Last updated: 2026-03-15

2021 Jeep Compass
RELIABILITY SCORE: 80/100 (EXCELLENT)

2021 Jeep Compass Reliability Report

The 2021 Jeep Compass scores 80/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 70 owner complaints.

Recalls

0

Complaints

70

Complaint Rate

9.3

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$526

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity66/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity88/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
  • POWER TRAIN (8)
  • STEERING (5)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 5)

2021 is year 5 of the Second generation (MP).

  • Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 2nd generation Compass (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2017: Second generation (MP) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 5 of the Second generation (MP).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Jeep Compass?

The 2021 Jeep Compass earns an Excellent 80/100 reliability score. 2021 is year 5 of the Second generation (MP).

Its complaint rate (9.3 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.

A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.

Compared to the 2022 Jeep Compass, which scored 10 points lower. See also the 2020 Jeep Compass for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Strong reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (11%)
  • +No recalls issued
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Auto Start/Stop feature, which often fails to restart the engine after... (26 complaints)
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints

Compare 2021 Jeep Compass With

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

The 2021 Jeep Compass has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

9.3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 16.9

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

5

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

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

2021 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 (Not Available)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)Torso/Pelvis (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) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
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 2021 Jeep Compass.

  • Test Auto Start/Stop feature for reliable restart

  • Inspect rearview camera for blank or distorted display

  • Check for high coolant temperature warnings during operation

  • Listen for knocking or clunking noises from the front end

  • Verify transmission smoothness and absence of bucking

  • Ensure all dashboard warning lights function properly

  • Test emergency brake switch for accidental engagement

Buying a 2021 Compass? Check Its History First

Every 2021 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.

2021 Jeep Compass Common Problems by Component

70 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

26
17
8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)POWER TRAIN (8)STEERING (5)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)ENGINE (2)Other (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

26 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the Auto Start/Stop feature, which often fails to restart the engine after stopping, causing traffic disruptions. Complaints also highlight problems with the rearview camera, which can display incorrectly or go blank, and the touchscreen and dashboard lights that flicker or fail, affecting visibility of critical information. Several reports involve sudden vehicle shutdowns due to erroneous high coolant temperature warnings, even when the engine temperature is normal. These issues typically emerge at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 24,200 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one crash where a driver lost control when the dashboard and radio screen blacked out, leading to a collision with an embankment and tree.

26 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical systems, particularly related to the infotainment and rearview camera screens, which exhibit failures such as intermittent operation or displaying information upside down. Multiple complaints also describe the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or shutting off, often accompanied by erroneous high coolant temperature warnings, which can occur at various speeds and poses a safety risk, especially in traffic or on highways. Some reports indicate these issues arise within a year of ownership or shortly after warranty expiration. Safety concerns are underscored by incidents involving crashes and one report of a vehicle fire following a collision. Additionally, owners mention problems with the air conditioning system blowing hot air and significant discrepancies in fuel economy compared to advertised figures, with some vehicles reporting as low as 13.5 mpg.

17 complaints total2 crashes1 fire

POWER TRAIN

8 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass frequently report issues with the power train, particularly related to transmission and engine performance. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off, transmission bucking, and entering limp mode, often accompanied by warning messages such as "service transmission now" or "coolant temp high." These issues typically occur at varying speeds and can lead to the vehicle stalling in potentially hazardous situations, such as intersections or while climbing hills. Complaints also mention problems with oil consumption and the auto start/stop feature, with some owners noting these issues as early as 20,000 miles. The described problems highlight potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and unexpected stops during driving.

8 complaints total
STEERING (5 complaints)

STEERING

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass frequently report issues related to steering, with several describing noises such as knocking or clunking from the front end, often attributed to the rack and pinion. This noise is reported to occur during low-speed maneuvers or after extended driving. Some complaints indicate that these issues can lead to a loss of steering control, with one incident involving a crash due to a snapped ball joint. Mileage at the time of reporting varies, with some issues noted as early as 701 miles and others around 58,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering concerns, as they may affect vehicle control and safety.

5 complaints total1 crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass report issues related to engine overheating and loss of motive power. Complaints frequently mention the engine overheating warning activating while driving at highway speeds, with some owners noting visible signs of burned coolant beneath the engine. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle unexpectedly losing power, requiring multiple attempts to restart. These issues are noted at mileage ranges around 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for sudden loss of power at high speeds, which could pose risks if not addressed.

2 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass report issues related to the service brakes, with specific concerns about the brake warning light flashing and the vehicle losing power while parked and running. Another reported issue involves the emergency brake switch, which can be accidentally activated by passengers, leading to an immediate engagement of the emergency brake while the vehicle is in motion. This situation poses a potential safety risk, particularly if activated unintentionally by children or passengers. The first complaint notes the problem occurring at approximately 77,000 miles, indicating that some issues may arise at higher mileage. These reports suggest a need for caution regarding the brake system's reliability and design.

2 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, particularly noting that the lighting display can become very dim during daytime, complicating visibility of the speedometer. Another common complaint involves the vehicle's Uconnect screen, which can develop lines and go completely black, affecting navigation visibility and potentially distracting the driver. These issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline patterns, although one report mentions the screen problem beginning in October 2022. While no crashes or fires are reported, the screen malfunction and dim lighting could pose safety risks by impairing driver visibility and attention.

2 complaints total
ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Compass report issues with the engine, particularly involving high coolant temperatures and unexpected vehicle shutdowns. These incidents occur at approximately 40 mph, with the vehicle displaying a high temperature warning before turning off, posing potential safety risks in traffic. Another commonly reported issue involves the transmission, where owners experience the vehicle unexpectedly jerking out of gear and, in one case, reversing instead of moving forward. These symptoms have persisted despite multiple repair attempts, with one vehicle spending over 150 days in the shop. Safety implications include near-collisions due to sudden jerking and unintended direction changes.

2 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2026-02-02

Gas pedal broke off while driving. It is made of plastic and the arm that attaches to the pedal snapped off. We towed to a shop to have repaired today. No warning lights or sounds. Thankfully I was going slow and not on a busy street. It could have been a bad outcome if I was merging into on coming traffic. My safety and others were at serious risk due to my car not being able to accelerate with no warning.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2025-04-15

The seat belts on both sides of the rear seats have frayed completely through the belt webbing at the same exact point. Where the belts connects to the retractor I believe is the name of it. Both belts are entirely separated at the point where they pass through the outer wall. If my inspection station didn't notice the problem on the passenger rear they would not have looked at the driver's side rear which was not completely separated and any occupant could have seriously been hurt. The Dealership inspected them and confirmed the damages described above and the manufacturer (Jeep) also was notified of this defect. They were no warning signs.

When Do 2021 Jeep Compass Problems Start?

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

20,000–79,000 milesTransmission issues
24,200–50,000 milesElectrical system failures
701–58,000 milesSteering problems

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.

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
2021(selected)80/100+4Excellent070
202076/100+6Good1129
201970/100+9Good2305
201861/100Good6912

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Compass reliable?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Compass is considered highly reliable with a score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and a complaint rate below the segment average, placing it among the more dependable vehicles in its class.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Jeep Compass include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints), POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), STEERING (5 complaints), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Compass have?
The 2021 Jeep Compass has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Jeep Compass is expected to have below-average maintenance costs at $526/year, which is $5 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. Its high reliability score of 80/100 and complaint rate below the segment average suggest that unexpected repairs are uncommon.

Don’t buy a 2021 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