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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine475
  2. Electrical system379
  3. Power train151
  4. Exterior lighting64
  5. Fuel/propulsion system63
  6. Service brakes61
  7. Forward collision avoidance38
  8. Vehicle speed control33
  9. Steering28
  10. Suspension26
  11. Electronic stability control (esc)25
  12. Air bags22
  13. Visibility/wiper17
  14. 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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201725
201874
2019185
2020137
202198
2022116
2023119
202482
202561
202650

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.

03 —Owner reports

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11771754

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Electrical systemODI 11771736

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 9, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11742915

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 16, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, EngineODI 11738275

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11760368

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 28, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11734295
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.