The 2014 Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV that became a popular choice in its class, but not without some issues, especially regarding safety and reliability. Common problems include non-deploying airbags, seat belts not latching, and various engine and transmission issues.
Key Points
- The 2014 Jeep Compass has been recalled two times, including a major recall to address airbags and seat belt pretensioners that may not deploy in a crash.
- Owners have made nearly 270 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with airbags being the leading cause of complaints.
- One open investigation by the NHTSA covers the degradation of airbag inflator propellant that can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment.
- Some drivers have noted engine and transmission problems that result in the vehicle stalling, jerking, or hesitating.
- Jeep’s 2014 Compass has a mediocre overall crash-test record with the NHTSA but received a “Good” overall crashworthiness rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
2014 Jeep Compass’ Malfunctioning Airbags and Flawed Powertrain Top the List of Consumer Complaints Reported to the NHTSA
The 2014 Jeep Compass has nearly 270 complaints, two recalls, and an open investigation with the NHTSA. The two recalls are related to unreliable airbags and seatbelts pretensioners that may not activate in a crash. The one open investigation is due to a desiccated airbag inflator rupture.
Airbag complaints include airbags not deploying in a crash, the airbag light staying constantly illuminated, and the active headrests popping out for no reason. These complaints prompted a recall over disabled seat belt pretensioners and airbags.
An open investigation covering Takata airbag components reveals that high temperature and humidity can lead to the airbag inflator rupturing during deployment and possibly strike occupants with metal shards.
Almost 60 seatbelt complaints at the NHTSA point to the seat belts not latching or retracting during a crash or heavy braking because the defective pretensioners mentioned above prompted a recall.
The Compass’ Engine and Transmission Problems With Shuddering and Stalling Have Been Well Documented Over the Years
Several 2014 Jeep Compass owners have complained about engine and transmission problems, such as jerking, shuddering back and forth, and the engine stalling without warning.
One major problem that led to a recall is the loss of oil pressure. Several 2014 models from the Chrysler group equipped with 2.4L engines were recalled due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings. As a result, these engines may lose engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
In addition to complaints filed with the NHTSA about its faulty engine and transmission, several forums outline problems 2014 Compass drivers have experienced.
“I have owned this Jeep Compass since July 2014, and four times it has lost power and stopped functioning as I was driving between 55 and 65 miles per hour on a very busy five-lane highway,” said one 2014 Compass owner on a Car Problem Zoo.
A driver posted on Car Complaints: “I bought this car in August 2014. In the first month, I had two accidents for jerking and stalls. The car stayed two months in car repair and still driving really crazy.”
Reported Problems and Mixed Crashworthiness Ratings Make the 2014 Compass a Less Compelling Option in Terms of Safety
With all the described issues of airbags and faulty seat belt restraints, the Compass isn’t as attractive as other models regarding safety.
The NHTSA rates the 2014 Jeep Compass with underwhelming crash ratings along with all the problems reported by owner complaints.
For instance, the Compass’s overall front, front driver, and front passenger-side crash tests each got a rating of three out of five stars.
On the other hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety granted a “Good” crashworthiness rating to the 2014 Jeep Compass.
Other 2014 models in the compact SUV segment, such as the Honda CR-V and Chevy Equinox perform better in the safety department.
2014 Jeep Compass is Not a Terrible Vehicle but Falls Short in Safety Compared to the Competition
Although Jeep had improved the performance and some issues of the first-generation Compass had when it debuted in 2007, safety concerns and common reliability problems make the 2014 model year of this SUV fall short of the competition.
Other models offer comparable performance and features to the Compass but with better safety ratings and technology, making them better for families looking for a safe, more dependable commuter.
Photos: Stellantis
