Model research hub
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover introduced for the 2007 model year, and the 2018 is its problem year in federal data: 6 recalls and 936 complaints, far more than any other year. Guides name 2016 to 2019 as years to avoid, and the 2026 Compass starts at $31,350 with a 26 mpg combined rating.
What the Jeep Compass is and who buys it
Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Compass as a compact crossover SUV introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year, one of Jeep's first crossovers alongside its rebadged variant the Patriot, with a second generation (MP/552) from 2016. The 2026 Compass has a 2.0L four-cylinder with all-wheel drive, rated 26 mpg combined by the EPA at about $2,400 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $31,350 for the Latitude, $35,245 for the Limited and $35,745 for the Trailhawk.
Best and worst Compass model years
Federal counts single out 2018. It has 6 recalls covering the electrical system, suspension, brakes and engine cooling, and 936 complaints, and the 2019 has 327, the 2016 has 293 and the 2017 has 228 complaints with 4 recalls. The 2020 has one recall and 138 complaints, the 2021 has none, the 2022 has 4 recalls and 220 complaints, the 2023 has 2, and the 2024 and 2025 have none. See the 2018 Compass page.
Guides line up with that. Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) lists the worst model years as 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2011, 2012 and 2022, and says the 2021 and 2020 are one step down from the 2024 and 2023 but arguably just as reliable. Car Smite (opens in a new tab) says 2013 and 2015 are the finest first-generation years, that 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014 saw major transmission, suspension, steering and fuel system issues, and recommends 2013, 2015 and 2020 to 2024 while avoiding 2018 among others.
Choosing a year
The consistent advice is to buy 2020 or later and to skip 2016 to 2019, and the recall counts back that: the 2021, 2024 and 2025 have none. Check the VIN for open campaigns on a 2022, which has 4.
Questions buyers ask
Which Jeep Compass years should I avoid?
Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) lists 2016 to 2019 among the worst, and federal data shows the 2018 with 936 complaints.
Which Jeep Compass years are the best?
Car Smite recommends 2013, 2015 and 2020 to 2024.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Jeep Compass is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 200 horsepower across its subcompact SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 6 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2026 Jeep Compass is published to tow is up to 2,000 lb (properly equipped).
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Compass.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Jeep Compass
MY2026 restructures the Compass trim ladder from MY2025's Sport/Latitude/Limited/Trailhawk into Latitude, Latitude Altitude, an 85th Anniversary Edition, Limited, Trailhawk and Limited Altitude, while every trim keeps the shared 200-horsepower 2.0L turbo engine and standard four-wheel drive.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Jeep Compass model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Jeep Compass | 1 | 2026 record → |
| 2025 Jeep Compass | 2025 record → | |
| 2020 Jeep Compass | 2020 record → | |
| 2016 Jeep Compass | 2016 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Jeep Compass.
The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV, introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The first generation Compass and Patriot, its rebadged variant, were among Jeep's first crossover SUVs. The second-generation Compass debuted in September 2016 in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, sharing a modified platform with the Renegade.
Source: Jeep Compass (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Jeep Compass at a glance
- Production
- 2006–present
- Model years
- 2007–present
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV (C)
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Chassis
- Unibody
Jeep Compass generations
The Jeep Compass has been redesigned in 2016, 2025, gaps of 10, 9 years, an average of 9.5 years between generations. The current generation (third generation, J4U/J4D) began in 2025.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | MK49 | 2006–2016 | Jeep debuted the production version of the Compass at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. |
| Second generation | MP/552 | 2016–2025 | The second-generation of Jeep Compass debuted on September 27, 2016, in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, replacing the Jeep Patriot and first generation Compass. |
| Third generation | J4U/J4D | 2025–present | The third-generation Compass was unveiled on May 5, 2025. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Jeep Compass overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 3 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (1 campaign across the latest model years)
- August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Jeep Compass, most often about electrical system (11), forward collision avoidance (10), lane departure (4).
Year by year
The Jeep Compass across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Jeep Compass | 26 | $2,500 | 1 | 1 | 4 stars | |
| 2025 Jeep Compass | 27 | $2,300 | 1 | 24 | 4 stars | |
| 2024 Jeep Compass | 27 | $2,300 | 1 | 52 | 4 stars | |
| 2023 Jeep Compass | 27 | $2,300 | 1 | 2 | 45 | |
| 2022 Jeep Compass | 25 | $2,500 | 2 | 4 | 220 | 4 stars |
| 2021 Jeep Compass | 25 | $2,500 | 2 | 77 | 4 stars | |
| 2020 Jeep Compass | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 4 | 1 | 138 | 4 stars |
| 2019 Jeep Compass | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 4 | 2 | 327 | 4 stars |
| 2018 Jeep Compass | 25–26 | $2,400–$2,500 | 4 | 6 | 936 | 4 stars |
| 2017 Jeep Compass | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 11 | 4 | 228 | 4 stars |
| 2016 Jeep Compass | 21–25 | $2,500–$2,950 | 7 | 1 | 293 | |
| 2015 Jeep Compass | 21–25 | $2,500–$2,950 | 7 | 1 | 113 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Jeep Compass, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 27.0 to 26.0 | |||
| 2022 to 2023 | 2 to 1 | 25.0 to 27.0 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Automatic 8-spd | Labels: Compass FWD; Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic 6-spd, Automatic 9-spd; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| 2020 to 2021 | 4 to 2 | 25.5 to 25.0 | Transmissions: Manual 6-spd | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 11 to 4 | 23.5 to 25.5 | Labels: New Compass 2WD, New Compass 4WD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 5-spd; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive | |
| 2016 to 2017 | 7 to 11 | 23.0 to 23.5 | Labels: New Compass 2WD, New Compass 4WD; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd, Manual 6-spd; Drives: All-Wheel Drive | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI |
| 2015 to 2016 | Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl SIDI |
Buying used
What the Jeep Compass recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | back over prevention (sensing system) | None |
| 2023 | 2 | electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); back over prevention (sensing system) | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2022 | 4 | seats (front assembly); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); back over prevention (sensing system) | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2020 | 1 | visibility (windshield wiper/washer) | None |
| 2019 | 2 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); visibility (windshield wiper/washer) | None |
| 2018 | 6 | engine and engine cooling; electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); air bags (frontal); 3 more | None |
| 2017 | 4 | power train (axle assembly); equipment (other); electrical system (instrument cluster/panel); 1 more | None |
| 2016 | 1 | engine and engine cooling | None |
| 2015 | 1 | steering (hydraulic power assist) | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 1,019 | 41% | 2018 (473) |
| electrical system | 931 | 38% | 2018 (375) |
| unknown or other | 526 | 21% | 2018 (193) |
| power train | 352 | 14% | 2018 (151) |
| service brakes | 147 | 6% | 2018 (62) |
| forward collision avoidance | 126 | 5% | 2022 (46) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Jeep Compass trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latitude | 4WD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 221 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 26 | $31,350 |
| Latitude Altitude | 4WD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 221 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 26 | $33,325 |
| Limited | 4WD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 221 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 26 | $35,245 |
| Trailhawk | 4WD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 221 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 26 | $35,745 |
| Limited Altitude | 4WD | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 221 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 26 | $37,240 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Jeep Compass model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2025 | 4 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2024 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2023 | 8 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | 200 | 3,620 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2022 | 8 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir, PZEV) | 177 | 3,327–3,633 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2021 | 7 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir, PZEV) | 180 | 3,327–3,633 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2020 | 9 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir, PZEV) | – | 3,184–3,633 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2019 | 7 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir) / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir, PZEV) | 180 | 3,327–3,633 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2018 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir, PZEV) / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir) | 180 | 3,184–3,633 | 2,000 | 13.5 |
| 2017 | 9 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder (MultiAir) | 158–180 | 3,258–3,633 | 2,000 | 13.5–13.6 |
| 2016 | 5 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 158–172 | 3,258 | 2,000 | 13.5–13.6 |
| 2015 | 5 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder / 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | 158–172 | 3,258 | 2,000 | 13.5–13.6 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Jeep Compass.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | 100 lb-ft | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2025 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | 100 lb-ft | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2024 | 5W-30 | DOT 3 | 100 lb-ft | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2023 | 5W-30 | – | 100 lb-ft | R-1234yf | CR2032 |
| 2022 | 0W-20 | – | 100 lb-ft | – | CR2032 |
| 2021 | 0W-20 | – | 100 lb-ft | – | CR2032 |
| 2020 | 0W-20 | – | 100 lb-ft | – | CR2032 |
| 2019 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2018 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2017 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2016 | 5W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2015 | 5W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Jeep Compass: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2018 Jeep Compass : 6 recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system and suspension.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | not available | backup camera |
| 2025 | 24 | ||
| 2024 | 52 | ||
| 2023 | 2 | 45 | electrical system, backup camera |
| 2022 | 4 | 220 | electrical system, seats, backup camera |
| 2021 | 77 | ||
| 2020 | 1 | 138 | visibility/wipers |
| 2019 | 2 | 327 | visibility/wipers, brakes |
| 2018 | 6 | 936 | electrical system, suspension, brakes, engine cooling |
| 2017 | 4 | 228 | equipment, electrical system, powertrain |
| 2016 | 1 | 293 | engine cooling |
| 2015 | 1 | 113 | steering |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Jeep Compass model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Jeep Compass?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2018 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Jeep Compass model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2018 Jeep Compass has 6 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting electrical system, suspension, brakes. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Jeep Compass by model year?
2026: backup camera. 2023: electrical system, backup camera. 2022: electrical system, seats, backup camera. 2020: visibility/wipers. 2019: visibility/wipers, brakes. 2018: electrical system, suspension, brakes, engine cooling.
Q04Why do some Jeep Compass model years show "not available" for complaints?
The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Jeep Compass model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Brakes, tires and steering, Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Transmission and drivetrain.
2018 Jeep Compass owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Brakes, tires and steering and Engine and cooling.
Trim ladder
1 Jeep Compass trim, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Jeep Compass is most often compared with.
Nearest Jeep models
Other Jeep models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Compass come in?
The 2026 Jeep Compass (subcompact SUV) comes in 6 trims: Latitude, Latitude Altitude, 85th Anniversary Edition, Limited, Trailhawk, Limited Altitude.
Q02What are the 2026 Compass trims?
The 2026 Jeep Compass trims are Latitude, Latitude Altitude, 85th Anniversary Edition, Limited, Trailhawk, Limited Altitude, listed from the entry Latitude up to the top Limited Altitude.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Compass use?
The 2026 Jeep Compass is built around 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, rated at 200 horsepower across its subcompact SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Compass have?
The 2026 Jeep Compass is rated at 200 horsepower (2.0L turbo four-cylinder).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Compass?
The 2026 Jeep Compass is offered with Standard 4x4.