Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Jeep Compass problems
Owners filed 947 complaints about the 2018 Jeep Compass with NHTSA between Sep 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (475).
Complaints
947
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
28
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
18
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine475
- Electrical system379
- Power train151
- Exterior lighting64
- Fuel/propulsion system63
- Service brakes61
- Forward collision avoidance38
- Vehicle speed control33
- Steering28
- Suspension26
- Electronic stability control (esc)25
- Air bags22
- Visibility/wiper17
- Back over prevention13
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 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
25
74
185
137
98
116
119
82
61
50
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 74 |
| 2019 | 185 |
| 2020 | 137 |
| 2021 | 98 |
| 2022 | 116 |
| 2023 | 119 |
| 2024 | 82 |
| 2025 | 61 |
| 2026 | 50 |
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
Engine
475 reports7 crashes2 fires
“•Manufacturer: Jeep / Stellantis •Year: 2018 •Model: Jeep Compass •VIN: [XXX] •NHTSA ODI Complaint Number: 11771736 •Date of Formal NHTSA Complaint: October 16, 2026 I am writing to formally escalate a serious and recurring electrical and starting-system malfunction affecting my son's 2018 Jeep Compass, identified above.”
Electrical system
379 reports3 crashes3 fires2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, multiple warning lights illuminated, including the start/stop warning light. The contact stated that multiple attempts using the key fob were required to start the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system displayed a blank screen due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.”
Power train
151 reports7 crashes
“My 2018 Jeep Compass, with approximately 107,000 miles, has developed symptoms consistent with the oil pump/oil pressure defects reported in other recalled Jeep Compass vehicles. The vehicle frequently struggles to start, runs rough with noticeable vibration, and has displayed an oil pressure warning light. In addition, the vehicle frequently stalls or suddenly loses power/slows while driving. The stalling and loss of power have created a serious safety concern because they can occur while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. These symptoms have become recurrent and appear to be worsening over time. The vehicle was evaluated by a Jeep dealership. The dealer scanned the vehicle but did not provide a repair for the underlying issue and instead advised us to continue adding coolant as needed. Despite this, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same dangerous symptoms, including the oil pressure warning light and stalling while driving. I am aware that certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles were recalled for oil pump-related defects; however, my vehicle was not included in the recall population. Because my…”
Exterior lighting
64 reports
“The headlights and interior lighting flickers when turned on. The vehicle often will not start, but once hooked up to a jumper pack starts immediately despite the batteries being inspected previously and being okay. The start/stop function doesn't always work, and the engine stalls while driving, causing a massive safety issue.”
Fuel/propulsion system
63 reports1 crash
“On August 25, 2026, my 2018 Jeep Compass equipped with the 2.4L engine became inoperable approximately five months after I purchased it. The vehicle had approximately 68,000 miles. An independent repair shop initially found no fuel pressure and replaced the fuel pump and spark plugs. The vehicle remained mechanically compromised, and testing showed only 99 PSI compression in cylinder 3. The shop recommended engine replacement at an estimated cost of $9,221.49. Jeep confirmed that the vehicle was associated with Customer Satisfaction Notification W20 concerning excessive oil consumption and potential engine stalling, as well as XB1, the 2.4L excessive-oil-consumption warranty extension. Jeep stated that XB1 expired on September 20, 2025. I am concerned that abnormal oil consumption or a related engine defect may have caused progressive internal engine damage and created a stalling or loss-of-power safety risk. I request that NHTSA document and investigate this failure. Jeep customer-care reference number: 97940025.”
Service brakes
61 reports5 crashes
“On around 5 occasions beginning since late 2025 I have been driving and my emergency brake has turned on automatically while driving. Yesterday, while at a stop light the light turned green and my emergency brake turned on which caused traffic to be halted I had to turn my car on and off repeatedly to have my car work. When I turned right at the intersection this happened again. I was able to slowly pull over and once again turn my car off and on. Then it did it again today at the same intersection I was able to slowly pull over and turn my car off and on. I went to the Jeep dealership today and they could not find anything wrong. No codes indicated anything they said I had a small oil leak but that is all they could find.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.