Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 Jeep Compass problems
Owners filed 308 complaints about the 2014 Jeep Compass with NHTSA between May 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (91).
Complaints
308
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
25
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags91
- Engine91
- Seat belts53
- Electrical system36
- Vehicle speed control35
- Power train35
- Seats27
- Fuel/propulsion system25
- Service brakes19
- Electronic stability control (esc)19
- Structure14
- Steering8
- Suspension8
- Exterior lighting6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
22
12
27
68
33
53
29
17
16
7
3
12
6
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 22 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 68 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 53 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
91 reports12 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest deployed. Approximately 2 months later, while entering the vehicle, the passenger’s side headrest deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to another facility to replace the air bags; however, the air bags were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.”
Engine
91 reports1 crash4 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine). Several dealers and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.”
Seat belts
53 reports1 crash1 related recall
“DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH IS NOT LATCHING TO THE BUCKLE. WHILE PUTTING SEAT BELT ON IT DISENGAGES FROM THE LATCH SYSTEM COMPLETELY. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RE-SECURE THE BUCKLE INTO THE LATCH CONTINUES TO ALLOW THE SEAT BUCKLE TO BECOME UNLATCHED. EXTREMELY UNSETTLING AS WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE KNOWING MY SEAT BELT COMES UNDONE AT ANY TIME. NOTHING IS TOUCHING THE BUCKLE OR LATCH SYSTEM TO CAUSE THE UNBUCKLE AT ANY TIME. HAVE CHECKED BY LOOKING INTO THE LATCH SYSTEM TO ENSURE NO DEBRIS IS INSIDE.”
Electrical system
36 reports1 crash1 fire
“ABS module is faulty causing other issues including problems with electronic stability, no speedometer, no cruise control, no abs brakes. Apparently Jeep is no longer making this part as it has been on backorder for months. I feel it is unsafe as winter weather is nearing and abs brakes would be essential for safe driving. At [XXX] old I feel it is an essential part of safe driving for myself and my wife. I've been communicating with Jeep customer care for several weeks with absolutely no resolve. It appears they are not even producing the part that would seem essential for safe driving.”
Vehicle speed control
35 reports2 crashes
“The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it’s not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn’t handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!”
Power train
35 reports3 crashes2 fires
“am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or recall may be necessary. I can provide additional information, videos, photographs, or repair documentation if needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.