The most-reported Compass run is 3C4NJDBB4JT (2018 builds) with 31 complaints, 8.4× the typical run. Engine problems make up 27% of reports; 2018 is the worst model year at 10.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns for Compass model years 2007–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Jeep Compass has 1,021 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 4% of every Compass complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3C4NJDBB4JT•••••• | 2018 | 1 | 1 | |
| 3C4NJDBB3JT•••••• | 2018 | 1 | 1 | |
| 3C4NJDBB5JT•••••• | 2018 | 1 | — | |
| 3C4NJDBB7JT•••••• | 2018 | 1 | — | |
| 3C4NJDBB8JT•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C4NJDBB9JT•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C4NJDBB2JT•••••• | 2018 | 1 | — | |
| 3C4NJDBBXJT•••••• | 2018 | 2 | — | |
| 3C4NJDCB2JT•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C4NJDBB1JT•••••• | 2018 | — | — | |
| 3C4NJDCB7JT•••••• | 2018 | 3 | — | |
| 3C4NJDBB6JT•••••• | 2018 | — | — |
Each of the other 1,009 Compass runs has 24 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 277 Compass VINs so far, most often 2025, 2024, 2026 builds; 5 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Jeep Compass the gap between build years is 7.2×: a 2018 car draws 10.8 complaints per run, a 2021 one 1.5.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 22 | 5 | |
| 2024 | 53 | 34 | 6 | |
| 2023 | 44 | 25 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 223 | 58 | 11 | |
| 2021 | 80 | 54 | 5 | |
| 2020 | 140 | 58 | 3 | |
| 2019 | 319 | 68 | 13 | |
| 2018 | 929 | 86 | 28 | |
| 2017 | 223 | 93 | 10 | |
| 2016 | 287 | 61 | 8 | |
| 2015 | 113 | 48 | 4 | |
| 2014 | 284 | 81 | 18 | |
| 2013 | 68 | 42 | 6 | |
| 2012 | 173 | 70 | 2 | |
| 2011 | 173 | 51 | 6 | |
| 2010 | 73 | 43 | 5 | |
| 2009 | 55 | 31 | — | |
| 2008 | 142 | 42 | 3 | |
| 2007 | 360 | 60 | 10 |
Heaviest year here is 2018 at 10.8 complaints per run; lightest is 2025 at 1.2. The 2025 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 27% of everything Jeep Compass owners report: Engine, 1,216 of 3,767 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 17 | 15 | |
| Electrical System | 13 | 18 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 14 | 10 | |
| Power Train | 23 | 5 | |
| Suspension | 13 | 2 | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 62 | 5 | |
| Steering | 14 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 27 recall campaigns on the Jeep Compass; the 6 below cover build years 2010 to 2023. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 16V668000 | Seat Belts:pretensioner | 2010–2014 |
| 13V233000 | Air Bags:side/window | 2010–2012 |
| 24V436000 | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 2022–2023 |
| 23V576000 | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel | 2022–2023 |
| 20V208000 | Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages | 2019–2020 |
| 18V523000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper | 2018–2019 |
16V668000 was opened in 2016 on cars built from 2010: 6 years on the road before the recall.
The Compass against its rivals
The Compass draws 3.7 complaints per production run; the Toyota RAV4 2.3, the Nissan Rogue 5.6 and the Ford Escape 8.9.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Compass | 3,767 | 1,021 | 3.8% | |
| Toyota RAV4 | 8,453 | 3,661 | 8.5% | |
| Nissan Rogue | 6,889 | 1,234 | 4.5% | |
| Ford Escape | 25,954 | 2,909 | 2.7% |
How serious were they
Of the 3,767 reports on the Jeep Compass, 3.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Jeep Compass | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 3,767 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 145 (3.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 49 (1.3%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 110 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 34% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Jeep Compass share of that is 3,767 complaints over 1,021 runs, 0.34% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Jeep Compass VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 3,767 NHTSA complaints from 1,021 Compass runs and 27 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Compass production run has the most complaints?
3C4NJDBB4JT, a 2018 build, with 31 complaints, 1 of them after a crash. The typical Compass run has 3.7.
Which Compass years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2018 is heaviest at 10.8 complaints per run and 2025 lightest at 1.2.
Does the Compass get more complaints than the Toyota RAV4?
Yes: 3.7 complaints per production run for the Compass against 2.3 for the Toyota RAV4.
How many Compass complaints involve a crash?
3.8% of 3,767 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 49 involved a fire.
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