2012 Jeep Compass Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

36Engine complaints

19.6%Of all 184 complaints

#1Most-reported category

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

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE36 · 19.6%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34 · 18.5%

AIR BAGS28 · 15.2%

POWER TRAIN26 · 14.1%

Unspecified / other24 · 13%

Share of the 184 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2012 Jeep Compass overview page.

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

“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

“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

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2012 Jeep Compass: 36 of 184 complaints on file (19.6%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2012 Jeep Compass have in total?

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

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

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.