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.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 1.5× usual, mostly engine and fuel system Extended coverage
152 serious complaints of 184, the most about engine (36) and fuel system (34); per car on the road, 1.5× this model's usual year. 4 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 jeep compass. The contact stated that the engine stalled numerous times without warning while driving various speeds. The dealer was unable to locate a failure code. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v120000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Dec 2016
“The contact owns a 2012 jeep compass. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 13v120000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired under the recall because the parts were not available. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the fuel system, Jul 2013
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.
184 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–25 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 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
2012 Compass trims
| Latitude | Limited | Sport |
|---|
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.