Last updated: 2026-03-15

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
- POWER TRAIN (8)
- STEERING (5)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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

2021 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 78/100

2021 Lexus UX
Reliability: 80/100

2021 Audi Q3
Reliability: 74/100

2021 BMW X1
Reliability: 75/100

2021 Volvo XC60
Reliability: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)
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 soldSegment avg: 16.9
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 20.2%
Safety Technologies
Jeep Compass Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintGas 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 complaintThe 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.
Best & Worst Jeep Compass Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Jeep Compass Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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).
2024
2025
2021
(Current Model)
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.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Jeep Compass Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Compass?
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Compass have?
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Jeep Compass without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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