The 2018 Jeep Compass is a small SUV with rugged looks that comes with some problems. This entry to the Jeep brand has been recalled six times and has a subpar reliability record, though crash-test results have been fairly good.
Key Points
- The 2018 Jeep Compass has six recalls, and five of them are for dangerous problems that could lead to engine failure or loss of vehicle control.
- Just as concerning are the nearly 550 owner complaints, which often center around excessive oil consumption that can lead to the engine stalling.
- Complaints lodged with the NHTSA also mention electrical issues that could lead to the engine failing to start.
- Reportedly, the stop/start system can occasionally fail to restart until the transmission in put in park.
- While not the lowest in its class, the 2018 Jeep Compass does have fewer recalls and registered complaints than many rivals.
2018 Jeep Compass Was Recalled Six Times, Including Over Reduced Braking Performance and Loose Airbag Hardware That Can Become a Projectile Upon Deployment
A total of six recalls have been issued for the 2018 Jeep Compass, and most of them are for particularly dangerous potential problems that could lead to engine stall or loss of vehicle control. The least serious recall is over an issue with the instrument cluster display being too bright.
The most concerning safety recall covers passenger-side airbags that may have loose metal mounting hardware that could become a projectile during airbag deployment.
Certain 2018 Compass SUVs may have rear brake caliper pistons with insufficient coating that causes gas pockets to form, potentially reducing braking performance.
Additionally, Jeep alerted owners of 2018 Compass models that may have a major component of the front suspension incorrectly welded, which could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Another serious recall affects certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles with the 2.4L engine, which may have a cracked oil pump that can result in failure. If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Compass Owners Complain About Engine Stall, Heavy Oil Consumption, and Finicky Start/Stop System That May Fail to Restart
Owners of the 2018 Jeep Compass have registered nearly 550 complaints with the NHTSA. That’s a lot more than rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek (137 complaints) and Honda HR-V (42 complaints).
The vast majority of complaints center around the engine and powertrain, including issues with excessive oil consumption that can lead to engine stall.
Even drivers who say they change the oil regularly note that the SUV can still run low on oil with little warning.
“Excessive oil consumption lead to multiple incidents of stalling while driving,” says one 2018 Jeep Compass owner. “Vehicle had trouble restarting in the middle of the road. Almost got hit several times by other motorists.”
Owner complaints also note that the stop/start system, which is designed to turn the engine off at idle to save on fuel, can occasionally fail to restart the vehicle. The driver must manually put the transmission in “park” and re-cycle the ignition switch to restart the Jeep.
Real Owners in Jeep Enthusiast Forums and on Vehicle History Sound Off About Malfunctioning Headlights, Slow Pick Up, and Vehicles Failing to Shut Off
Many 2018 Jeep Compass owners are sounding off in fan forums, addressing previously mentioned common problems with engine stalls and heavy oil consumption. One owner in a thread on My Jeep Compass includes a unique issue with his vehicle’s circuitry.
“The headlights, taillights, and interior lights began to sort of pulsate–randomly dimming and brightening,” he says. “It is not a fast pulsation, very slow, but absolutely noticeable.”
Another My Jeep Compass user mentioned having a problem where their 2018 Jeep Compass Limited would not turn off. “It would not turn off even though we tried several times pressing the start/stop button,” says the owner. “After about a half-hour. the car shut off on its own.”
In Vehicle History‘s owner reviews, the 2018 Jeep Compass is rated at 4.4 out of five stars. But there are many complaints from owners that echo the problems with random stalling, excessive oil consumption, and electrical glitches.
“It is a small SUV with a slow pick up when mashing on the gas,” says one owner. “Plus, it had electrical problems and the tire pressure light always comes on.”
Another owner adds, “The electronics have started to get all funky after two years, like the backup camera sometimes doesn’t function properly.”
2018 Compass Has a Mixed Safety Record, Scoring Average with the NHTSA, but Landing a Top Safety Pick with the IIHS
The Insurance Institue for Highway Safety gives the 2018 Compass high marks, labeling it a Top Safety Pick thanks to “Good” ratings in most of its tests.
However, many 2018 Jeep Compass owners who are sounding off in NHTSA complaints and in Jeep enthusiast forums mention common problems with engine stalls, excessive oil consumption, and random issues like the vehicle failing to shut off.
The model year’s six recalls also mostly cover dangerous potential problems with engines stalling and loss of vehicle control. So, this is one Jeep that should be carefully considered before deciding to add it to your driveway.
Photos: Stellantis
