Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Jeep Compass VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 28 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2007–2026 cover that year.
VIN prefix3C41C41J81J4
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
Jeep Compass
About the Jeep Compass
Jeep has sold the Compass in the US since the 2007 model year, and there have been two generations. The MK49 came first (2007–2017), and the MP took over for 2017–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 28 vehicle recall campaigns and 3,989 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the MP. Its 2018 and 2019 model years alone account for 1,272 of them, with owners bringing up electrical system most often and engine and cooling after that. EPA rates the MK49 at 21–25 mpg combined, while the MP gets 21–27 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
US model years2007–2026
GenerationsMK49 · MP
NHTSA recall campaigns28
Owner complaints3,989 at NHTSA
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations
Jeep Compass generations
Two generations since the 2007 model year. The MP (2017–2026) has the most owner complaints, the MK49 (2007–2017) the most recall campaigns (17).
NHTSA has 28 campaigns on file for Compass model years 2007–2026, and the 2018 shows up in more of them than any other year (6), ahead of the 2007 (4). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
2018
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Owner reports · NHTSA complaints
What Jeep Compass owners report
Owner summaries + NHTSA data
Between them, the 2018 and 2007 hold 1,378 of the 3,989 complaints, or 35%. Tap any bar or generation.
3,989NHTSA complaints, 2007–2026
157mention a crash
54mention a fire
117injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearMP: 2,073 complaints · most for the 2018 (943)
2007··2010····2015····2020····2025·
Top complaint areas · MP
Mentions in 2,073 complaints, 2017–2026.
Electrical system854
Engine and cooling854
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)298
Forward collision avoidance189
Brakes157
Exterior lighting143
Crashes 83Fires 16Injuries 41
2017–2026 (MP)
NHTSA data summary
The 2018 is the outlier. On its own it has 943 of the MP’s 2,073 complaints (45%), more than any other Compass model year, and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (854 mentions), then engine and cooling (854).
Top complaint areas · MK49
Mentions in 1,916 complaints, 2007–2016.
Engine and cooling441
Suspension301
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)253
Electrical system243
Fuel system219
Air bags214
Crashes 74Fires 38Injuries 76
2007–2017 (MK49)
NHTSA data summary
Of all Compass complaints, 48% are for the MK49. Complaints peak with the 2007, its first model year, at 435 of 1,916. Owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (441 mentions), then suspension (301).
What Compass owners report across recent generations
Owner summary
2017–present (2nd generation, MP)
The 2018 draws the most complaints. NHTSA owners most often describe the engine stalling while driving or in traffic, along with screen and battery faults and oil consumption, and on the 2019 coolant loss is a common theme. CarComplaints ranks shutting down while driving first for 2018, followed by the electric parking brake engaging while driving and a Uconnect receiver that stopped working. Recalls cover 2018 models with front lower control arms that may be incorrectly welded and 2.4-liter engines whose oil pump housing may crack. [1][2][3]
2007–2017 (1st generation, MK)
On the 2007, suspension leads NHTSA complaints, with owners describing ball joint and control arm failures and rust on the frame. CarComplaints ranks control arm or bushing failure first for 2007, followed by TIPM failure and a rusted-out subframe and spring. On the 2014, air bag and seat belt reports are common. Recalls cover an occupant restraint module on 2010–2014 models that may short and keep the air bags from deploying, and balance shaft bearing debris on 2014 models with the 2.4-liter engine that can cause a loss of oil pressure. [4][5][6]
✓
What to check before buying
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the restraint module and balance shaft recalls on first-generation models and the control arm and oil pump recalls on 2018 models.
Look under older models for rust on the subframe and worn control arm bushings.
On the drive, watch for stalls, parking brake warnings and screen faults, and ask for records of oil consumption or coolant loss.
Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.
Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.
Owner opinions · Reddit
What Jeep Compass owners say on Reddit
Summarized from public threads
Compass owners on Reddit are sharply divided. Owners of the 2017 to 2021 cars with the 2.4 engine describe oil consumption, misfires, stalling and even full engine replacements, and the 2018 model year comes up most often. The start-stop system and its auxiliary battery are a constant gripe, along with electrical faults. On the other side, a number of owners report well over 100,000 miles with only routine care, and Trailhawk drivers like its snow and light trail ability. Some note newer turbo models may change the picture.
Pros
Some owners report over 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance
Trailhawk praised for snow and light off-road use
Comfortable ride that many enjoy on test drives
Cons
2.4 engine linked to oil consumption, misfires and engine replacements
Start-stop and auxiliary battery problems that recur
EPA lists 95 Compass versions for model years 2007–2026. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 330 g/mi (2025). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
MK492007–2016
21–25 mpg · CO₂ 347–423 g/mi
MP2017–2026
21–27 mpg · CO₂ 330–417 g/mi
2025
27combined MPG
330CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$2,500EPA yearly fuel cost
6/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
5/10Greenhouse gas rating
California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2025: Compass 4WD · Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo — 27 MPG · 330 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
Gas
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Compare rivals
Compass vs Ford Escape vs Honda CR-V
NHTSA + EPA data
Take 2017–2026. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns for the Compass, against 53 for the Ford Escape and 27 for the Honda CR-V. Pick a range to compare.
NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.
Jeep Compass VIN number location
Where to find the VIN on a Compass
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
Two locations cover the Compass VIN: the dashboard plate at the lower driver's side windshield and the door jamb sticker. A B-pillar label between the front and rear doors supplements these on most configurations. The MP generation starts with the 2017 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (H for 2017) shows which side of that line a car falls on.
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ
Common Jeep Compass VIN questions
Which Jeep Compass model years have the most owner complaints?
The 2018 leads with 943, ahead of the 2007 (435) and 2019 (329). Those first two alone make up 35% of the 3,989 Compass complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.
How many recalls has the Jeep Compass had?
NHTSA’s recall records show 28 vehicle campaigns for model years 2007–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, MK49 leads with 17. Then come the MP (15), and a campaign can span two generations.
Which Jeep Compass recalls are high risk?
17V-732 covers an air bag inflator module and how it deploys. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 12V-142, 15V-878 and 17V-824. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.
Which Compass generation am I looking at?
By US model year, the MK49 is 2007–2017 and the MP 2017–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (H is 2017).
What fuel economy does the Jeep Compass get?
It varies. EPA rates the 2017–2026 MP at 21–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 21–25 mpg for the 2007–2017 MK49 (fueleconomy.gov).
How does the Jeep Compass compare with the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V on recalls?
For 2017–2026 models the Compass has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Ford Escape has 53, the Honda CR-V 27. Complaints run 2,073, 8,099 and 7,766 in that order, with no sales adjustment.
What crash rating does the Jeep Compass have?
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Compass 4 stars overall. One version, AWD, is rated.
