NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 184 owner complaints for the 2012 Jeep Compass. Most complaints involve engine (36) and fuel/propulsion system (34). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Compass model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 434 |
| 2008 | 172 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 81 |
| 2011 | 188 |
| 2012 | 184 |
| 2013 | 80 |
| 2014 | 308 |
| 2015 | 113 |
| 2016 | 293 |
| 2017 | 229 |
| 2018 | 950 |
| 2019 | 333 |
| 2020 | 143 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2022 | 225 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 5 |
“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, and the car will come to a halt and stop idling. Nothing happens when I give it gas after it's stopped in these circumstances. I learned that if I turn the car off and back on, that will serve as a sort of reset, and I regain power and can get back on the road. The car has had active codes for a catalytic converter and a crankshaft position sensor. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor in April of last year (with an OEM sensor) after losing power while merging onto an interstate. That seemed to resolve the loss of acceleration problem, but it recurred starting in…”
“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.”
“- 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 case and sadly found that we are unable to offer any assistance with the head restraint repair." - The vehicle component has not been inspected. - No warning lights, messages or symptoms of the problem”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Compass 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Compass 2WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Compass 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Compass 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Off Road Package · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 184 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (36), fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Jeep Compass at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).