Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

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.

Combined MPG
25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
82
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Jeep Compass as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

82 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system34
  2. Engine19
  3. Power train9
  4. Steering7
  5. Vehicle speed control6
  6. Service brakes5
  7. Fuel/propulsion system4
  8. Exterior lighting4
  9. Forward collision avoidance4

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
2022226
202349
202455
202530
20265
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
0
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

Electrical system

34 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11764065

Engine

19 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026EngineODI 11774827

Power train

9 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2025Power trainODI 11684207
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
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.

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 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
223025$2,500358
Compass FWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,500350
  • Compass 4WD
    Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Compass FWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    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
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Compass SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.6%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.2%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 15500Vehicle 15469
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

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026