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2013 Jeep Compass problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 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.
- 1safety recall
- 80owner complaints
- 7crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 34%fail the UK MOT
80 complaints, against an average of 213 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 2013 Jeep Compass?
The components named most often in the 80 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Jeep Compass owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 80 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2013 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?7 owners · 8.8%
- Why does my 2013 Jeep Compass overheat?6 owners · 7.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Jeep Compass?3 owners · 3.8%
- Has the 2013 Jeep Compass had transmission failures?3 owners · 3.8%
- Why does the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2013 Jeep Compass?3 owners · 3.8% · Recall 16V668000
- Does the 2013 Jeep Compass have rust or paint problems?3 owners · 3.8%
- Does the 2013 Jeep Compass have emissions system or DPF problems?3 owners · 3.8%
Has the 2013 Jeep Compass been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. 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.
Is the 2013 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 DVSADaytime running lamp functions incorrectly when indicator is activated.
Risk: It is possible that the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) do not function correctly when the turn signal indicator is actuated. The opposite DRL (rather than adjacent) may turn off when the turn signal is activated. This could result in confusion for other road users.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the function of the lights and where necessary modify the wiring.
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).
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 2013 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 2013, 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 2013 Jeep Compass owners report?
12 of the 80 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.
Catalytic converter problem Warning engine light keeps coming on. This has happened over several years. It now comes on everyday. It is now in shop to be fixed and code shows front converter is bad which includes the manifold.
Passenger seat headrest ejected itself. Outside of the car was getting a handwash and suddenly the headrest just shot open. Now nobody is able to sit in passenger seat safely. Unsure how this could happen as car was operating just fine prior.
This vehicle before had the cvt transmission replaced as it was over heating/inoperable. Complete replacement. Flash forward not even a year I was driving and thr transmission made a noise and basically locked up causing the driver to hit curb at high rate of speed along the freeway. The vehicle again is disabled with a transmission defect and requires replacement. 2nd transmission failure and will need replacement and caused injury during collision with curb at high rate of speed without any indication lights of a mechanical issue prior to impact.
The vehicle was taken in for a recall of the catalytic converters and PCM software, July 2019. May 2021, while driving at highway speeds the transmission temperature light illuminated and an un-commanded deceleration occurred to about 10 mph, it would go no faster got to the nearest off ramp and to a rest area sat for an hour, then the vehicle performed normally. May 13, 2021, took the vehicle to the repair facility no trouble codes were set but they replaced the transmission filler tube. A few days later the light illuminated again but no adverse driving conditions occurred. June 18, 2021, at…
The vehicle was taken in for a recall of the catalytic converters and PCM software, July 2019. May 2021, while driving at highway speeds the transmission temperature light illuminated and an un-commanded deceleration occurred to about 10 mph, it would go no faster got to the nearest off ramp and to a rest area sat for an hour, then the vehicle performed normally. May 13, 2021, took the vehicle to the repair facility no trouble codes were set but they replaced the transmission filler tube. A few days later the light illuminated again but no adverse driving conditions occurred. Oct 18, 2021, at…
PURCHASED 2013 JEEP COMPASS WITH 109,000 MILES. NOTICED IT BURNED OIL BAD. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, CHANGED OIL TO SYNTHETIC AS RECOMMEND AND FILTER. CONTINUED TO HAVE EXCESSIVE OIL BURN. 3 BOTTLES EVERY 2 WEEKS. WAS DRIVING IT AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND SOMETHING DIDNT FEEL RIGHT., SHE PULLED OVER AS OIL LIGHT CAME ON. NOW OIL WAS CHECKED AND WAS FULL PRIOR TO DRIVING 40 MINUTES, NOW OIL LIGHT ON, CHECKED OIL AND WAS LOW. HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK, HAD IT TOWED TO GARAGE AND ENGINE IS FRIED. AT 111,000 MILES, NEEDS A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. ENGINE IT IS IS A 2.4L . IF MY DAUGHTER DIDNT THINK QUICK TO…
FAULTY TIPM SHORTLY OUT SOME ELECTRICAL RELAYS. STATIONARY COOLING FANS DON'T SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN IGNITION KEY IS OFF. AC BLOWER FANS INTIMIDATE ON AND OFF. AT CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR 10 DAYS. ALL RELAYS CHANGED 'ALL SENSORS CHANGE. TIPM DIAGNOSIS SAYS SHORT IN TIPM. $1500.00 PART AFTER REPAIR OF RELAYS AND SENSORS. TOTAL $2500+. BILL. AWAITING NEW TIPM TO COME IN. CHRYSLER CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT THAT WILL FIX THE PROBLEMS.
I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IN CONTACT WITH BENSONS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN GREER SC SINCE THE SPRING OF 2019 ABOUT RECALLS ON MY JEEP. FINALLY, MY DAD DECIDED TO JUST CALL CHRYSLER AND THEY SENT US TO THE BIG O WHICH IS IN GREENVILLE SC THE INSTRUCTED US THEY WOULD ORDER THE PARTS AND CALL US WHEN THEY COME IN. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 7 MONTHS SINCE WE CALLED THEM IN EITHER JUNE OR JULY ABOUT THIS AND SINCE IT IS AIRBAGS AND SEATBELTS WE ARE VERY CONCERNED WITH MY SAFETY IF I WAS TO GET INTO A WRECK.
ENGINE CUTTING OUT AND STALLING, NOT GETTING ABOVE 45 WITHOUT JARRING AND TRYING TO STALL OUT. I HAVE HAD KENDALL AUTO GROUP IN SOLDOTNA, ALASKA TRYING TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR SINCE MARCH 2019. THEY HAVE HAD STAR CASES OPENED WITH CHRYSLER TECHNICIANS. IT'S BEEN A GUESSING GAME. THEY HAVE RETURNED THE CAR TO ME SEVERAL TIMES SAYING IT WAS FIXED. ONLY TO HAVE IT STALL OUT ON ME. ONCE HAVING TO GET IT TOWED BACK TO THERE FACILITY. AT TIMES IT WAS OVER A MONTH BEFORE ANY COMMUNICATION TO BE.
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT THE SPEED LIMIT (60-65 ON FREEWAY) THE TACHOMETER SOARED TO ABOUT 3500AND THE VEHICLE MADE A NOISE. IT LOST ALL POWER AND I HAD NO CONTROL. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER MOTORIST TRYING TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY. WHEN I TURNED LEFT OR TRIED TO AT THE TOP OF THE EXIT THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE THAT'S WHEN THE TRANSMISSION TEMP INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I FINALLY TURNED LEFT AND THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ABOUT 2-5 MPH. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND LOOKED THE LIGHT UP IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL IF YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND IDLE FOR A BIT THE LIGHT WILL GO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE DRIVER SAW FLAMES IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE DRIVER SAW FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, BUT BEFORE THEY ARRIVED, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE VEHICLE BECAME MOMENTARILY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE REMNANTS WERE TOWED TO A TOW YARD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED RAIRDON'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF KIRKLAND (12828 NE 124TH ST, KIRKLAND, WA 98034 (425) 821-1777) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE…
2013 Jeep Compass: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Jeep Compass; the most common categories were power train (27, 33.8%), air bags (16, 20%), electrical system (13, 16.3%). There is 1 safety recall. 7 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Jeep Compass?
Across 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (33.8% of complaints), air bags (20% of complaints), electrical system (16.3% of complaints), engine (12.5% of complaints), seat belts (11.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 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 2013 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
7 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (8.8%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Engine cutting out and stalling, not getting above 45 without jarring and trying to stall out. i have had kendall auto group in soldotna, alaska trying to diagnose and repair since march 2019. they have had star cases opened with chrysler technicians." (NHTSA complaint 11255336, September 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.
Why does my 2013 Jeep Compass overheat?
6 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (7.5%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Cvt overheats at approximately 45 minutes of highway driving causing the vehicle to quickly loose power and become undriveable." (NHTSA complaint 11176059, February 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.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 Jeep Compass?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Around 80,000 miles my car stopped accelerating and appeared to stay in 1st gear (i drive an automatic). luckily, i was driving on a residential street. then the check engine light, the traction light, and a red lightning bolt light turn on." (NHTSA complaint 11195435, 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.
Has the 2013 Jeep Compass had transmission failures?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "This vehicle before had the cvt transmission replaced as it was over heating/inoperable. Complete replacement. Flash forward not even a year I was driving and thr transmission made a noise and basically locked up causing the driver to hit curb at high rate of…" (NHTSA complaint 11532355, July 2023). 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 the seat belt not latch or retract properly in my 2013 Jeep Compass?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe seat belts not latching, retracting or locking. A related recall exists: campaign 16V668000 (seat belts: pretensioner). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Tl* the contact owns a 2013 jeep compass. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v668000 (air bags, seat belts). the part needed for the repair was not available." (NHTSA complaint 10981610, May 2017). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2013 Jeep Compass have rust or paint problems?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe rust, corrosion or peeling paint. One owner wrote: "I had my jeep in for regular service & it was discovered to have a rusted subframe. it was suggested to take it to the dealer. i made the appointment." (NHTSA complaint 11363673, October 2020). 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 2013 Jeep Compass have emissions system or DPF problems?
3 of the 80 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Jeep Compass (3.8%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "Catalytic converter problem Warning engine light keeps coming on. This has happened over several years. It now comes on everyday. It is now in shop to be fixed and code shows front converter is bad which includes the manifold." (NHTSA complaint 11653648, April 2025). 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 2013 only.