stalling or losing motive power, with some owners noting that the issue occurs at various speeds, including highway conditions. These problems are reported across a range of mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a crash with injuries due to brake failure. Additionally, several owners mention brake vibrations and grinding noises, which are sometimes attributed to warped rotors or other mechanical issues. This information may be particularly relevant for potential buyers considering the reliability and safety of a used 2018 Jeep Compass.

22 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (15 complaints)

AIR BAGS

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with airbag system malfunctions, including warning lights illuminating intermittently and failures to deploy during collisions. Complaints often describe airbag warning lights activating at various speeds and conditions, with some reports indicating unresolved issues despite multiple dealership visits. Several incidents involve airbags not deploying in crashes, with at least eight injuries reported and one case involving a fire. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, with some reports starting as early as 800 miles. Buyers should be aware of the potential for unresolved airbag system problems and related safety implications, including non-deployment in collision scenarios.

15 complaints total7 crashes1 fire8 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (14 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

14 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, primarily involving unintended acceleration and stalling. Common symptoms include the accelerator pedal sticking or becoming unresponsive, causing the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly or fail to accelerate at all, sometimes resulting in crashes. Some owners describe the vehicle stalling at intersections or while driving, often accompanied by warning lights or error messages, and requiring a restart to resume normal operation. These issues commonly occur at mileage as low as 5,000 to 46,817 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes due to these failures, making it crucial for potential buyers to be aware of these patterns.

14 complaints total2 crashes
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (7 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with engine stalling and excessive oil consumption. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle stalling at various speeds, often without warning lights, and being difficult to restart. Symptoms such as illuminated check engine lights, engine overheating warnings, and low oil pressure warnings are noted, with some owners observing the need to add oil frequently between changes. These issues are reported to occur around 30,000 to 84,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with one owner reporting a crash due to stalling. This pattern of complaints suggests potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding engine performance and oil consumption.

7 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2018 Jeep Compass Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–40,000 milesElectrical system failures
30,000–50,000 milesExcessive oil consumption
30,000–60,000 milesTransmission issues

Best & Worst Jeep Compass Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Jeep Compass Years to Buy

The best Jeep Compass year is 2024 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (83/100) and 2021 (80/100).

Jeep Compass Years to Avoid

The worst Jeep Compass year is 2018 with a score of 61/100, primarily due to electrical system (293) issues.

61
Good

2018

(Current Model)

6Recalls
912Complaints

Jeep Compass Reliability Score Trend

Jeep Compass reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 72/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Jeep Compass reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201861/100Good
201970/100Good
202076/100Good
202180/100Excellent
202270/100Good
202378/100Good
202484/100Excellent
202583/100Excellent

Jeep Compass Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202583/100-1Excellent013
202484/100+6Excellent034
202378/100+8Good243
202270/100-10Good4204
202180/100+4Excellent070
202076/100+6Good1129
201970/100+9Good2305
2018(selected)61/100Good6912

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Jeep Compass reliable?
The 2018 Jeep Compass has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 61/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 912 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (293 complaints), ENGINE (189 complaints), POWER TRAIN (143 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (98 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (35 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Jeep Compass have?
The 2018 Jeep Compass has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Jeep Compass expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Jeep Compass has estimated annual repair costs of $526/year, which is $5 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 61/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Jeep Compass without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue