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2018 Jeep Compass Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

929

Total

28

Crashes

5

Fires

18

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

ENGINE
516
ELECTRICAL
145
OTHER
83
BRAKES
67
LIGHTING
34

Recent Complaints

ODI #11751865

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/21/2026

For at least two months the driver's seat belt buckle intermittently unlatches or won't stay latched in my 2018 Jeep Compass. Because it's a critical safety component, I hope that Jeep may offer a goodwill repair or replacement, especially because the failure is due to a defective buckle.

ODI #11751065

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/16/2026

The Stop/Start function malfunctions frequently. On multiple ocassions, the computer system glitches causing the automatic parking brake to engage, the gear shift to lock, and the vehicle to become stuck. This has happened several times while the car was idling at a stop light, causing traffic safety issues each time. There is no warning light or system notification. Regular mechanics are not able to diagnose or fix these issues because of the computer system, requiring a specialist that is not always accessible. There is no notification when the auxillary battery is dead or dying, the car just won't turn on.

ODI #11748167

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 04/24/2026

The vehicle has stalled in traffic multiple times, it sends emergency messages while operating that the vehicle must pull off of the road or shut down, it is constantly displaying "service stop/ start system" messages and service lights, it sometimes doesn't start after having gotten to a location but will start up without having the vehicle jump started later, it drains the batteries quickly, as well. I was on the highway with my son in the vehicle, not near any exit and in thick traffic, when it told me to pull off the road or it may shut down. On a separate occasion, I had my family in the car, we stopped for an event and the vehicle randomly didn't restart, stranding us until we could reach another ride. Another time I was driving to work and it the engine shut off and when I tried to go it randomly did not go and I had to shut the vehicle down while in traffic, restart the engine and put it back into drive before I could allow traffic to move again. I took it to an authorized Jeep/ Chrysler Dealership for these issues and no recalls were put out for my vehicle, despite these exact issues being a part of a recall of nearly 13,000 Fiat Chrysler vehicles under NHTSA 18V524000 (Chrysler recall U87).

ODI #11747898

ENGINE — Filed 07/02/2026

Engine stalled while driving. Battery is fine as all electrical functions remained operative.

ODI #11747654

ENGINE — Filed 12/31/1969

Engin is burning oil

ODI #11746886

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/14/2026

Dash warning came up “stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon” towed it to Jeep dealer took them over a week to get a diagnosis, they said they had to communicate with Detroit office. The issue is “probably” an alternator

ODI #11742915

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/08/2026

My 2018 Jeep Compass, with approximately 107,000 miles, has developed symptoms consistent with the oil pump/oil pressure defects reported in other recalled Jeep Compass vehicles. The vehicle frequently struggles to start, runs rough with noticeable vibration, and has displayed an oil pressure warning light. In addition, the vehicle frequently stalls or suddenly loses power/slows while driving. The stalling and loss of power have created a serious safety concern because they can occur while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. These symptoms have become recurrent and appear to be worsening over time. The vehicle was evaluated by a Jeep dealership. The dealer scanned the vehicle but did not provide a repair for the underlying issue and instead advised us to continue adding coolant as needed. Despite this, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same dangerous symptoms, including the oil pressure warning light and stalling while driving. I am aware that certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles were recalled for oil pump-related defects; however, my vehicle was not included in the recall population. Because my vehicle is experiencing similar symptoms, I believe additional 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles outside the current VIN range may be affected. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can investigate whether the scope of the recall should be expanded. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

ODI #11741610

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/02/2026

As I was driving my vehicle, it stalled on me and my parking brake engaged. I had to put my vehicle in park, open my door to dis-engage the brake to restart. it has happened twice now, once on Saturday May 30th and June 2nd 2026.

ODI #11741428

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 12/01/2025

Pulled up in my drive way turned car off and when I went to start ut to go to work it just would not start anymore

ODI #11738275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE — Filed 12/15/2025

The headlights and interior lighting flickers when turned on. The vehicle often will not start, but once hooked up to a jumper pack starts immediately despite the batteries being inspected previously and being okay. The start/stop function doesn't always work, and the engine stalls while driving, causing a massive safety issue.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov