Which year to buy
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011CAREFULSerious complaints 1.6× usual, mostly power train and engine Extended coverage
153 serious complaints of 187, the most about power train (37) and engine (30); per car on the road, 1.6× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.
What owners report
“Outside temperature 102, driving posted speed limit of 75 mph. After 1 1/2 hours warning light came on saying transmission fluid overheated, the speed automatically dropped to 55 mph. I pulled to the side of the interstate and engine stalled. After 30 minutes engine started.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Sep 2014
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refueling. There were no warning lights illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Nov 2024
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Front And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation/rust through and if necessary, replacing the crossmember(s). (23-007-17, Mar 2017)
- Extended coverage Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset. (23-029-20, Nov 2020)
- Repair program Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11) (U67, Jun 2026)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
187 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–25 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
Every Compass year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl; 2.4L 4-cyl · Drive: 4WD, FWD
2011 Compass trims
| Base | Limited |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Jeep reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Jeep aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 200 hp | AWD | 26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 5 | Service brakes (2) | — |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 200 hp | AWD | 27 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 26 | Electrical system (11) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 200 hp | AWD | 27 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 52 | Forward collision avoidance (25) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 200 hp | AWD | 27 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 46 | Electrical system (14) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.4L 4-cyl, 177 hp | AWD, FWD | 25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 222 | Electrical system (102) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.4L 4-cyl, 180 hp | AWD, FWD | 25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 80 | Electrical system (34) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.4L 4-cyl, 180 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 25–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 141 | Engine (79) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.4L 4-cyl, 180 hp manual available | AWD, FWD | 25–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 329 | Engine (160) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | AWD, FWD | 25–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 943 | Engine (473) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 229 | Electrical system (86) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 293 | Engine (135) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 113 | Engine (30) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 307 | Air bags (91) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | 3 of 5 | 1 | 80 | Power train (27) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 184 | Engine (36) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 21–25 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 187 | Power train (37) | No |
| 2010 | 2.0L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl manual available | 4WD, FWD | 22–25 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 81 | Air bags (19) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Compass 2017–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | JEEP COMPASS SUV N/A AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 26 |
| 2024 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 52 |
| 2023 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 2 | 46 |
| 2022 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 222 |
| 2022 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 222 |
| 2021 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | 4 | Optional | No | 0 | 80 |
| 2021 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | No | 0 | 80 |
| 2020 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 1 | 141 |
| 2020 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | No | 1 | 141 |
| 2019 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | No | 2 | 329 |
| 2019 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | No | 2 | 329 |
| 2018 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 943 |
| 2018 | Jeep Compass SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 6 | 943 |
| 2017 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 229 |
| 2017 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 229 |
| 2016 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 293 |
| 2016 | Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 293 |
| 2015 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 113 |
| 2015 | Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 113 |
| 2014 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 307 |
| 2014 | Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 307 |
| 2013 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | 3 | No | No | 1 | 80 |
| 2013 | Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | 3 | No | No | 1 | 80 |
| 2012 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 184 |
| 2012 | Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 184 |
| 2011 | Jeep Compass SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 187 |
| 2011 | Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 187 |
| 2010 | Jeep Compass 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 81 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Compass 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2025 | Compass 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2024 | Compass 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2023 | Compass 4WD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2022 | Compass 4WD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 25 |
| 2022 | Compass FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 25 |
| 2021 | Compass 4WD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 25 |
| 2021 | Compass FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 25 |
| 2020 | Compass 4WD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
25 |
| 2020 | Compass FWD | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
25–26 |
| 2019 | Compass 4WD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
25 |
| 2019 | Compass FWD | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
25–26 |
| 2018 | Compass 4WD | Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
25 |
| 2018 | Compass FWD | Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
25–26 |
| 2017 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–24 |
| 2017 | Compass FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2016 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–24 |
| 2016 | Compass FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2015 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–24 |
| 2015 | Compass FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2014 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
21–25 |
| 2014 | Compass FWD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L |
24–25 |
| 2013 | Compass 2WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2013 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package |
21–24 |
| 2012 | Compass 2WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2012 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package |
21–24 |
| 2011 | Compass 2WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2011 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package |
21–24 |
| 2010 | Compass 2WD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
23–25 |
| 2010 | Compass 4WD | Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L |
22–25 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.