2021 Jeep CompassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 82 owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Compass. Most complaints involve electrical system (34) and engine (19). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system34
- Engine19
- Power train9
- Steering7
- Vehicle speed control6
- Service brakes5
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Exterior lighting4
- Forward collision avoidance4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Compass model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 434 |
| 2008 | 172 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 81 |
| 2011 | 188 |
| 2012 | 184 |
| 2013 | 80 |
| 2014 | 308 |
| 2015 | 113 |
| 2016 | 294 |
| 2017 | 229 |
| 2018 | 950 |
| 2019 | 333 |
| 2020 | 143 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2022 | 226 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 5 |
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Electrical system
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle drove in LIMP Mode to the dealer. The "D" on the instrument panel was flashing during failure, and there was an electrical odor inside the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was unable to reproduce failure but serviced the auxiliary battery and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.”
Engine
“On October 30, 2026, my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited, with approximately 67,000 miles, unexpectedly became inoperable despite operating normally the previous day. When attempting to start the vehicle, the dashboard displayed a “Coolant Temperature High” warning accompanied by a flashing check-engine light. The engine made clicking noises but failed to start, while the radio and other electrical components remained functional. The temperature gauge remained at its lowest reading, and there were no visible signs of overheating, smoke, or unusual odors. The battery and alternator were tested and found to be functioning properly, and diagnostic trouble code U0402 was identified. I am concerned because NHTSA previously investigated similar coolant temperature warnings, engine shutdowns, and failure-to-restart incidents involving 2019–2020 Jeep Compass vehicles under investigation PE22-013. Although my vehicle is a 2021 model, it is exhibiting similar symptoms, raising concerns about a potential recurring safety-related defect. An unexpected loss of engine power while driving could create a serious collision risk. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the 2021…”
Power train
“Every single time I seen the climb McDonald pass in Helena, Montana the car freaks out says service transmission now no matter if I do it at 55 miles an hour or 75 miles an hour, which is about as fast as it’ll go up the pass, it goes in the limp mode, shuts off the fuel pump says service transmission now every single light on the dash that could come on comes on. I don’t know what’s going on with it. I’ve taken it to the dealership. They can’t seem to figure it out.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 9-spd · Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 358 |
| Compass FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,500 | 350 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 20.6%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 20.2%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
2021 Compass questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Compass have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Compass problems?
Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (34), engine (19), power train (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Jeep Compass get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Jeep Compass at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2021 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Jeep Compass 4 out of 5 stars overall.