Last updated: 2026-03-15

Jeep Compass

1 Jeep Compass Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Jeep Compass average of 75/100

The Jeep Compass years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 61/100. The best Jeep Compass year to buy is 2024 84/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Jeep Compass scores significantly below the model average of 75/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 61/100 due to electrical system (293) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 76/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Jeep Compass Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Jeep Compass average of 75/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201861/100Good6912Electrical System (293)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Jeep Compass

The 2018 Jeep Compass has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 912 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass. Severity signals include 28 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (293), Engine (189), Power Train (143).

6 recalls912 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (293), Engine (189), Power Train (143), Unknown Or Other (98), Exterior Lighting (35), Steering (28)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Jeep Compass Problems?

Top reported issues across all Jeep Compass model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

593 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

270 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

231 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

178 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

72 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Jeep Compass Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 129 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Jeep Compass. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (48), Power Train (23), Unknown Or Other (18).

Score: 76/100 (Good)1 recalls129 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Jeep Compass year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Jeep Compass Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Jeep Compass Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Second generation (MP) (2017–2026)

84
ExcellentReliability score: 84 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Jeep Compass

0 recalls · 34 complaints

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2025 Jeep Compass

0 recalls · 13 complaints

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Jeep Compass

0 recalls · 70 complaints

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Jeep Compass

2 recalls · 43 complaints

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Jeep Compass

1 recalls · 129 complaints

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Jeep Compass

2 recalls · 305 complaints

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Jeep Compass

4 recalls · 204 complaints

61
GoodReliability score: 61 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Jeep Compass

6 recalls · 912 complaints

Weakest Year

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Jeep Compass years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Jeep Compass years: 2018 (score: 61/100). These model years score significantly below the Jeep Compass average of 75/100.
What is the best year for the Jeep Compass?
The best year for the Jeep Compass is 2024, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 34 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Jeep Compass have?
Across all years in our database, the Jeep Compass has a total of 15 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Jeep Compass worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 75/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Jeep Compass problems?
The most common Jeep Compass problems are electrical system (593 complaints), engine (270 complaints), power train (231 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Jeep Compass reliable long-term?
The Jeep Compass has an average reliability score of 75/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Jeep Compass generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Jeep Compass generation is the Second generation (MP) with an average score of 75/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Jeep Compass?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Compass is $526 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Jeep Compass a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Jeep Compass is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 34 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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