Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2016 Jeep CompassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 294 owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Compass. Most complaints involve engine (136) and electrical system (63). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2016
Owner complaints
294
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

Engine and engine coolingReported Dec 16, 2016NHTSA 16V907000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

294 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2016 – Nov 2026
  1. Engine136
  2. Electrical system63
  3. Power train44
  4. Vehicle speed control30
  5. Engine and engine cooling26
  6. Steering16
  7. Fuel/propulsion system16
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)15
  9. Air bags13

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Compass model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007434
2008172
200964
201081
2011188
2012184
201380
2014308
2015113
2016294
2017229
2018950
2019333
2020143
202182
2022225
202349
202453
202529
20265
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
15
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

136 reports1 crash2 fires
“ENGINE STALLING Vehicle: 2016 Jeep Compass Latitude 2WD, 2.0L Current mileage: Approx. 105627 Stellantis case: 985-23391 Check-engine light illuminated. Diagnostic scan identified P0344 (Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent) Camshaft position sensor was replaced. Vehicle initially ran normally Shortly afterward, engine shut off while stopped at a red light. I cycled the ignition and restarted it, but the check-engine light returned The next morning, the engine briefly had a delayed start A local mechanic replaced the camshaft position sensor connector and electrical terminals. Only that connector and its terminals were replaced The problem continued Vehicle continues to stall intermittently while idling, particularly at red lights Engine runs normally with no warning; RPM suddenly drops to zero and engine shuts off. Dashboard, radio, and other electrical accessories remain on I turn the ignition off and restart the vehicle Check-engine light returns immediately, although it sometimes appears to go off overnight Chrysler recall S89 (NHTSA 16V-907) addressed crankshaft and camshaft sensor connector terminal issues on certain 2016 Jeep Compass vehicles.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11775907

Electrical system

63 reports
“Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11757293

Power train

44 reports
“Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2026Steering, Suspension, Power trainODI 11745995
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Compass FWD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232825$2,500353
Compass FWD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
233025$2,500347
Compass 4WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
222724$2,600370
Compass FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
222624$2,600378
Compass FWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
212723$2,700381
Compass 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
202522$2,850400
Compass 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
202321$2,950418
  • Compass FWD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 28 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Compass FWD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    23 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Compass 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Compass FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    22 city · 26 hwy · $2,600/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Compass FWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    21 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Compass 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    20 city · 25 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Compass 4WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    20 city · 23 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Jeep Compass as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10163Vehicle 10162
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Compass questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Compass have?

1 safety recall 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.

What are the most common 2016 Jeep Compass problems?

Owners filed 294 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (136), electrical system (63), power train (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Jeep Compass get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Jeep Compass at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026