Problems · by component

2018 Jeep Compass steering problems

28 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Compass cite steering, 3% of all 947 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
28
3% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Randomly high temperature warning light comes on dash which causes car to immediately shut off. After a complete stop you are able to restart car. All obvious cooling components fine. This happens often and random putting occupants in serious danger of collision. Has happened on highway and in middle of intersection making a turn. This false warning causing car shutdown happens 5-8 times a month.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 19, 2025Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11700410
“ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A OVER TWO WEEKS THEY SAID CAR WAS FIX TWO MONTHS AFTER THAT CAR DID IT AGAIN WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM THEY CHANGE SOME WIRING, BATTERIES AND THE RADIO AND THEY SAID ITS FIX BUT NO. THE CAR KEEP DOING THE SAME THING, OVER AND OVER NO I DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR SPECIALLY IN THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE WHEN IT SHUTS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER AND IS NOT SAFE AT ALL.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2024Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11593449
“Since taking over ownership in 2020 of a 2018 SUV that currently has only 61,000 miles I've had electrical issues with the auto start/stop warning light coming on/off intermittently. I was told by that make and model dealership that that happens for several reasons and was of no large concern. I've had the 1 electrical recall 'reprogrammed', but then my car wouldn't start on Thanksgiving. Replaced the main battery then took it back to dealership, $180 later was told the steering gear rack needs replacing. I've heard a clunking sound in the steering for about 2-3 weeks. How with so few miles is that possible? After replacing battery they also said all old codes should've cleared from system and hadn't so they cleared them. I've also noted multiple times that the coolant seems to run on the low side periodically. I've already had warranty replace the washer fluid resevoir next to a hot engine component in 2021. The engine does not appear to cool as it should to me and the placement of hoses and electrical is so tight together this has me wondering if it affects the electronic controls to EVERYTHING. Had I not noticed the steering issue myself, no error or warning…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 4, 2022Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11495980
“I was sitting at a stop light when the start/stop system fault warning indicator light came on. My vehicle cut off unbeknownst to me. Was unable to drive once the light changed. I had to activate my hazard lights so I could try to restart my vehicle. During the first try the vehicle did not restart it just stalled, however, it restarted during the second try. The start/stop system warning indicator light did not cut off and the light stayed illuminated. at . This was very scary and unsafe because I was at a traffic light at the bottom of an hill and it was raining which could been a high risk for an accident. I immediately called the dealership and scheduled an appointment for service.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2022Steering, Unknown or otherODI 11487890
“This situation started back in April 2022. The steering wheel, ABS, Slip Hill, and other electrical lights came on. April 30th I took my Jeep Compass into the dealership where they said the front right sensor was the cause. The part came-in/installed on May 13,2022. Two months later the same thing is happening. The ABS, Steering wheel, Slip Hill, Check engine lights are all coming back on. I was driving when the Jeep stalled out and I got it to a nearby gas station where it took roughly 5mins to get it started again! While driving the Jeep home I noticed it started to smoke, so it has to be towed! The only appoint I can get is a month out! How am I to get around if I have to wait on service, Jeep do something about this issue that has been happening to many of us that Love our Jeeps!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2022Steering, Electrical systemODI 11475917
“The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude. The contacts daughter stated while driving approximately 20 mph when the vehicle pulled to the right without warning, which resulted in hitting a parked vehicle. The air bags were deployed minus the rear driver-side air bag. The contacts daughter sustained some bruising on her legs, chest, and hands but did not seek medical treatment and a police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 23, 2021SteeringCrash reportedODI 11444851

Showing 6 of 28 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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