The 2017 Jeep Compass lasts around 150,000 miles with some serious engine and starter issues reported. At $11,850 to $17,500, it’s cheap, but not worth the money when you’ll spend thousands to keep it running as it ages.
Is the 2017 Jeep Compass a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2017 is a bad year for the Jeep Compass, which is an overall mediocre SUV with mechanical problems. Owner reviews complain about engine problems, trouble starting, along with poor performance in the snow.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are decent for an SUV in its price range, the seats are not very comfortable, cargo space is good for its size.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are a lot of engine and electrical problems reported on the 2017 Compass. Avoid models from 2014–2018, while 2019–2022 offer some improvements.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the relatively weak four-cylinder engine, making it one of the slower compact SUVs on the market.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2017 Compass is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while steering assist along with forward collision warning are available as optional upgrades.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 27 MPG, giving 365 miles of range from the 13.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $32 higher than average, at $241 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2017 Jeep Compass is cheaper than many competitors, but expensive ownership costs paired with rapid depreciation make it a bad value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Compass?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Jeep Compass comes up short compared to other small SUVs on the market, with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Compass at 3.3/5, enjoying the decent off-road capabilities, but doesn’t like the rough suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Compass a 3.5/5 praising the roomy cabin for a small SUV, but owners don’t like the weak engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Jeep Compass Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Jeep Compass include the vehicle stalling while driving, the engine not starting, along with fuel spilling out while filling. Overall, these problems are much worse than other small SUVs on the market, leading to more expensive ownership costs as the Compass ages.
The vehicle stalling while driving is the most widespread complaint from 2017 Compass owners at around 40,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons the engine may stall, but the most common source is from low oil pressure. Usually it indicates a problem with either the oil levels, or the head of the engine. If your oil is full, then you may need to rebuild the upper half of the engine, costing over $2,000.
The engine not starting has also been reported by some 2017 Compass owners at around 30,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a starter motor failure which prevents the engine from turning over. Replacing the starter costs around $550, depending on local labor rates.
Fuel spilling out while filling up is another problem mentioned by 2017 Compass owners in the first 45,000 miles. The charcoal canister is known to get clogged, which leads to the tank being overfilled, and leaking out the filler tub. Replacing the canister costs around $200, and usually fixes the problem if there’s no other damage to the fuel filling tube.
There are four recalls on the 2017 Jeep Compass, which is similar to some other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers the half shaft, which may disengage, leading to the vehicle rolling away. Jeep will replace the engagement on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the fire extinguisher along with the instrument brightness gauge not working.
How Long Will the 2017 Jeep Compass Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Jeep Compass may last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as some competitors, like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly more expensive than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $429 per year.
As a used 2017 Jeep Compass reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the transmission mounts for $180, A/C refrigerant lines costing $750, along with the catalytic converter which costs $1,500.
The only problem I have experienced is the transmission will sometimes slip. I had a previous jeep compass that also had the same issue.
Does not have any problems. Runs great. Gas is good. I do not use it for sport so. Not much space in the trunk so we pack very lightly when we go on trips.
This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned in my life. It shifts into four wheel drive easy peasy when I needed. It is easy to work on even for me. I have had no problems as of this date and even if I do encounter any I will fix them and keep on rolling.
It is very reliable. Enjoy having the vehicle. What I do not enjoy so much is the mpg. But it's ok I deal with it.
As indicated, the engine consumes oil at the rate of a quart every week or so, and this is a problem with all of the vehicles of this make and model, not just mine.
Not any that I have been able to find. All the features have worked properly, no issues with the engine or transmission, even all the small stuff like the brakes and starter are all still going strong. It drives great in the rain, snow, and ice. It did scare me the first time I stopped at a red light and it shut off, because at the time I had never had a newer vehicle with the gas saving feature, but I like that there is an easily accessible button I can push to shut off that feature when I drive.
I have never had any problems with it. It’s always been reliable. As long as routine maintenance is done it runs great. The only thing that I don't like is that it doesn't have automatic running lights when you start the car. You have to turn them on manually.
My vehicle is very reliable. I have not had any major problems with it. I had a flat tire and was able to use the manual and change it myself to drive to an auto shop and get it repaired safely.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay for a small SUV, offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic with a rearview camera.
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
- Steering assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Brake assist
- Hill-descent control
Is the 2017 Jeep Compass a Good Value?
No, the 2017 Jeep Compass is not a good value since it has a lot of mechanical problems compared to other small SUVs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $11,850 to $17,500, making it less than a Subaru Crosstrek or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $19,940 to $28,995. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Compass?
There are four models of the 2017 Jeep Compass offered, from the entry-level Sport through to the more off-road focused Trailhawk. The Trailhawk comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Entry-level trim with a variety of drivetrain options
- Standard front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission
- Optional six-speed automatic transmission
- Standard six-speed manual in all-wheel-drive versions, optional nine-speed automatic
- Standard features include a Uconnect system with 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Larger wheels than the Sport
- Upgraded cloth and simulated leather seat upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Availability of a wide range of option packages, including a tow package, advanced driver safety aids, and a Cold Weather package
- Keeps the 5-inch Uconnect system
- Available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, similar to Sport
- No manual-transmission option for FWD
Limited adds more luxury features such as:
- Comes with 18-inch wheels
- Upgraded exterior trim
- Includes an 8.5-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Automatic dual-zone climate control
- Upgraded driver information display
- Power driver seat, heated front seats, and leather upholstery
- Only available with AWD and a nine-speed automatic
Trailhawk is the flagship model with:
- Only available in AWD with a nine-speed automatic
- 17-inch wheels with off-road-oriented tires
- Raised suspension and a unique front fascia for improved approach and breakover angles
- Comes with a unique Selec-Terrain system for improved off-road capabilities
- Red tow hooks at the front and rear, and a matte-black hood accent for a distinct look
- Equipped with underbody protection shields for engine, oil pan, and gas tank protection
What Engines Come In the Jeep Compass?
A 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine powers the 2017 Compass. This four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed manual or a six or nine-speed automatic transmission. It can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. As for acceleration, the 2017 Compass goes from 0-60 mph in around 9.3 seconds.
What Colors Does the Jeep Compass Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Compass?
The 2017 Jeep Compass delivers an impressive level of comfort, which is key to its appeal as a compact SUV. It offers seating for up to five people, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and back rows, even for taller passengers. The seats are well-designed, offering a good mix of support and cushioning that makes long journeys more enjoyable.
The Jeep Compass is also designed with sound insulation in mind, effectively minimizing road noise and providing a quieter, more comfortable ride. It comes with a standard suspension that does a good job of soaking up bumps and potholes, providing a smooth and comfortable ride over most terrains.
The interior of the 2017 Jeep Compass is well-appointed, with quality materials and a stylish design that adds to the overall comfort of the vehicle. The layout of the controls is user-friendly and easy to reach, enhancing driver comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Compass Have?
The 2017 Jeep Compass offers a lot of cargo space that should satisfy most daily needs and accommodate various types of items. Behind the second row of seats, the Jeep Compass provides about 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space. This capacity can comfortably fit your weekly groceries, a couple of medium-sized suitcases for a short trip, or a stroller for those with young kids.
For those needing more storage room, the rear seats fold down to expand the cargo space significantly. With the back seats folded flat, the Jeep Compass opens up to around 59.8 cubic feet of space. This expanded storage allows you to accommodate larger items, such as camping gear, a mountain bike, or even a small piece of furniture.
In addition to this, the Jeep Compass also features various storage compartments and pockets throughout the cabin, perfect for storing smaller items like mobile devices, water bottles, and maps.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Jeep Compass was introduced for the 2017 model year.
2015: Navigation available on more models, and the cargo light/flashlight removed.
2016: Limited model removed from the lineup, Bluetooth now standard on the Sport model.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation as an all new Compass with new engines, technology, and styling.
2018: No changes from the previous year.
2019: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
2020: Small changes to features found in each package.
2021: More driver assistance features on the Limited and Trailhawk models, manual transmission discontinued.
How Does the Jeep Compass Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Jeep Compass is a bad small SUV since it suffers from a lot of mechanical problems, making it more expensive to own as it ages. We recommend shoppers look elsewhere.
The Jeep Cherokee is a larger SUV offered by Jeep which costs around $3,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Cherokee, while the Jeep Compass fits better into small parking spots. We recommend avoiding both for the 2017 model year since they have a lot of costly problems.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which costs around $8,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Jeep Compass has a slightly better four-wheel drive system. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it’s worth the extra money for a much more dependable compact SUV.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Compass?
Yes it is a very dependable vehicle. It has a lot of standard features that many drivers want. The four-wheel-drive is very easy to implement. Gas mileage is very good for an SUV.
Love it! My kids love it too. Not bad on gas either. Only thing I wish it was a different color. Maybe I'll get blue next time.
It is a wonderful vehicle, it drives like a dream. I have never had a issue with it since the day I got it. I will never own another type of vehicle! I am a jeep woman for life!!
It is a good vehicle. Gets me to and from where I need to go. Great looks. Love the sunroof. Great look inside also.
It is a decent vehicle, but it has some serious flaws. It requires a quart of oil to be added every week or two, and does not have nearly the power one would expect from a jeep.
I love my jeep compass! I have been driving it daily for over a year now and have had no issues. It is a smooth ride, roomy and comfortable interior, and easy to operate (both the features and the vehicle). My kids and I both love all the technology with the touch screen and Bluetooth features, and for a smaller SUV it handles in the snow and ice flawlessly.
Yes! I have enjoyed it because it is very roomy and comfortable. It also handles well when driving. It is low maintenance. The back seats fold down to allow extra room in the hatch portion of the car. It gets very good gas mileage and has a sunroof which is great on a nice day.
This is a really good vehicle for all types of people. It is small enough to get good mileage and is easy to drive but also big enough to sit 5 people comfortably. It is perfect for bringing my 2 dogs for a car ride.