Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Compass, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine36
- Fuel/propulsion system34
- Air bags28
- Power train26
- Electrical system24
- Unknown or other24
- Seat belts22
- Structure12
- Suspension10
- Vehicle speed control10
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 2 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 23 2012 Compass vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 10 people died inside them, and 5 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Jeep Compass failed the safety check 3.06% of the time — 21% more often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 109,353 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2012
6,170 new Jeep Compass cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were Germany (1,391), the United Kingdom (1,042), France (978).
- Average mass
- 1,634 kg
- Average power
- 109 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 75% · Petrol 25%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 Jeep Compass cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (115 kW, 154 hp) and 2.4 petrol (125 kW, 168 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 115 kW 154 hp | 142 |
| 2.4 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 108 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
256 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 12% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €32,568.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde126
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt102
- Band onvoldoende profiel79
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling65
- Stofhoes fuseekogel beschadigd en dicht niet af53
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm49
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld47
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm47
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
612 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 108 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 756 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 62% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 19.3% | 12.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 14.7% | 14.3% |
| Brakes | 8.9% | 7.7% |
| Tyres | 6.0% | 7.0% |
| Visibility | 5.4% | 5.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.6% | 3.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
39 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 182,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
98 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 27% arrived as used imports, 72% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; not yet fully rated. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Compass SUV 2WD | — | 18.5 % |
| 2012 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | — | 16.4 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- —
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 9.4–10.0 L/100 km (about 24–25 mpg US), CO₂ 216–230 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compass · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 8.1 | 9.4 |
| Compass · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.3 | 8.3 | 9.4 |
| Compass · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.3 | 8.7 | 9.6 |
| Compass · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 11.0 | 8.8 | 10.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
4 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass.
| 2016448 14 Sept 2016 | Airbag On certain vehicles in certain types of crashes, airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment capability may be lost due to a short in the front impact sensor wi… |
| 2013195 7 Jun 2013 | Airbag On certain vehicles, due to a software error in the occupant restraint control (ORC) module, side curtain airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment could be d… |
| 2013103 5 Apr 2013 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, fuel transfer from the secondary to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, possibly resulting in engine stalling and loss of… |
| 2012116 3 Apr 2012 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the fuel tank roll-over valve may have been damaged during vehicle assembly. This could allow fuel leakage in a roll-over crash. Fuel lea… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Jeep told its dealers about the 2012 Jeep Compass: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248517 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244356 | LIFTER, Hydraulic Roller Deactivating Please do not replace MDS lifters because the disconnecting pin is not lined up, this is normal and not a defect. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10236933 | wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK |
| 10231753 | Emissions recal U67 Catalytic Converter Efficiency |
| 10230438 | Some of the above-involved vehicles may exceed NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) emission level standards due to loss of catalytic converter efficiency |
| 10230180 | Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle. |
| 10229998 | KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button requires a double (2x) button press versus the original single (1x) button press to cancel the remote start function and turn the vehicle off. |
| 10229936 | RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements |
| 10229935 | RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements |
| 10229919 | Low Frequency Moan Noise Heard During First Brake Apply This bulletin involves installing an anti-vibration bracket to the rear brake caliper. A low frequency moan noise is heard during the first brake apply when in reverse, while the vehicle is cold or has been parked for several hours.An audio sound file of the moan noise can be found in DealerCONNECT> TechCONNECT under: Service Info> 05 - Brakes> 05 - Brakes, Base> Diagnosis and Testing.If the low frequency moan noise can be verified, the addition of the anti-vibration bracket may correct the condition. |
| 10229871 | Dielectric Grease This product is no longer approved for use on ignition coil and spark plug boots. Current plug boot material(silicone) is not compatible with this grease and can cause deterioration over time. |
| 10229825 | RHW RHP Radio Software Enhancements |
| 10229572 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10228020 | Customer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module |
| 10227983 | If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. |
| 10226273 | Flash: Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: **U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (TIPM).** P219A - Air-Fuel Ratio Cylinder Imbalance Bank 1. **The following software enhancements are also available: Cruise control enhancements. Engine is hard to start at temperatures -29 |
| 10225424 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10225287 | Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components. |
| 10224861 | Low Frequency Moan Heard During First Brake Apply This bulletin involves installing an anti-vibration bracket to the rear brake caliper. A low frequency moan is heard during the first brake apply when in reverse while the vehicle is cold or has been parked for several hours. An audio sound file of the moan can be found in DealerCONNECT> TechCONNECT under: Service Info> 05 - Brakes> 05 - Brakes, Base> Diagnosis and Testing. If the low frequency moan can be verified, the addition of the anti-vibration bracket may correct the condition. |
| 10224076 | Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X86 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset. |
| 10224065 | Warranty Bulletin D-20-18 (X86) Active Head Restraint - Select 2012-2017 Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot (MK) and 2012 Dodge Caliber (PM) (Rev. A) |
| 10224059 | Warranty Bulletin D-20-18 (X86) Active Head Restraint - Select 2010-2017 Jeep Compass (MK) and 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber (PM) |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation