2011 Jeep Compass

Routine

Owners filed 187 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

131 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train28
000
Engine23
000
Suspension18
100
Structure › Body16
100
Air Bags16
302
Unknown or Other15
000
Electrical System13
010
Steering9
100
Electronic Stability Control (esc)7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System6
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts › Pretensioner16V668000
Filed Sep 15, 20161,435,625 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Electrical System › Software13V233000
Filed Jun 4, 2013254,396 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Steering › Column11V315000
Filed Jun 8, 201111,096 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Risk. A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Feb 7, 2026FL

[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] 2/7/26 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing, critical safety issues with my vehicle, which have been increasingly dangerous while driving. These issues appear to be interconnected and involve multiple components, including the valve body, transmission, TCM, ABS module, ECM, and throttle body. These problems have posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of others on the road. On several occasions, while driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), the traction control and ABS warning lights have illuminated, and the vehicle has suddenly lost acceleration. This malfunction seems to cause the car to change gears unexpectedly or, in some instances, stop accelerating altogether. As a result, I have been forced to pull over to the side of the road in order to perform a YouTube-suggested reset just to get my vehicle back in motion. This situation has nearly led to accidents, as I have found myself stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, or worse, pulling into traffic where the car fails to accelerate, almost causing collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, during colder weather, I have experienced issues with the throttle, where it becomes erratic and unresponsive. Despite having multiple repairs made, the problem persists, and I have observed that the throttle may either rev unexpectedly or fail to shift at all. While I understand that some repairs have been made, I am deeply concerne

Seats
Filed Aug 25, 2025FL

The vehicle pulls when I’m driving it and the transmission over heats if I go over 80 and turns off.

Structure
Filed Aug 7, 202598,500 milesOH

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and was difficult the steer. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front subframe had failed due to severe corrosion, causing damage to the engine bay, and causing the engine and transmission to lower. The subframe and front lower control arms were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently, while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 98,500.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 29, 2025MI

The vehicle shuts off while driving at any speed. Steering locks and will not allow driver to pull over to safety.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 26, 2024FL

Speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall F 50 for the same issue.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 14, 202464,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refueling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2024IL

Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the front end was approaching a catastrophic failure. I contacted Jeep and was told that a special 10 year extended warranty had expired in 2022. The dealer offered no help in covering the cost either. I was never informed about the extended warranty, or I would have had the car checked. The thing that really makes me mad is the rust thru occurred on only one side because the A/C drain was routed so it dripped condensation onto the frame on that side. I have the subframe and have included pictures.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 11, 2024PR

CUANDO ESTOY CON EL VEHICULO EN MARCHA SUBEN LAS REVOLUCIONES DEL VEHICULO ESTE DIMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD CORRIENDO, LO CUAL PODRIA OCACIONAR UN ACCIDENTE

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 6, 2024CT

The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.

Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2023MA

2011 Jeep Compass with 62,000 miles on it the subframes rod about the wheel almost fell off the arm that holds the wheel fell off the rear frame and that could have caused the real big accident accident would have lost control of the vehicle and they told and dealership told me that the warranty expired 2 years ago it was a 10-year extension on it so they did not do it it's because they used cheap metal and they know they did but they will not fix it I just fixed the rear subframe and all parts going to it and all bolts cost me 1500 dollars I do not think that's fair I hope you look into it because they are robbing people thank you I hope you can do something about it and I can get reimbursed and have my front one fixed too because that is rotted out too I just don't have the money to do both

Steering
Filed Sep 3, 2023MA

Front wheel assembly with broken connection to frame which was caused by a rusted out frame that mechanic said make vehicle extremly dangerous to drive. Front Wheels buckled outward. Can't drive car any more.

Suspension
Filed Aug 17, 2023MA

Please require Jeep/Stallantis to initiate a recall for all 2008-2012 Jeep Compass' impacted by excessive corrosion to the subframe and front/rear cross members due to an inadequately designed AC drain located right above the vehicle subframe. Condensation from the AC drain drips directly onto critical frame structures. Therefore, excessive and premature rusting to the front & top sides of the subframe occurs because the subframe is constantly wet with the operation of the AC, as well as during the winter months while dehumidifying the air. Of course, road salt throughout the winter in the “salt” states further exacerbates the problem. Extensive rust to the subframes have deemed the vehicles unsafe to drive despite being in otherwise good condition w/ reasonable miles. No safety/dashboard lights, warnings, or operational concerns were present indicating potential safety concerns until the driver either experienced a dangerous driving situation or failed a vehicle inspection. Jeep has known about the significant safety implications, yet failed to effectively remediate critical safety concerns. Although Jeep extended a Front and Rear Crossmember Warranty (X69 Warranty), they neglected to properly notify vehicle owners of the extension. They did not make any type of public announcement to inform or warn drivers of the critical safety issues, did not notify owners of access to free yearly inspections to monitor the subframe. Owners using independent mechanics rather than OEM Jeep

Seats
Filed Aug 15, 2023TX

Headrest clips broke and popped out

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 28, 2023OH

Was told that the sub frame is bad. After looking into it, it seems to be a known issue with the jeep compass.

Suspension
Filed Jun 1, 2023PA

Was told by service center that car was not safe to drive

Suspension
Filed May 18, 2023KY

Front subframe rusted out due to salt corrosion and as Kentucky is not listed as a Salt belt state the recall notice went unsent and the consumer was not advised nor were service locations.

Suspension
Filed May 15, 2023PA

While running errands, a woman pointed out to me that i had dropped the rear passenger side control arm. she was very concerned about me driving it. i assured her i understood. and that with a mile to drive, i would use flashers and drive slowly. the following day my Compass was brought to my mechanic. i received a phone call i never expected! the rear crossmember was rusted out, and the subframe. above that, there was nothing to bolt to! the car was scrap- and, yes, it is available for inspection. this absolutely is a safety issue. the steering became unpredictable, harder to control. i could have lost a wheel, caused an accident that could have been fatal! the disabled car should not be on the road. i did visit the dealership local to me. i carried with me a TSB dated March 2017 about this very issue. i was told my car was "old" and did i get it serviced there? unfortunately, no, i bought it used 2 years ago. there had been a 10 year warranty extension and now my car was out of warranty? i had no notification. and, even so, why would Jeep deliberately ignore all the complaints on THEIR forums? three people at that dealership knew of this problem and said there was nothing they could do. my car is a 2011, i am a risk-free driver, no accident history. the car itself is clean. there is 40,000 miles on it. the previous owner was meticulous with service calls, getting recalls fixed, oil changes etc. the car was solid when i bought it. i did not abuse, misuse, or neglect my Compa

Suspension
Filed Apr 8, 2023WI

The suspension has completed rusted through. My mechanic can stick his arm all of the way through. There was a recall on other VINs but not mine so far. There needs to be one since I wasn't told about this safety problem until my mechanic went to replace other parts. I was never told this through any means. Jeep needs to do better. I am now out of a car and will have to pay thousands just to get the parts fixed.

Suspension
Filed Mar 14, 2023IL

In 2019 my 2011 jeep compass front subframe rusted really bad which cause corrosions. I called Chrysler and advise if there was a recall on this and they told me no. I paid for the repair to get it fix, fast forward to today I took my car in for an oil change and was informed the rear subframe has now rotted and is also causing corrosion. I called Jeep and was advise the recall expired in 2021 and there is nothing they can do. Please be mindful that I was told that there was no recall on this back in 2019 when I called. It is very unsafe for me to drive with my 4 year old in the car knowing that my subframe is severely rotted which is causing corrosions. jeep was not willing to help with this recall and I think it’s insane due to it being a safety issue

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 24, 2022WA

We had our Jeep at the local mechanic for a pre winter check up. He found the rear crossmember broken and the front crossmember had holes in it due to corrosion. The vehicle has 211,000 km on it and we’ve owned since new with zero collisions or even a fender bender. Jeep had an extended warranty on these pcs but has denied our claim as 10 years have passed. In my mind this is a safety issue as the wheel assembly could physically break free causing loss of control of the vehicle. These are parts related to the structural integrity of the vehicle and not a normal wear and tear item. This vehicle has been serviced by our local journeyman mechanic licensed in Alberta. It was at our local dealership on September 15/2017 for a recall but there is no record of inspection of these crossmembers. Jeep service bulletin dated march 10/2017 states that the affected vehicles should have these parts inspected and replaced if necessary..also to add, we never received any correspondence from Jeep asking to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The vehicle has been parked for several days now as both our mechanic and myself believe it’s not safe to be on the road. I’ve gotten nowhere with the district warrant manager or their customer care line staff. I’m reaching out as I believe this is a serious issue and should be a safety recall rather than a service bulletin.

20 of 187 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2018
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20264100Routine
202526010Routine
202452010Routine
202345200Routine
2022222400Above average
202180020Routine
2020139120Routine
2019329220Above average
2018941650Above average
2017228430Above average
2016293120Above average
2015113120Routine
2014306270Above average
201380150Routine
2012184451Fatalities reported
2011 — this page187320Routine
201071230Routine
200944100Routine
200893000Routine
2007259360Above average

Compare every Compass year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 15, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.