2018 Jeep Compass Review: Unreliable Small SUV With High Ownership Costs As It Ages

Alex Showalter
Jan 13, 2023

The 2018 Jeep Compass lasts around 150,000 miles with engine failures and computer system issues. At $15,475 to $19,300, it’s way too expensive for an SUV with this many expensive problems.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
Passenger room is good for its size, the stereo system has good advanced features and the Trailhawk model is good off-road.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The cabin is noisier than other small SUVs, it’s slow with the weak motor and the engine idles roughly.

Is the 2018 Jeep Compass a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Jeep Compass since there are some expensive problems, making it one to avoid out of warranty. Owner reviews complain about poor build quality, frequent breakdowns, as well as poor customer service.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for a compact SUV, the seats are reasonably comfortable, however, cargo space is lower than the competition.
  • Reliability 5/10 – There are a lot of engine problems reported on the 2018 Compass. Avoid models from 20172018 which have mechanical issues, while 20192022 are more reliable.
  • Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the relatively weak 4-cylinder engine, which has a low towing capacity at 2,000 pounds.
  • Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Compass is reasonably safe, earning a 4-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, as well as automatic emergency braking.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 351 miles of range from the 13.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $23 cheaper than average, at $161 per month.
  • Value 6/10 – The 2018 Jeep Compass is cheaper than other compact SUVs, although repair costs get very expensive as it ages, giving it a low overall score.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Keitha E
Vehicle that is dependable
Great on gas mileage. Super roomy and comfy. It's 4wd and has a car starter with heated seat and steering wheel. Plus a backup camera
accountCircle Stephani F
The sunroof is the best feature.
My car is very comfortable to drive. The seats are the right height and the steering wheel feels awesome. I have plenty of room to transport groceries and other items. I can comfortably have 4 passengers and myself. I haven't had any issues with my vehicle. I take it in for oil changes and tire rotations on a regular basis. I love the sunroof. It is nice to hand sun coming through or to open it and feel the wind.
accountCircle Kate D
Jeep compass cozy but slow.
Acceleration is a bit slow. Stop and start can get annoying, you have to turn it off every time you start the jeep if you do not wish to use it. Roomie comfortable seats in the front. Sound system is wonderful. Plenty of back seat space, seats go down easy for extra cargo space.
accountCircle Morgan S
My jeep compass is a very reliable vehicle that gets me where I need to be.
Vehicle has a very smooth ride with no issues in the driving. Vehicle has been very reliable in the past two years that I have owned it. I have had no mechanical problems, although there have been a couple occasions when it would get stuck in the 'off' mode of the auto-save mode; when this happened, I just had to turn it off and back on and there were no issues. The seats could definitely be more comfortable, but are easy to keep clean and have held up well. Gas mileage is pretty good considering the power and size of the vehicle; I get around 25 mpg in the city and around 28-29 mpg on the highway. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.
accountCircle Marina J
Get size for someone my age, easy to drive and park.
I love my car had it for almost a year now haven't had any major problems with it. Gets great gas mileage compared to my old car. The technology in it is amazing and quick to connect to my phone. Has 4 wheel drive but haven't had to use it yet. Only thing missing is a sunroof.
accountCircle Michelle C
It has drivers assistance and a backup camera.
It has the most updated technology features such as apply play. It has more than enough space and great leather design.
accountCircle Nikki W
Comfortable and convenient.
My Jeep has been very reliable. It has been a very smooth, comfortable ride. Very quiet to drive. Heated seats and steering wheel. Remote start. It has Bluetooth and Siri which is very convenient. The only thing I do not like is that it didn't come with Sirius radio but I was able to get a car kit from Sirius so I can still listen to it.
accountCircle Dakota G
Jeep the roomy family vehicle.
My jeep is spacious. The only complaint I have is that it has wiring issues. I especially love the heated leather seats for the brisk winters, along with the heat steering wheel. It has many options for 4wd for different time of terrains. The pull down back seats make the hatch very spacious as well.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Tami Salens
Poor quality.
In 2 years, I had to replace all 4tires because they were mid grade tires. I had to replace they sway bars, pay for 2 computer upgrades & fix the read wiper mechanism. Nothing was covered under warranty. New car-25 months old
accountCircle Theresa M
Jeep compass 2018 = stress.
Constantly in the shop. Check engine light, battery light and auto on/off light constantly going off. Been in the shop 4 times in 2.5 months. Then three days later exact issue comes right back. Getting very old and very discouraging that I still have 6 years left on this vehicle.
accountCircle K
Problem vehicle
I have a 2018 Compass Trailhawk. I bought it with 4k and now have 40k. I hate this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems. Brakes, electrical system and now the AC went out. Needed four new tires, too. It has NO pick up at all and is sluggish at times. I never take a chance on crossing over lanes of road. I'd never make it and get hit if a car is too close! Cannot wait to get rid of it!
accountCircle Karen Greenan
WORST vehicle nightmare ever!!!!!
I hate my Compass! I bought this car with 330 miles on it and I’ve had it in the shop seven times already. There is a laundry list of things that have gone wrong with it. The motor on my panoramic sunroof has gone out and since it has been replaced I have had nothing but windshear problems. I’ve had that worked on five times now with no resolve. The lane sensor works when it feels like it. I’ve had that repaired twice. I now have a clinking and a banging noise coming from the undercarriage and because it doesn’t do it continually the service dealership says there’s nothing wrong with it. I have had my auto stop/ start repaired four times. My radio has been replaced twice and still isn’t working properly, now the clock won’t set and my Uconnect feature won’t load even though I paid almost $1000 for that. I would like to set it on fire, but I paid cash for it and now I’m out $37,000! I would never never never never never never never never buy another jeep Chrysler product again! If I could give zero for stars I would. I bought a brand new vehicle so I wouldn’t have any problems and this one is the worst I’ve ever had.
accountCircle Maia M
Will never buy a jeep compass again.
The car will shut itself off while I am driving. The interior lights on the panel and drive shifter does not work. The backup camera will stop working while using. The engine makes a very loud sound. I have had to have several components replaced on the car like the wiper fluid container because the parts for off. It is only a 2018.
accountCircle Morris H. Besulieu, (personal information removed)
Treat customer trust, truthful and honesty and you will get a good mileage from the customers.
No, it's a Lemon, we first bought it and the sale Representative started the jeep, the dashboard lights started to go crazy. And sale man said, I'll get the mechanic to check it and fix it. He did that a couple of time, finally it was alright. At the same time when we went for test driver, it had chucking noise on the front side, this vehicle was pick out for us one of sale Representative Brain S., and the dashboard Engine Lights always comes on without warning and had to bring it in a few time. And other dashboards lights would come on and had to shut off the engine, then start it again. I think the sale Representative picked a Lemon 2018 jeep Compass for us. Now, after the two years the warrenty expire and my wife noticed that they put the money owing on the previous Jeep Charokee onto this 2018 Jeep Compass, plus they made us paid for them to put mud flap and charges us over $500.00 plus, which we shouldn't had to pay. And in two years over had over 60,000plus km, which I think is not right, 30,000km each year that's impossible. Poor customer service and RIPPING us off. We want our money back, or give us a brand new one but we pick not them and better warrenty on this new Jeep. Treat customer fairly and honest and truthful and you will get many mileage from good paying customers.
accountCircle Barb S
Uncomfortable Ride
This Jeep is not comfortable at all, seats are not padded, suspension is cheap makes for a bumpy ride. There is no space for front passenger arms, the seats are so close you bump arms. II would never buy this model Jeep again. Hate the auto stop when the car stops, no way to permanently turn it off.
accountCircle John S
If you want a cheap, poorly built car get a jeep.
Not enough power in the jeep compass engines. The quality is crummy. There are lots of rattles (poor build), modern features are quirky and don't work all the time as they should as designed. Nothing new, things that have been in cars for much longer than jeep has had them.

What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Compass?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2018 Jeep Compass is a small SUV buyers should avoid with very low owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Compass at 2.8/5, praising the high-tech entertainment system, but doesn’t like the limited storage capacity.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Compass a 3.7/5, enjoying the quiet cabin, but owners don’t like the relatively underpowered engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Jeep Compass Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Jeep Compass include excessive oil consumption, the engine shutting off while driving, along with the electronic parking brake turning on while in motion. Overall, these problems are worse than many other small SUVs, leading to expensive repair bills.

Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint from Compass owners at around 25,000 miles. There are a lot of seals in the engine which fail, leading to the engine burning oil. In some cases it will burn roughly one quart of oil per thousand miles, which is well above average. Some owners add oil regularly, while others have had to replace the engine when too many seals fail, costing around $6,000.

Shutting off while driving is another issue mentioned by Compass owners in the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons the engine may shut down, including computer issues, electrical problems, as well as spark plug failures. Updating the computer is the cheapest solution since most dealers will fix it for around $100. Replacing the alternator costs around $600. Replacing spark plugs is roughly $400.

The electronic parking brake turning on while in motion has also shown up on some Compass models at 30,000 miles. The ABS module is known to fail early in these SUVs, leading to a lot of strange brake system issues. Replacing the ABS module costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.

There are six recalls on the 2018 Jeep Compass, which is worse than many other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers the engine oil pump, which can fail and destroy the engine. Jeep will replace the oil pump on affected models for free. Other important recalls cover the lower control arms separating as well as the voltage regulator failing. Jeep will replace both of those for free as well.

How Long Will the 2018 Jeep Compass Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Jeep Compass can last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $392 per year.

accountCircle Juliana T

It is reliable. There have been a few glitches with the touch screen but it was fixed immediately after an update was made.

accountCircle Janice S

It is very reliable. The only complaint I have is that it appears to take an inordinate amount of time for the engine to warm up enough to produce heat in the winter, and the ac is not as cold as I prefer it to be in the summer.

accountCircle Jaclyn N

Very reliable. I haven't had any issues with the 2018 jeep compass. I would recommend it to many people.

accountCircle Mallory W

It is reliable. In the year that I have owned it I have only had to replace the sway bar, which was an easy fix. I work home hospice and drive a lot and have never had a problem.

accountCircle James S

Its reliability is good. I drove it in the wintertime last year and was completely satisfied with the results.

accountCircle Georgia B

Yes it is reliable. Haven't experienced any issues so far. Have it serviced regular. Take it on road trips and has been. Great.

accountCircle Treva I

Yes it is reliable. There is a small glitch with the gas efficient feature. Sometime when the jeep shuts down at a complete stop it will not come back on automatically. I have to restart it all the way.

accountCircle Roxanne B

Yes it has been very reliable for me. I have not had any problem so far. One thing that could be better has to do with the rear bumper and lift gate area.. It needs to have a rubber piece to protect the tailgate area on the bumper. That area scratches very easy.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is okay with a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety technology is good for an SUV in its price range with a standard rearview camera. Available advanced safety features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing, windshield wipers, hill descent control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning. lane keep assist, as well as rear parking sensors.

Is the 2018 Jeep Compass a Good Value?

No, the 2018 Jeep Compass is not a good value since there are a lot of mechanical problems. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,475 to $19,300, making it cheaper than a Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $21,095 to $29,195. Depreciation is worse than other small SUVs, losing about 14% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Jeep Compass?

There are four models of the 2018 Jeep Compass offered, from the base Sport model all the way up to the more off-road focused Trailhawk model. The Compass is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the model.

Sport is the entry-level model with:

  • 16-Inch Wheels
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cloth Seating
  • 5-Inch Touchscreen Display
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • USB Port
  • Six-Speaker Sound System

Latitude is a popular choice, adding:

  • Upgraded Cloth Seating
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Keyless Ignition and Entry

Limited is the most luxurious which has:

  • 18-Inch Wheels
  • Remote Start
  • Leather Seats
  • Satellite Radio
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
  • Power Driver Seat
  • Heated Front Seats
  • 5-Inch Uconnect Touchscreen

Trailhawk is the off-road model with:

  • 17-Inch Wheels
  • Off-Road Oriented Tires
  • Raised Suspension
  • Unique Front Bumper
  • Skid Pans
  • Tow Hooks
car
car
car
car
Latitude w/Sun/Wheel Pkg
180 HP 25 MPG
car
car

What Engines Come In the Jeep Compass?

The 2018 Jeep Compass comes with a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. There’s a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. On the 4WD models there is a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is slow, taking 8.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, and the towing capacity is low at up to 2,000 pounds.

What Colors Does the Jeep Compass Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Jeep Compass?

The 2018 Jeep Compass is a comfortable SUV, particularly for short trips and daily commuting. It has a smooth ride and good visibility, and the seats are generally comfortable, with enough head- and legroom for most adults.

Some drivers may find the front seats a bit firm, but others may find them to be just right. The rear seats also have plenty of head- and legroom, making them comfortable for passengers, even on longer trips. The 2018 Jeep Compass also has a lot of features designed to enhance comfort, such as automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and available heated front seats.

How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Compass Have?

Cargo space is lower than many other small SUVs, with only enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats, or 10-12 with the back seats folded flat.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Jeep Compass came out in 2017.

2015: Smaller wheels on the High Altitude model, Altitude & High Altitude available with all-wheel drive.

2016: Limited model removed from the lineup, standard Bluetooth & satellite radio on Sport models.

2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engines, and technology.

2018: No changes from the previous year.

2019: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android auto on all models.

2020: Minor feature changes across the lineup.

2021: More standard driver safety features, manual transmission discontinued.

How Does the Jeep Compass Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Jeep Compass is a very bad small SUV since there are a lot of engine failures and brake system issues reported, making it one buyers should stay away from.

The Jeep Cherokee is another SUV offered by Jeep which costs about $500 more. Passenger room and reliability ratings are better in the Jeep Cherokee, while the Jeep Compass has lower fuel costs. We recommend the Jeep Cherokee since they are more reliable long-term.

The Chevy Equinox is a small SUV which costs roughly $1,000 more. There’s more passenger room in the Chevy Equinox, while the all-wheel drive system works better in the Jeep Compass. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for the 2018 model year since they have some mechanical issues.

Ranks #13 Compact SUV by Owners

1
car
4.71
2
Tie
car
4.69
13
car
4.43

Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Compass?

accountCircle Juliana T

Yes. The vehicle is comfortable, luxurious, and a great size. It is spacious and does not consume as much gasoline as other jeep models.

accountCircle Janice S

Yes. It is comfortable and reliable. It can hold a fair amount of packages. Passengers in the rear have sufficient leg room, and I love the backup camera.

accountCircle Jaclyn N

Yes, it is a good vehicle. Very trustworthy, never had any problems with it. Never gets stuck in snow, drives well in the rain and far distances.

accountCircle Mallory W

Yes it is. It is a reliable car that is very good in many weather conditions. It is a comfortable vehicle as well. Although a smaller SUV I am able to put a lot in it.

accountCircle James S

Yes it is very good on gas with nice features and enough room for my family of 4. I drive it every day.

accountCircle Georgia B

Yes it is a great vehicle. Good ride. Ok on gas mileage. Great for my granddaughter and myself. Drive everyday.

accountCircle Treva I

Yes it is a good car. As long as I take good care of it my car is yet to fail me. The gas mileage is pretty good and there is not much maintenance required.

accountCircle Roxanne B

Yes I like it very much. It drives nice and handles well. Mine is 4 wheel drive and it goes right through snow with no problem. Easy to put into the 4 wheel mode too!

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Wilbur Hester on November 1, 2021
Retired
While driving the dash board lit up like a Christmas tree and the jeep slowed down to 35 MPH, wide open, it showed brake problems as well as transmission and engine problems, the dealer had it for a week and called it repaired, one day later it was down again!!! 30000 miles on the Jeep!!
accountCircle Mark on July 19, 2021
Don't listen to certain review sites
Great ride, good ground clearance, good steering, simple modern interior, so far zero problems, around 22 to 26mpg highway/city combined.
accountCircle Jessica M on June 25, 2021
Great first buy starter car.
The vehicle has been a good car to drive for the 2+ years I have had. Good on gas mileage, incredibly comfortable for a someone without a family, extra back space, and reliable. Even with the 2wd, it still can drive in the snow pretty well and do not ever have to hesitate that the car will slip or slide. One thing I do get annoyed by is the faulty tires and the pricey maintenance from the dealership that does not offer appointment slots for regular maintenance.
accountCircle Marilyn J on June 25, 2021
Love my 2018 jeep compass.
This vehicle handles well on the road. It is added features such as heated seat and steering wheel and backup camera are a definite plus! It has a lot of extra space in the back which is a plus for a wheelchair and groceries. It has room to spare in the back seating area.
accountCircle Taylor E on June 18, 2021
Love it! Just a couple minor drawbacks.
Burns oil so you really have to make sure you check it weekly. Great on gas, but the problem is that there's a small tank so you have to fill up more often than I would like. Super comfortable interior, even in the backseat despite its small size. Love the look of it, better than other similarly - priced SUVs.
accountCircle Bridget B on June 17, 2021
New family vehicle for us.
Excellent performance, lots of room for children in second row. Great stereo, reliable, affordable, good for traveling. Good radio, easy media set up, perfect trunk space. A. Vehicle for travel, errands and trunk. Space for luggage. Drives like a small vehicle yet sturdy like a SUV.
accountCircle Courtney E on June 17, 2021
Keeping you safe in a turnover!
I bought my first jeep in 2017. Had it for about a year and ended up totaling it (not my fault). In this wreck, I turned over three times and ended up in a ditch. My jeep held up and I was able to walk away with minor injuries. The roof didn't cave, windshield shattered but stayed intact, and the airbags kept me from hitting my head. I will always own a jeep.
accountCircle Sydnie P on June 17, 2021
Amazing car just needs some better technology.
This is the best car I drove reliable and nice smooth ride. But it can use up a lot of gas. The lane control can be difficult as it can give whiplash. Good car but difficulty with some of the accessibility pieces to the car. I would tell others to buy this same car, due to the sports like riding and sporty look.
accountCircle Sydney T on June 16, 2021
College student perfect car.
I absolutely love my jeep compass sport. It is perfect for me as a college student and it excellent on gas. I usually spend about $20 on gas to fill it up and get around 29 miles per gallon. It is not too big or too small. It is the perfect size for everything I need to fit in it and is very smooth and comfy to ride in.
accountCircle Malarie R on June 14, 2021
Small basic SUV with several problems.
It is a small SUV, might as well just got a car, the trunk is a nice size though, a slow pick up when mashing on the gas, had electrical problems, easy to get fixed, cheap car, I do not like that it does not tell you when you need an oil change, tire pressure light always comes on, great on gas though.
accountCircle Isabel H on June 13, 2021
The jeep compass, a reliable, comfortable ride.
The jeep compass is comfortable, easy to drive, and maneuver. I live the heated seats and steering wheel. The dual control is wonderful for spouses who disagree on heat/air conditioning. I feel safe driving on winter roads with different options for road conditions at the push of a button. We have taken my vehicle in the mountains on gravel roads, steep inclines, and snow packed roads. It rides smoothly and has the power it needs to get the job done.
accountCircle Hayley L on June 12, 2021
Heated steering wheel and remote start.
This car is extremely reliable, I have had no issues with it thus far. It performs pretty well especially in the snow and rain. The back seats have plenty of room as well as the driver and passenger seats. It is also great having a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and remote start for the winter.
accountCircle Michele L on June 9, 2021
The jeep compass is amazing!
The vehicle rides very nicely, heated seats, heated steering wheel make it very comfortable in the winter. There are options beyond 4 wheel drive that include driving in mud! There are many options when adjusting the seat as well. Plenty of legroom in the front and in the back. Interior lighting is very functional.
accountCircle David S on June 9, 2021
Jeep compass is good but electronics are starting to bug out.
I love the Bluetooth capabilities of my cars. The electronics have started to get all funky after 2 years, like the backup cam, which I also love, but sometimes doesn't function properly. The lumbar support is great. The gas mileage is also good for a SUV.
accountCircle Paige L on June 4, 2021
Best road trip vehicle around!
I absolutely love this car, it is super comfortable and great for road trips. I drive back and forth on the daily visiting my mom and it is always a smooth ride. It has heated seats and a heated steering wheel, along with Bluetooth and a GPS. I have had this vehicle for almost a year now and I have never had a problem with it. The gas mileage is also a major plus, I usually fill up every 2 weeks or more depending on if I leave the state or not. I have two dogs and the leather seats allow for easy fur clean up, plus the seats let down so I do not have to worry about them scratching or ruining my seats. If anyone loves the jeep, the jeep compass limited is the one to go with.
accountCircle Terry L on June 3, 2021
Black compass likes driving on the highway. And does it very well! Nice ride!
I bought my compass new but it was a holdover from the previous year. I had a few instances of the screen going dark while I was driving. Kinda startling! If I stopped and turned it off it seemed okay when restarted. The service department said maybe something loose. The door covering the gas tank slid off once. I took it to the service department for someone to slide back on. I like my compass.
accountCircle Karie D on June 2, 2021
2018 jeep compass all in all great SUV.
All in all the 2018 jeep compass is great for a small family. But after having it for 2 years we definitely need something bigger. Also the touch screen radio glitches a lot. Gas mileage is okay, for the small 13 gallon tank. It does great in snow and wet roads.
accountCircle Tatyanna D on June 1, 2021
Great sporty car with great gas mileage.
My jeep compass is my favorite car I have ever owned. It is a perfect size, not too small or big. Although the gas tank is small, the gas mileage is great. The huge sun/moon roof is awesome and really makes the car feel bigger than it is. I am extremely impressed with this car and haven't had any issues. Bb.
accountCircle Jennifer S on May 31, 2021
Fun SUV and love the panoramic sunroof!
The compass is a great SUV, terrible pickup when you need to enter a highway but for a daily driver it is a fun ride. I have the panoramic sunroof, love this feature. I drive with it open a lot. There is an issue with the transmission. I have brought it in multiple times.
accountCircle Sarah L on May 28, 2021
Comfortable, but eats oil.
Comfortable to drive, but could be more economical for a 4 cyl. Lacks power, but does better after you hit 40mph. Eats oil. I was unaware of this at the time of purchase, so I was very confused when my shut off while driving it. Auto start/stop is annoying, but I keep it off. Overall, it is the family car and my commuter. It is comfortable and sporty and my son’s car seat fits well in the back seat.
accountCircle Alpine P on May 28, 2021
Fantastic on mountain terrain.
This car works wonderfully in all types of terrain. I took it up to the mountains in Colorado and was able to ride over big rocks on a dirt road. Of course I was feeling nervous that it wouldn’t make it, but it did. I enjoy the feeling of driving it. It is very comfortable and quiet and very smooth. I also enjoy the engine stop system when you stop at a red light the engine turns off quickly to save gas then turns back on right away when you release the brake pedal. It is nice that is does not use a lot of gas either.
accountCircle Candice L on May 27, 2021
2018 jeep compass black roof and pearl white body.
Some computer/sensor issues. Love the panoramic sunroof and spacious interior. Really like driving it. I do not use all of the features to their maximum ability, mainly use Bluetooth for music. I lease and would buy it, but I really would like a wrangler as my next vehicle.
accountCircle Kaylee N on May 27, 2021
The jeep compass Trailhawk is a reliable and safe car with amazing features.
The jeep compass Trailhawk is a really safe and reliable car for all weather conditions. The sky roof is one of my favorite features. It also has apple carplay that projects your phone onto the screen. This car also includes heated seats as well as a heated steering wheel. However, the back seats do not have the heated feature which can be inconvenient at times. I have never had any functionality problems with this car.
accountCircle Theresa M on May 25, 2021
Jeep compass 2018 = stress.
Constantly in the shop. Check engine light, battery light and auto on/off light constantly going off. Been in the shop 4 times in 2.5 months. Then three days later exact issue comes right back. Getting very old and very discouraging that I still have 6 years left on this vehicle.
accountCircle Alyssa S on May 24, 2021
2018 jeep compass Trailhawk- black.
This car is amazing! I drive long distance to work and especially during the winter on back roads it does great! I have never felt more safe in a vehicle! I love how comfortable it is! The only downside is the amount of blind spots there are while driving.
accountCircle Allyson S on May 24, 2021
Fine to lease not to own.
The paint scratches easily, slow acceleration and a side of the door fell off with minimal wear and tear. I take care of my car and considered leasing to buy, but have opted out due to the durability. It is nice for a lease, too much maintenance to own.
accountCircle Katrina F on May 23, 2021
Great on gas, great in the winter, has all the features I need.
Great on gas, awesome in the winter, reliable, has all the features I need including GPS, seat warmers and back up camera. Has enough space to fit my two large dogs in the back as well. Easy to park and big enough to still be considered an SUV. I love it.
accountCircle Heather K on May 22, 2021
Jeep compass is a safe, comfortable small SUV for small families.
I love the way my jeep compass handles. It is a smooth ride and the seats are very comfortable. It feels safe. I love the color, and the exterior looks really nice. The only problems I have had is the screen is kind of finicky. Other than that, it is an awesome vehicle.
accountCircle Aubree C on May 21, 2021
Jeep compass 2018-my review.
I have owned a jeep Cherokee, a jeep wrangler and now a jeep compass. I am a jeep girl until the end. I was drawn to the compass for its sleek style and functionality. Almost 3 years later—I still am very pleased with this vehicle. The only downside I have found is that it is a bit small and I could use some extra space.
accountCircle Tess P on May 16, 2021
My sport jeep compass is the cutest, while also being super sporty SUV.
The jeep compass so far has been the best car I have ever owned. It has a fantastic sound system throughout the car, and the most comfortable cloth seats. The car also has such a super smooth ride and feels like you are flying. This car truly makes you feel extremely safe while traveling in it. The only issue is how much I have to get gas to fill up the jeep. But other than that it is a perfect safe compact SUV!
accountCircle Jenna A on May 13, 2021
I love my stereo and how it has apple music connected with it.
Very reliable car. Will plan to buy another jeep by the end of this year. Love the features. This is my 3rd jeep. Will plan to upgrade to a grand Cherokee this fall. Only thing my car is lacking that I really want with my next one is a sunroof and safety features such as lane changing, etc.
accountCircle Sarah P on May 10, 2021
Great compact family vehicle.
Great comfort with the seats where you do not shift too much when you turn or need to move out of the way quickly. It came with a great navigation and music system. It rides well with a great suspension as well. I love the choice of colors that this vehicle comes in and the types of upgrades you can get with the jeep compass.
accountCircle Jamie S on May 9, 2021
Good car but has what can be considered a major problem for some.
The jeep compass has a known oil issue. The oil burns hot so you have to make sure there is enough oil in the vehicle or it can just stop running. And there is no oil indicator light that tells you that the oil is low making it harder to know where your oil level is at. Other than that it is a good vehicle, does well in snowy conditions.
accountCircle K on May 8, 2021
Problem vehicle
I have a 2018 Compass Trailhawk. I bought it with 4k and now have 40k. I hate this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems. Brakes, electrical system and now the AC went out. Needed four new tires, too. It has NO pick up at all and is sluggish at times. I never take a chance on crossing over lanes of road. I'd never make it and get hit if a car is too close! Cannot wait to get rid of it!
accountCircle Ava R on May 8, 2021
The remote start and heated seats/steering wheel is what drawn me to the car!!
My car became off balanced very quickly so while going above the speed 40 mph my car shakes really bad. Going below 40 mph the car ride is pretty smooth. The inside of the vehicle is very roomy and seats are comfortable! On the flip side I love my beats audio system, heated seats/steering wheel, and remote start!
accountCircle Jennifer B on May 7, 2021
Leather interior for easy cleanup. Lots of space with little blind spots.
The only problem I have had is that the touch screen sometimes goes a little crazy. It will get lines in it and not respond to anything you are trying to do or see. Or sometimes it will lag when trying to use the backup camera. Other than that I love the car.
accountCircle Danielle C on May 7, 2021
For a great car at a good value jeep is the way to go.
Good gas mileage, drives smoothly, love the dual temp controls. Very comfortable seats. Lots of room for storage. Roomy back seat. I love the touch screen radio. There's neat little hidden images around the jeep like nessie the Loch Ness monster. I would get another one.
accountCircle Ashley F on May 6, 2021
Buy at your own risk! Expensive for no reason!
My jeep compass gets horrible gas mileage. It has to have an oil change constantly and it is really small. It does drive well on the highway but in the town it is a little rough. The automatic shutoff that the vehicle has is really annoying. You do have the option to turn it off though.
accountCircle Ca K on May 6, 2021
I love my jeep compass. Comfortable and great safety features.
I love my new jeep compass. No issues with it other than there not being much trunk space. Very comfortable ride and gets decent gas mileage. Love all of the safety features that it has to offer. I really do not have any complaints about it other than wishing it was a little bigger inside. Thinking I will upgrade to the grand Cherokee next.
accountCircle Ariana H on May 4, 2021
The most interesting part of my car is that there is a brake assist.
Very comfortable and includes high tech things. It has apple play and is easy to use navigation on my phone to project it to the apple play. There are seat warmers and a steering wheel heater which is perfect for when it gets cold. There’s a backup camera which is very useful. I also have brake assist in case I do not break when I need to, the car does it automatically. It is a very reliable car.
accountCircle Nikki H on May 3, 2021
Great purchase and great comfort!
I love the comfort and reliability of this vehicle with my 45 minute commute to work!! I purchased it used a few months ago and it drives like a brand new vehicle. I love all of the features that are typically included in much more expensive vehicles. My three kids fit comfortably in the back seat and love it as well.
accountCircle Man K on May 2, 2021
Jeep compass overall review.
Auto-start is clunky and screen malfunctioned one time. There is not a ton of pick up but does well in all weather. Love the heated seats and steering wheel and weathertech mats are a huge bonus. Army green color is my absolute favorite, does not show any dirt or scratches and looks good in all lighting.
accountCircle David M on May 2, 2021
Big options in a small package.
4 wheel drive option is always a must for me which it provides with easy handling and ride.. It also has various options at a cheaper price level such as full retracting moon roof, leather heated seats, and touch screen navigation. It also comes with a good amount of storage for its size.
accountCircle Graham E on April 25, 2021
The problem of our car. Breaking problem, starting problem,
The problem: problems starting the engine. My car either takes a long time to start, or the car simply will not start at all. Fix it. Sometime gear box not work properly. Most important problem is breaking system. I see only this problem otherwise I have no problem with my car.
accountCircle Kaylyn B on April 25, 2021
Nice mom car, but not very fancy interior for my taste.
I purchased my vehicle from enterprise (partially used, only for rental purposes). I have had one particular issue two times now (it was randomly going dead in my driveway) but after figuring out the issue was that the muffler didn't have a hole in it for water to escape, the issue has not yet returned. I am not 100% happy with the interior of this vehicle, perhaps because I have one that super generic and not at all upgraded. Overall this vehicle does it is job.
accountCircle Diana H on April 25, 2021
Overall an amazing car, would definitely recommend.
It is great for traveling and drives incredibly smooth. It is also great with gas and very dependable with children. The design is great. It is very spacious, great for storing in the trunk. Sky roof is very pretty and great to watch the night sky. Overall a really great car no matter the circumstances.
accountCircle Brandi T on April 24, 2021
Sleek and sporty, the jeep compass is the total package!
I have had my jeep compass for a little over a year now and I am overall very pleased! It has a sleek, sporty look to it yet all the benefits of a CUV. The only issue I have had with it is electrical and that was easily fixed. I would recommend a jeep compass to anyone looking for a reliable yet eye catching vehicle!
accountCircle Gail L on April 19, 2021
Fun car for commute of distance driving.
I love my compass. Had some issues with battery at first but they replaced it (free) no more issues. Headrest is awkward angle for me so I take it off sometimes but other than that super comfortable good gas mileage. Fun car to get around town in or for long trips like taking my child back and forth to university five hours away.
accountCircle sara F on April 17, 2021
Not a single complaint about this car! I love the backup camera feature.
I love this car more than anything in the whole wide world. Heated seats, heated steering wheel, backup camera. I truly love my car. I can remote start it on cold morning s and along with the heat, the heated seats and heated steering wheel also come on. My car is never cold in the mornings anymore. The seats are so comfortable. I never get sore while I am driving. The seats. Curl upwards at the end and it is just really. Great. Sometimes I do wish the car was faster. It only has a 4 cylinder engine. But it is ok that is the least of my worries if that is my only complaint. The car is truly the perfect size for me too. It is big, it is an SUV, but it is also still smaller and I think it is really just the perfect size. I really. Do not have a single complaint about this car.
accountCircle Bre B on April 16, 2021
Bad tires on a jeep compass limited car.
I like the car I just been having a lot of trouble with my tires more often than I should. It seems like every few days the air is out of one of the tires, and I have to get them replaced. Hopefully after this last time it will be okay because it's getting annoying.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.