Owners have filed 461 complaints
about the 2016 Jeep Compass with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 72
Against the median year of the Jeep Compass. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 39
7.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
165.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
103.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
197.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6223.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
10840.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
269.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
248.9%
150,000+ miles
41.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2016peak 16Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Jeep Compass
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
RQ22002Opened 22 Jul 2022Closed 16 Jun 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Stall from Crankshaft\Camshaft Failure
On December 13, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received recall 16V-907 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that identified a safety defect involving crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Model Year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. The failure of the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may lead to a loss of motive power (LOMP) in the recalled vehicles. Following the receipt of recall 16V-907, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 127 vehicle owner’s questionnaires (VOQ), in which consumers allege experiencing cra...
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2016 Jeep Compass
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V907000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201758516,953 units in Canada
Label
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 205 - Glazing Materials. The rear lift gate glass panel is labeled with the luminous transmittance number “AS2” instead of the correct number “AS3”. Correction:. No corrective recall action is required as the technical non-compliance condition is deemed to be non-safety related.
Recall 20166243,303 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles may experience intermittent operation of the crankshaft or camshaft sensor. Intermittent operation of the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may result in illumination of a malfunction indicator lamp (“MIL”), the vehicle not starting or the engine stalling while driving, causing a loss of motive power which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the crankshaft and camshaft connector.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Monticello, GA1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving my vehicle and out of nowhere the airbag in the driver's seat exploded. The vehicle is available for inspection. I almost wrecked. The vehicle has not been inspected by thr manufacturer yet. I left a message for the service manager at my local jeep dealership. There were no warning lights on prior to deployment.
NHTSA complaint #11542248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, TN1 injured
SEATS
As I was backing out of a driveway, I heard a loud pop and felt something hit me in the back of the head really hard. My headrest burst open spontaneously. I now have a bad headache and sore neck.
NHTSA complaint #11466471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nixa, MO1 injured
SEATS
While backing out of driveway the driver side active head restraint spontaneously deployed hitting my teenager driver in the back of the head.
NHTSA complaint #11427567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION ON 9/24/2020. THE CAR IS BEING INSPECTED FOR REPAIRS NOW AND I AM DEALING WITH THE INSURANCE CLAIM AT THIS TIME. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF AT A SPEED OF 35-40 MPH, STRIKING THE VEHICLE THAT WAS AT-FAULT, AND THEN A METAL POLE. FORTUNATELY DID NOT HAVE MY DAUGHTER WITH ME.
NHTSA complaint #11361691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesSanborn, NYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED 2016 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT AND WAS NOTIFIED WHILE IN A STORE THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOTALED. THE CONTACT HAD NO INDICATORS OF THE FIRE OCCURRING. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED THAT THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INTERVIEWED THE CONTACT AND FILED A REPORT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE WRECKAGE WAS TOWED AWAY TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
NHTSA complaint #11327693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesPollok, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON FEBRUARY 28, 2019 WHEN I VEERED OFF INTO A DITCH, MY VEHICLE FLEW INTO THE AIR AFTER HITTING A DRIVEWAY, AND FLIPPED AT ABOUT 55 MPH. I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL FARM TO MARKET ROAD. I WAS DRIVING AND THE ONLY ONE IN THE VEHICLE. MY SEATBELT NEVER LOCKED AS I WRECKED. IT WAS BUCKLED BUT NEVER ENGAGED. I SUBMITTED TO JEEP FOR REVIEW AND THEY DENIED MY CLAIM AND SAID THE SEATBELT WAS WORKING PROPERLY. MY SEATBELT WAS ALL THE WAY STRETCHED OUT AND EVEN FRAYED AT THE TOP WHERE THE LOOP IS. MY L1 INSTANTLY BLEW UP INTO MY SPINAL CORD AND I SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #11203025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Waldorf, MD
POWER TRAIN
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
ENGINE
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four months after an authorized manufacturer dealership charged over $3,400 to repair the engine's air-induction vacuum and fuel systems. The sudden stalling on a high-speed roadway directly endangered the driver and a [XXX] passenger who were left stranded on the highway shoulder in extreme weather conditions. The vehicle was completely inoperable and required an emergency flatbed tow from the highway back to the repair facility. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
SEATS
Spontaneous deployment of passengers headrest . A safety system defect causing passengers concerned discomfort ! Plastic mechanism failure CANNOT be repaired. Headrest must be replaced by Jeep covered regarding the safety & security of their customers. Headrest deployed problem encountered has been reported in many Jeeps. FCA US LLC due to safety should correct the problem , at no charge , even if the vehicle is out of warranty and are not the original owner…. Please contact me aSAP THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #11756439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesAustin, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, shuddered, and the air conditioner was inoperative, and the vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was suggested that the contact should take the vehicle to a dealer and that the crank shaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kokomo, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since purchasing this vehicle in 2022 the crankshaft position sensor has been replaced 4 times (twice by the dealer in 2022, once in 2023 and once in 2024) and now it is dying while driving once again with the check engine light indicating that it is once again the crankshaft position sensor
NHTSA complaint #11751942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesShadyside, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for approximately 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact stated that at the residence, the vehicle remained running but failed to operate properly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatsworth, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car stalls turns off by itself could be at red lights or even while driving twice already!! Needs to be recalled as well and repaired pls repairs cost thousands!!! Not safe!! I have owned it for 4-5 years and it has happened maybe 7-8 times but most recently this week twice!!
NHTSA complaint #11750726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatsworth, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car stalls turns off by itself could be at red lights or even while driving twice already!! Needs to be recalled as well and repaired pls repairs cost thousands!!! Not safe!! I have owned it for 4-5 years and it has happened maybe 7-8 times but most recently this week twice!!
NHTSA complaint #11750726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The crankshaft position sensor is throwing a code , and the car want turn over .
NHTSA complaint #11748989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ENGINE
The crankshaft position sensor is throwing a code , and the car want turn over .
NHTSA complaint #11748989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lee Center, NY
SEAT BELTS
The seatbelts in the drivers and passenger sides are disconnecting without pressing the release button
NHTSA complaint #11746955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Orange, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible
NHTSA complaint #11745995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Orange, NJ
STEERING
Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible
NHTSA complaint #11745995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Orange, NJ
SUSPENSION
Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible
NHTSA complaint #11745995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The reason for the recall on this make and model is what I'm experiencing now. The whole car will shutdown power while driving with no warnings. In traffic the car will just roll to a stop with cars closely behind me. I bought the call September 2016 yet I just saw a recall when I signed up for triple a. The last 12 months I have been on n and out of shops trying to find the reason. Starter was fixed. Battery replaced. Cables replaced. Throttle body replaced yet the car still shutdown in traffic. I don't want to cause an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11742017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The reason for the recall on this make and model is what I'm experiencing now. The whole car will shutdown power while driving with no warnings. In traffic the car will just roll to a stop with cars closely behind me. I bought the call September 2016 yet I just saw a recall when I signed up for triple a. The last 12 months I have been on n and out of shops trying to find the reason. Starter was fixed. Battery replaced. Cables replaced. Throttle body replaced yet the car still shutdown in traffic. I don't want to cause an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11742017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ENGINE
The reason for the recall on this make and model is what I'm experiencing now. The whole car will shutdown power while driving with no warnings. In traffic the car will just roll to a stop with cars closely behind me. I bought the call September 2016 yet I just saw a recall when I signed up for triple a. The last 12 months I have been on n and out of shops trying to find the reason. Starter was fixed. Battery replaced. Cables replaced. Throttle body replaced yet the car still shutdown in traffic. I don't want to cause an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11742017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Relay box underneath drivers side headlight prone to corrosion, causes jeeps from this era to stall and die randomly.
NHTSA complaint #11737453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Relay box underneath drivers side headlight prone to corrosion, causes jeeps from this era to stall and die randomly.
NHTSA complaint #11737453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ava, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Electrical components failed car shut down while driving and put me and my daughters at risk I had to have a part with the lightning bolt that come on the dash replaced but that's all the inspection there was no warning only flashing engine light and it shut down it first happened June 2025 and has happened 3 times since. Also the cruise control when set will accelerate on its own and I have to hit the button multiple times and the brake to get it to stop and shut off.
NHTSA complaint #11730257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ava, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical components failed car shut down while driving and put me and my daughters at risk I had to have a part with the lightning bolt that come on the dash replaced but that's all the inspection there was no warning only flashing engine light and it shut down it first happened June 2025 and has happened 3 times since. Also the cruise control when set will accelerate on its own and I have to hit the button multiple times and the brake to get it to stop and shut off.
NHTSA complaint #11730257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ava, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Electrical components failed car shut down while driving and put me and my daughters at risk I had to have a part with the lightning bolt that come on the dash replaced but that's all the inspection there was no warning only flashing engine light and it shut down it first happened June 2025 and has happened 3 times since. Also the cruise control when set will accelerate on its own and I have to hit the button multiple times and the brake to get it to stop and shut off.
NHTSA complaint #11730257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parker, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving at any time, the speedometer will instantly drop and the car feels like it's about to shut itself off. After a diagnostic with a mechanic, they stated this was the crankshaft issue; similar to a recall for other 2016 jeep compass. My vin is not currently associated with this recall notice, however based on these safety defects, it seems it should be considered under the recall
NHTSA complaint #11726821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parker, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving at any time, the speedometer will instantly drop and the car feels like it's about to shut itself off. After a diagnostic with a mechanic, they stated this was the crankshaft issue; similar to a recall for other 2016 jeep compass. My vin is not currently associated with this recall notice, however based on these safety defects, it seems it should be considered under the recall
NHTSA complaint #11726821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.