Jeep Compass 2007–2016
1st generation (MK) · MK49 (Chrysler PM/MK, Mitsubishi GS-derived)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20262,515 complaints, 1,695 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 1,695
- Median of reported failures
- 68,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Engine (15.5%)
- Recalls
- 9
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 38,500 and 99,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Jeep Compass 2007–2016 · 1,695 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 136 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 12 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 10,000
- 25%
- 38,500
- Median
- 68,000
- 75%
- 99,000
- 90%
- 131,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 136 | 8.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 29 | 1.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 45 | 2.7% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 42 | 2.5% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 21 | 1.2% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 33 | 1.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 61 | 3.6% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 75 | 4.4% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 66 | 3.9% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 68 | 4.0% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 82 | 4.8% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 72 | 4.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 62 | 3.7% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 95 | 5.6% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 77 | 4.5% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 70 | 4.1% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 67 | 4.0% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 61 | 3.6% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 51 | 3.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 63 | 3.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 53 | 3.1% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 45 | 2.7% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 36 | 2.1% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 45 | 2.7% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 32 | 1.9% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 25 | 1.5% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 31 | 1.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 19 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 18 | 1.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 14 | 0.8% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 32 | 1.9% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 17 | 1.0% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 8 | 0.5% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 6 | 0.4% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 12 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 2,515 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2016 Jeep Compass, and 1,695 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 38,500 and 99,000 miles. The median is 68,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the engine (15.5% of complaints, typically around 68,000 miles), the transmission and driveline (9.1% of complaints, typically around 69,000 miles), the electrical system (8.8% of complaints, typically around 65,000 miles).
9 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2007–2016 Jeep Compass last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2007–2016 Jeep Compass were filed by 68,000 miles and 90% by 131,000 miles — figures drawn from 1,695 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
12 reports (0.7%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Compass reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2007–2016 Compass: the 3-minute check
Generated from 1,695 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check transmission on 2007–2016 cars. Jatco JF011E (CVT2) overheating, slipping, shuddering and premature failure. Fluid breaks down under heat stress, the pulleys wear and the belt slips; the transmission drops into limp mode and fails, commonly between…
- Check engine on 2007–2016 cars. 2.0L/2.4L World engine excessive oil consumption and top-end ticking are recurring complaints across the generation.
- Check electrical on 2011–2016 cars. TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) faults consistent with the wider Chrysler TIPM population of the era — no-start, stall, and unrelated multi-system electrical symptoms.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 38,000 and 99,000 miles, with a median of 68,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the transmission and driveline are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The engine in particular shows a median failure mileage of 68,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Jeep Compass 2007–2016
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Airbag system214 reports48,00028,000–87,000Airbag system: 214 reports, median 48,000 miles, middle half 28,000 to 87,000 miles.
- Electrical system221 reports65,00041,000–91,000Electrical system: 221 reports, median 65,000 miles, middle half 41,000 to 91,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise215 reports66,00043,000–97,000Problems owners could not categorise: 215 reports, median 66,000 miles, middle half 43,000 to 97,000 miles.
- Engine391 reports68,00042,000–96,000Engine: 391 reports, median 68,000 miles, middle half 42,000 to 96,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline229 reports69,00039,000–102,000Transmission and driveline: 229 reports, median 69,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 102,000 miles.
- Suspension187 reports73,00042,000–111,000Suspension: 187 reports, median 73,000 miles, middle half 42,000 to 111,000 miles.
- Fuel and propulsion system169 reports78,00058,000–105,000Fuel and propulsion system: 169 reports, median 78,000 miles, middle half 58,000 to 105,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 391 | 15.5% | 68,000 | 42,000–96,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 229 | 9.1% | 69,000 | 39,000–102,000 |
| Electrical system | 221 | 8.8% | 65,000 | 41,000–91,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 215 | 8.5% | 66,000 | 43,000–97,000 |
| Airbag system | 214 | 8.5% | 48,000 | 28,000–87,000 |
| Suspension | 187 | 7.4% | 73,000 | 42,000–111,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 169 | 6.7% | 78,000 | 58,000–105,000 |
| Body structure | 143 | 5.7% | 81,000 | 40,000–105,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 131 | 5.2% | 71,000 | 50,000–103,000 |
| Seat belts | 127 | 5.0% | 49,000 | 32,000–80,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Jeep Compass 2007–2016 · 1,695 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 43% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 69% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 86% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.7% of reports (12) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
43% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 42,000–96,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 39,000–102,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 41,000–91,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 43,000–97,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 28,000–87,000 mi
- Suspension — middle half 42,000–111,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 58,000–105,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
69% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Airbag system — median 48,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 42,000–96,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 39,000–102,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 41,000–91,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — middle half 43,000–97,000 mi
- Suspension — middle half 42,000–111,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 58,000–105,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
86% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine — median 68,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 69,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 65,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 66,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 48,000 mi
- Suspension — median 73,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — median 78,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 68,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 15.5% of complaints (391 reports, 287 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 68,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 42,000 and 96,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 9.1% of complaints (229 reports, 170 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 69,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 39,000 and 102,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 8.8% of complaints (221 reports, 148 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 65,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 41,000 and 91,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 8.5% of complaints (215 reports, 125 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 66,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 43,000 and 97,000 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 8.5% of complaints (214 reports, 81 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 48,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 28,000 and 87,000 miles.
The suspension accounts for 7.4% of complaints (187 reports, 142 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 73,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 42,000 and 111,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2014 model year drew the most — 518 complaints — while 2009 drew the fewest at 60. The median year sits at 218.
That makes 2014 an outlier: roughly 2.4 times the median year of this generation. A single year standing that far apart usually reflects either a first-year issue that was later corrected, or a component change introduced for that year. Anyone shopping this generation has a straightforward reason to prefer a different year, all else being equal.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the steering (2), the fuel system (2), the seat belts (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,515 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 109 (4.3%)
- Fires
- 51
- Injury reports
- 87
- Fatality reports
- 2
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Transmission 2007–2016
Jatco JF011E (CVT2) overheating, slipping, shuddering and premature failure. Fluid breaks down under heat stress, the pulleys wear and the belt slips; the transmission drops into limp mode and fails, commonly between roughly 60,000 and 95,000 miles when fluid service is neglected. A US class action specifically targeted the 2010-2013 cars.
Engine 2007–2016
2.0L/2.4L World engine excessive oil consumption and top-end ticking are recurring complaints across the generation.
Electrical 2011–2016
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) faults consistent with the wider Chrysler TIPM population of the era — no-start, stall, and unrelated multi-system electrical symptoms.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 396 | 315 |
| 2008 | 135 | 111 |
| 2009 | 60 | 45 |
| 2010 | 108 | 75 |
| 2011 | 283 | 197 |
| 2012 | 263 | 177 |
| 2013 | 121 | 86 |
| 2014 | 518 | 309 |
| 2015 | 173 | 111 |
| 2016 | 458 | 269 |
Recalls (9) — is your car included?
Aug 2017 · 2010–2014 · Seat BeltsIf the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk…
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
What can happen. If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Feb 2017 · 2016 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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.
What can happen. If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Feb 2016 · 2015 · SteeringIf the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.
What can happen. If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R68.
Dec 2013 · 2014 · EngineIf the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
What can happen. If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
Jul 2013 · 2012 · Fuel System, GasolineIf the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
What can happen. If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
Jun 2013 · 2010–2012 · Electrical SystemIn the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed…
The defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
What can happen. In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
May 2012 · 2012 · Fuel System, GasolineIn the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured from december 17, 2011, through january 2, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll-over valve.
What can happen. In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 25, 2012. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Jul 2011 · 2011 · SteeringA missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep Compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
What can happen. A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Jun 2010 · 2007 · Vehicle Speed ControlShould the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator…
The defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 Dodge caliber and Jeep Compass passenger vehicles manufactured from march 7 through may 19, 2006. The pivot bushings in vehicles with oversized accelerator pedal bearing pockets may become dislodged and potentially cause the accelerator pedal to bind or stick.
What can happen. Should the pedal bind or become stuck, it can be overcome by smart brakes which override the accelerator pedal in certain conditions.
The free fix. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace all affected accelerator pedal assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on june 29, 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners reported
On the morning of 02/10/2007 i was waiting in a line of vehicles at a local car wash. I had not entered or used the car wash to that point. Suddenly, my rear window literally exploded into thousands of small pieces. I checked the back of my car and the pavement in the back of car for evidence of something that may…
2007 · 3,000 miles · Visibility equipment
Our Jeep 2007 Compass has had an issue with the drivers seat belt remaining latched. Most times it will unlatch itself within seconds of the click sound. And other times, it does unlatch while we are driving. We did take it to the dealership the same year we bought it, and they told us there was nothing wrong with the…
2007 · 3,000 miles · Seat belts
the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. While driving 30 MPH, the contact noticed that the engine, emergency brake, four wheel drive unavailable, and collision center indicators illuminated. The dealer (boardwalk Jeep, 1 bair island rd, redwood city, ca 94063) stated that they would need to keep the vehicle for…
2007 · 3,000 miles · Electrical system
the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. While driving at any speed, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the outer driver's side tie rod and control arm needed to be replaced. The failure still persists. The current mileage…
2007 · 7,000 miles · Suspension
Built from 1,695 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page