2012 Jeep Compass Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Jeep Compass.

20112013
Complaints
261
per 10K Sold
64.9
US Sales
40,235
Crashes
4
Fires
8
Injuries
3
Fatalities
2
Recalls
4

Worst 2012 Jeep Compass Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#136 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:81,203 mi
Fires:1
#234 complaints

Fuel System

Avg mileage:62,100 mi
#328 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:69,910 mi
Crash-related:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Jeep Compass.

Engine Problems
36
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
81,203
Fuel System
34
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
62,100
Airbags
28
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
69,910
Transmission / Drivetrain
26
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
68,695
Electrical Faults
23
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
61,886
Seat Belt Issues
22
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
58,265
Gasoline Fuel System
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,893
Unintended Acceleration
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
77,072
Suspension Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
81,747
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
78,913
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
44,915
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
83,970
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Interior Lighting
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Jeep Compass. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2012 Jeep Compass

4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,712,509 vehicles.

16V668000Seat Belts:pretensioner · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive · Airbags
~1,435,625 affected

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.

13V233000Electrical System:software · Seat Belts · Air Bags:side/window
~254,396 affected

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.

13V120000Gasoline Fuel System
~20,799 affected

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.

12V142000Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
~1,689 affected

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.

Other Jeep Compass Years

2012 Jeep Compass — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Jeep Compass reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2012 Jeep Compass has 261 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 36 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (36 complaints, avg 81,203 mi); Fuel System (34 complaints, avg 62,100 mi); Airbags (28 complaints, avg 69,910 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 68,380 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2012 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Jeep Compass include 4 crash-related reports, 8 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,712,509 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2012 Jeep Compass?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Jeep Compass reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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