CarModelProblems.com

2012 Jeep Compass Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

Elevated complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 1.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
184Complaints
4Recalls
3Crashes
5Fires
2Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (19.6% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 1.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine36 · 19.6%not available
Fuel/propulsion System34 · 18.5%RecalledRecall 13V120000 · Recall 12V142000
Air Bags28 · 15.2%RecalledRecall 13V233000
Power Train26 · 14.1%not available
Electrical System23 · 12.5%not available
Seat Belts22 · 12%RecalledRecall 16V668000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE36 · 19.6%
AIR BAGS28 · 15.2%
POWER TRAIN26 · 14.1%
Unspecified / other24 · 13%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23 · 12.5%
SEAT BELTS22 · 12%
SUSPENSION10 · 5.4%
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE10 · 5.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10 · 5.4%

Percentages are the share of the 184 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 2016 · reported 09/15/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA campaign 13V120000 · 2013 · reported 04/03/2013

If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

NHTSA campaign 12V142000 · 2012 · reported 04/03/2012

IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window

NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 2013 · reported 06/04/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE VEHICLE JERKS ON ACCELERATION OR LOSES POWER AND THE ENGINE BUCKS AND SPUTTERS WHILE IN MOTION. WHEN ROLLING UP WINDOWS WHILE STATIONARY THE LIGHTS…”NHTSA complaint 11124000 — filed 09/02/2018 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR…”NHTSA complaint 11120422 — filed 08/16/2018 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING MY JEEP IT JUST STALLED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY ROAD WITH NO WARNING AT ALL THE CAR DOESN'T TURN…”NHTSA complaint 11114230 — filed 07/27/2018 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

122012181520149252016492220184325202051020227142024452026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 36 of 184 NHTSA complaints (19.6%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28), power train (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Jeep Compass have?

184 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V668000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Jeep Compass's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.