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2018 Jeep Compass problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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.
- 6safety recalls
- 946owner complaints
- 28crash reports
- 5fire reports
- 20%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Jeep Compass year on file: 946 complaints, against an average of 151 for the other 14 model years.
Every Jeep Compass model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Jeep Compass?
The components named most often in the 946 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Jeep Compass owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 946 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?308 owners · 32.6% · Recall 18V524000
- Why is my 2018 Jeep Compass burning or losing oil?140 owners · 14.8%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2018 Jeep Compass?80 owners · 8.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Jeep Compass?67 owners · 7.1%
- Why won't my 2018 Jeep Compass start?53 owners · 5.6%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2018 Jeep Compass?40 owners · 4.2%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2018 Jeep Compass?33 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2018 Jeep Compass been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Electrical System: Wiring: Front Underhood Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Arm Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.
Risk: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.
Air Bags: Frontal: Passenger Side: Inflator Module Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The passenger side air bag assembly may have inflator mounting nuts loose within the module assembly.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
Risk: If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Is the 2018 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 DVSAThe body control module software may allow the engine stop start system to operate outside of the emissions certification
Risk: The body control module software may allow engine stop start behaviour that was not part of the emissions certification.
Fix: Update the body control module software.
UK DVSAAn unlatched rear seat back may have reduced luggaage retention capabilities and may have increased forward displacement
Risk: The rear seat back release latch housing may become damaged and unlatched.
Fix: Replace left and right side rear seat back release bezels.
UK DVSAThe passenger airbag (pab) may contain loose fastners due to an assembly problem at the supplier
Risk: The Passenger Airbag (PAB) may contain loose fasteners.
Fix: Replace passenger airbag.
EU Safety GateA defective rear seat-back locking mechanism could lead to the seat back folding forward unexpectedly in the event of rapid deceleration.As a consequence, luggage from the boot space may enter the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
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 GateIncorrect coating of the brake pistons can result in the formation of gas in the hydraulic system.This may adversely affect the functioning of the brakes on the rear-axle wheels.
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 GateA faulty rear seat-back locking mechanism could lead to the seat back folding forward unexpectedly in the event of rapid deceleration.As a consequence, luggage from the boot space may enter the passenger compartment, increasing the risk of injury.
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 inadequate welding, the front transverse control arm may break.This could consequently lead to a loss of driving stability.
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 GateThe electrical connections for the daytime running lamps are inadequate and the lights may be disabled by the driver.As a consequence, the visibility of the vehicle and its identification by other drivers may be reduced.
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 GateThe securing nuts on the front passenger airbag may be loose.In the event of deployment of the front passenger airbag, the loose securing nuts may become projectiles.
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
How often does the 2018 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 2018, 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 2018 Jeep Compass owners report?
12 of the 946 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.
•Manufacturer: Jeep / Stellantis •Year: 2018 •Model: Jeep Compass •VIN: [XXX] •NHTSA ODI Complaint Number: 11771736 •Date of Formal NHTSA Complaint: October 16, 2026 I am writing to formally escalate a serious and recurring electrical and starting-system malfunction affecting my son's 2018 Jeep Compass, identified above. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, multiple warning lights illuminated, including the start/stop warning light. The contact stated that multiple attempts using the key fob were required to start the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system displayed a blank screen due to the failure. The…
Back-up camera (reverse) is inoperable. Camera image is black.
Aux battery failed; start/stop, stopped at a red light car shut off in start/stop mode, when I went to drive my car went into limp mode and emergency break engaged and every single light on my dash came on. I had to turn car off in the intersection. Once I turned the car back on every light came back on and when I shifted it into drive the transmission slammed so hard it jerked the entire car. This has issue started around 60,000 miles. I have 131,000miles now. Being broke down in the middle of an intersection is extremely dangerous especially with a new born in the car and it reoccurs every…
I have a 2018 Jeep Compass that is experiencing an intermittent engine stall while I am driving. The engine cuts off, particularly when I am sitting in traffic or maintaining the same speed for an extended period of time. There is currently no check-engine light illuminated. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle is losing power while being operated on the road. I do not consider this a normal drivability issue, and I need the vehicle properly diagnosed for an intermittent stalling/loss-of-power condition. Please check my VIN for all open safety recalls, including any…
On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop recommended engine replacement at an estimated cost of $9,221.49. Jeep confirmed that the vehicle was associated with Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 concerning excessive oil consumption and…
Subject: Vehicle Lost Power While Driving – Potential Battery/Electrical Safety Issue On August 15, 2026, my vehicle suddenly began malfunctioning and lost power while I was driving my daughter to a medical appointment. I was on/near Highway 20 and had to maneuver the vehicle into a parking lot to avoid being struck. My daughter and I were extremely fortunate not to be injured. The vehicle was subsequently towed to Mall of Georgia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for evaluation. The dealership stated that both the main and auxiliary batteries need to be replaced and indicated that the main battery…
My 2018 Jeep Compass, with approximately 107,000 miles, has developed symptoms consistent with the oil pump/oil pressure defects reported in other recalled Jeep Compass vehicles. The vehicle frequently struggles to start, runs rough with noticeable vibration, and has displayed an oil pressure warning light. In addition, the vehicle frequently stalls or suddenly loses power/slows while driving. The stalling and loss of power have created a serious safety concern because they can occur while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds…
The headlights and interior lighting flickers when turned on. The vehicle often will not start, but once hooked up to a jumper pack starts immediately despite the batteries being inspected previously and being okay. The start/stop function doesn't always work, and the engine stalls while driving, causing a massive safety issue.
Engine light came on, breaking light, abs
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while receiving an oil change, the contact was informed that the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate. The contact attempted to replace the light bulb; however, the headlight failed to illuminate. The original light bulb was reinstalled. The contact stated that the START/STOP system failed to restart the vehicle after an idle stop. The message “Battery Charging System Failure” was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage…
failing component: Transmission / Powertrain. The transmission is jerking aggressively when shifting into gear. yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. I currently have the vehicle in my possession. How was safety put at risk? The vehicle jerked violently into gear while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection. The force was strong enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. This creates a safety risk due to unpredictable vehicle behavior during acceleration and could lead to loss of control or increased risk of collision. Has the problem been reproduced or…
2018 Jeep Compass: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 946 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Compass; the most common categories were engine (474, 50.1%), electrical system (379, 40.1%), power train (151, 16%). There are 6 safety recalls. 28 complaints mention a crash, 5 mention a fire, 18 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass?
Across 946 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (50.1% of complaints), electrical system (40.1% of complaints), power train (16% of complaints), exterior lighting (6.8% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (6.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 Jeep Compass; the most recent (campaign 18V523000, 2018-08-09) concerns Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Jeep Compass stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
308 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (32.6%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 18V524000 (electrical system: wiring: front underhood). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "As I was driving my vehicle, it stalled on me and my parking brake engaged. I had to put my vehicle in park, open my door to dis-engage the brake to restart. it has happened twice now, once on Saturday May 30th and June 2nd 2026." (NHTSA complaint 11741610, June 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2018 Jeep Compass burning or losing oil?
140 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (14.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Since we’ve bought this car pre owned last year with 48,000 miles we’ve been experiencing bad engine oil consumption. I’ve tried to get it looked at by the car dealership we got this vehicle at and they couldn’t find no oil leaks." (NHTSA complaint 11647161, March 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.
Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2018 Jeep Compass?
80 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (8.5%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "The headlights and interior lighting flickers when turned on. The vehicle often will not start, but once hooked up to a jumper pack starts immediately despite the batteries being inspected previously and being okay." (NHTSA complaint 11738275, May 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 is the check engine light on in my 2018 Jeep Compass?
67 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (7.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "I've had this jeep since September 2021. I've driven about 32,000 miles. When I purchased the car it had 36,000 miles. Every light came on, including the check engine light. I have also seen the car will shut off. Park this vehicle about a month ago." (NHTSA complaint 11679996, August 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.
Why won't my 2018 Jeep Compass start?
53 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (5.6%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "The headlights and interior lighting flickers when turned on. The vehicle often will not start, but once hooked up to a jumper pack starts immediately despite the batteries being inspected previously and being okay." (NHTSA complaint 11738275, May 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 the backup camera not work on my 2018 Jeep Compass?
40 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (4.2%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "Uconnect screen/ no available back up camera has ceased to work due to condition of screen faulty thermal glue visable navigation unusable phone calls made by the system with no human interaction repeatedly operatior distraction is occuring due to these…" (NHTSA complaint 11767900, September 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 do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2018 Jeep Compass?
33 of the 946 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Jeep Compass (3.5%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "The headlights and interior lighting flickers when turned on. The vehicle often will not start, but once hooked up to a jumper pack starts immediately despite the batteries being inspected previously and being okay." (NHTSA complaint 11738275, May 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.
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 2018 only.