2012 Jeep Compass: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 4 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
184
Complaints
4
Recalls
3
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
2
Injuries
53.3
Severity index
Severity index 53.3 - Medium. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
Among the 129 2012 vehicles we track with at least 40 complaints on file, the 2012 Jeep Compass ranks 80 of 129 by severity, where 1 is the worst. Its severity is higher than 38% of its model-year peers. See the full 2012 ranking.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 36 | 19.6% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 34 | 18.5% |
| AIR BAGS | 28 | 15.2% |
| POWER TRAIN | 26 | 14.1% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 24 | 13.0% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24 | 13.0% |
| SEAT BELTS | 22 | 12.0% |
| STRUCTURE | 12 | 6.5% |
The single most-reported system is ENGINE, cited in 36 of 184 complaints (19.6%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 29 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 (year to date) | 4 |
Complaint volume is declining, consistent with a defect that was addressed by recall or that affected early builds.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16V668000 | 15/09/2016 | SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER | 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 |
| 13V120000 | 03/04/2013 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel |
| 12V142000 | 03/04/2012 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE. |
| 13V233000 | 04/06/2013 | AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 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-t |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.