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2012 Jeep Compass problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Jeep Compass has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 184owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 38%fail the UK MOT
184 complaints, against an average of 205 for the other 14 Jeep Compass model years.
Every Jeep Compass model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2012 Jeep Compass?
The components named most often in the 184 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Jeep Compass owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 184 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?34 owners · 18.5% · Recall 13V120000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Compass?14 owners · 7.6%
- Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have rust or paint problems?11 owners · 6%
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Compass overheat?8 owners · 4.3%
- Why does my 2012 Jeep Compass idle rough, misfire or hesitate?7 owners · 3.8%
- Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have emissions system or DPF problems?7 owners · 3.8%
- Why won't my 2012 Jeep Compass start?6 owners · 3.3%
Has the 2012 Jeep Compass been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts: Pretensioner Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags: Side/Window Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Fuel System, Gasoline Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Is the 2012 Jeep Compass recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASide airbag may not deploy
Risk: The seatbelt pre-tensioner and/or side airbag curtains may not deploy in the event of certain low speed roll over events which can lead to an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to reprogram the Occupant Restraint Control Module (ORC).
UK DVSAEngine may cut out
Risk: The engine may cut out because the pipe connecting the tanks has been incorrectly manufactured which can stop the fuel transfer from the secondary tank to the primary tank. The fuel gauge will read that there is fuel in the tank when this occurs.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel transfer pipe.
EU Safety GateIn the event of an accident, the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners may not deploy as intended due to a defect in the control unit for…In the event of an accident, the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners may not deploy as intended due to a defect in the control unit for vehicle occupant protection. The risk of injury to the occupants is thus increased.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to a software error, the side airbag and the seat-belt tightener are not working properly and this poses a risk of injuries for the…Years estimatedDue to a software error, the side airbag and the seat-belt tightener are not working properly and this poses a risk of injuries for the passengers.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2012 Jeep Compass fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2012, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2012 Jeep Compass owners report?
12 of the 184 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car. I really do like my Jeep Compass, is there any remedy to this situation. I have the report in a email sent to me and can send the report to you if I have an email address to send it to.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an…
When I attempt to fuel the car, the gas pump immediately shuts off regardless of the gas station or the pump that I am at. The gas also seemed to not want to go into the tank, as I could see some of the gas leaking out around the rim of the tank even though it was empty when I began to fuel.
I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the traction control light sometimes will come on, the steering will tighten up like I've lost power steering…
Everytime I drive it acts as if it’s not getting sufficient fuel to the engine . Have had multiple things replaced to try and fix the problem but still not helped . Whole Engine sputters when I stop and acts as if it’s not getting any fuel to accelerate. Has almost caused a few crashes . To my surprise recalls have been made for my vehicle but says they have been repaired. I personally don’t think they have
The vehicle just went through an inspection with the dealership before being sold to me. The vehicle is stalling when making turns and driving. There are no warning lights, there is a full tank of gas, no warning of it going to happen and it just stalls. The Jeep stalled at an intersection, stalled driving through a parking lot and again today stalled turning from an intersection. It almost caused me to get rear ended in an accident. Luckily they did not but that was scary enough for me to check for recalls and to my surprise there is for my year and type but not my VIN, my vehicle was…
I’m in Bradley, Illinois, and after the first snowfall, these indicators lit up. The ABS, the ESC, and the 4WD. I thought because of inclement weather, they would go off, but have remained lit for a couple of weeks now. One day, while driving to work, the throttle lagged, and I couldn’t accelerate past 20 mph for over 10 minutes amidst heavy traffic. When this occurred, the ABS light turned off, then suddenly lit up again, and the truck sped up. This has happened several times. I was told all recalls were repaired, so I am wondering if this is a new concern? Please advise. Thank you for your…
- The passenger headrest of my 2012 Jeep Compass Limited deployed while the car was in motion on the highway with no reason to deploy. Yes, the component is available for inspection. - This created a distraction to the driver that could have resulted in an accident and also could have injured the passenger. - The dealer mentioned that the issue has happened to other cars, but in my case they could not help me because my car is not under warranty. They told me they could not assist and requested I call Jeep Customer Care. - Jeep Customer Care replied ""We have review the information on your…
BRAKE LIGHT IN DASH WOULD COME ON AND OFF THEN GO OUT FOR A DAY OR SO AND THEN WILL STAY ON ALL THE TIME. ALSO SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AND WONT GO OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT SCOTT EVANS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2280 BANKHEAD HWY, CARROLLTON, GA 30116) FOR UNKNOWN RECALL REPAIRS. ADDITIONALLY, THE FUSE AND SENSORS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED, ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,702.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT LIGHT CAME ON.I HAD BEEN DRIVING ABOUT 45 MINUTES ON HW. THE JEEP STARTED MAKING A LOUD WHINING NOISE AND SLOWED DOWN. IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 45. IT FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION WAS STICKING SOME AND HAD A BIT OF A SHAKE. I PULLED IT OVER AND HAD TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC. ONCE HE LOOKED AT IT THE NEXT DAY THERE WERE NO CODES SHOWING AND IT DROVE FINE. I SEE THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS FOR OTHER JEEPS, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THIS IS.
HELLO I WENT TO DEALER TO FIX SAFETY RECALL S61 IN 04/16/19 NEXT WEEK SHOW ME LIGHT AIRBAG PROBLEM SO THEY TOLD ME TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM THEY CHARGE FEE FOR CHECK IN SO I REFUSE TO CHECK IT COST TO MUCH FOR ME SO I DRIVING TO HOME AND I DRIVING ALL YEAR WITH THIS AIR BAG LIGHT AND TODAY 4/16/2020 I WENT DEALER WHERE WAS RECALL DONE BEFORE AND ASK AGAIN IF THEY FIX THIS LIGHT BUT THEY TOLD ME THEY CHARGE FOR INSPECTION THAT LIGHT I THINK THAT RECALL MAKE ME MORE PROBLEM THEN DO GOOD FOR MY CAR I THINK THAT RECALL CAUSE THAT PROBLEM.WHAT I CAN DO WITH THIS CAR?? *TR
2012 Jeep Compass: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 184 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Compass; the most common categories were engine (36, 19.6%), fuel/propulsion system (34, 18.5%), air bags (28, 15.2%). There are 4 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?
Across 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (19.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (18.5% of complaints), air bags (15.2% of complaints), power train (14.1% of complaints), electrical system (13% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass; the most recent (campaign 16V668000, 2016-09-15) concerns Seat Belts: Pretensioner. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
34 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (18.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 13V120000 (fuel system, gasoline). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. One owner wrote: "The vehicle just went through an inspection with the dealership before being sold to me. The vehicle is stalling when making turns and driving. There are no warning lights, there is a full tank of gas, no warning of it going to happen and it just stalls." (NHTSA complaint 11602446, July 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2012 Jeep Compass?
14 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (7.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "My Coils had to be replaced several times. Last week I started to drive my car on a major road, shaking and no power. My car had to be towed once again. My mechanic told me the Jeeps have issues with the Coils." (NHTSA complaint 11584652, April 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have rust or paint problems?
11 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (6%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car." (NHTSA complaint 11749429, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Compass overheat?
8 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (4.3%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "I have had constant problems already reported with this vehicle. The transmission overheats and dies on me or gets sluggish on the highway traffic. Today it completely died on me. After pulling over giving a minute it started back up." (NHTSA complaint 11432637, September 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2012 Jeep Compass idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
7 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Everytime I drive it acts as if it’s not getting sufficient fuel to the engine . Have had multiple things replaced to try and fix the problem but still not helped . Whole Engine sputters when I stop and acts as if it’s not getting any fuel to accelerate." (NHTSA complaint 11606215, August 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have emissions system or DPF problems?
7 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced." (NHTSA complaint 11571483, February 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2012 Jeep Compass start?
6 of the 184 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Jeep Compass (3.3%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "While driving 50mhp on highway car wouldn't go when pressing on gas pulled over just in time before it turned off by itself. wouldn't start after trying a couple of times waited 5 minutes then started" (NHTSA complaint 11202687, April 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Compass
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2012 only.