Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
286Complaints
1Recalls
9Crashes
2Fires
15Injured
0Deaths
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 (46.9% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Engine complaints here are 4.3× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
134 · 46.9%
Recalled
Recall 16V907000
Electrical System
59 · 20.6%
not available
—
Power Train
43 · 15%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
30 · 10.5%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling
21 · 7.3%
Recalled
Recall 16V907000
Steering
16 · 5.6%
not available
—
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.
Percentages are the share of the 286 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.
If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark 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
“WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY ON HIGHWAY CAR HESITATES LIKE IT WILL STALL OR NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS. HAD COILS REPLACED BUT AFTER AWHILE DID SAME THING…”NHTSA complaint 11277423 — filed 10/31/2019 · ENGINE
“I BOUGHT A 2016 JEEP COMPASS BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER ONLY THREE YEARS (72,500 MILES), THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING…”NHTSA complaint 11271335 — filed 10/27/2019 · ENGINE
“ETC, AIR BAG, TRACKING INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY. HAVE HAD TO GO TO JIFFY LUBE TWICE TO HAVE SENSORS RESET WITH ONE REMAINING. EVENTUALLY…”NHTSA complaint 11268788 — filed 10/15/2019 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Compass?
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 134 of 286 NHTSA complaints (46.9%), followed by electrical system (59), unspecified/other issues (45), power train (43). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2016 Jeep Compass have?
286 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2016 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 16V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 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.
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