What are the most common Jeep Compass problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 846+ owner reports, the 2012 Jeep Compass has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Jatco CVT Transmission Failure / Overheating, Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Short Circuit — Airbags and Pretensioners May Not Deploy (Recall 16V668 / S61), Fuel Tank Roll-Over Valve / Transfer Tube Defects — Fuel Leak Risk (Recalls 12V142 and 13V120). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Jeep Compass reliable?
The 2012 Jeep Compass has 10 known issues documented across 846+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Jatco CVT Transmission Failure / Overheating and Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Short Circuit — Airbags and Pretensioners May Not Deploy (Recall 16V668 / S61) and Fuel Tank Roll-Over Valve / Transfer Tube Defects — Fuel Leak Risk (Recalls 12V142 and 13V120). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Jeep Compass problems?
Repair costs for known Jeep Compass issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Jatco CVT Transmission Failure / Overheating, typically costs $200-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass Jatco CVT Transmission Failure / Overheating?
First-generation Compass models (2007-2017) equipped with the Jatco CVT2 continuously variable transmission suffer from overheating, slipping, shuddering, and premature failure. The CVT fluid breaks down under heat stress, causing the pulleys to wear and the belt to slip. Overhea… Repairs typically run $200-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2014 Jeep Compass Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) Short Circuit — Airbags and Pretensioners May Not Deploy (Recall 16V668 / S61)?
On 2011-2014 first-generation Compass (and Patriot), the Occupant Restraint Control module mounted under the console can short internally. A shorted ORC disables the front airbags, side airbags and seat-belt pretensioners in a crash, usually with the airbag warning lamp lit. The… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2012 Jeep Compass Fuel Tank Roll-Over Valve / Transfer Tube Defects — Fuel Leak Risk (Recalls 12V142 and 13V120)?
Two 2012-model-year fuel tank manufacturing defects. 12V142 (M11, 1,689 vehicles built Dec 17, 2011 - Jan 2, 2012) covers tanks whose roll-over valve was damaged by the supplier's leak-test equipment, allowing fuel to leak in a rollover or impact. 13V120 covers 2012 Compass/Patri… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass Thermostat Housing Coolant Leak?
The plastic thermostat housing on the 2.0L and 2.4L World engines is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing warps from heat cycling, causing the O-ring seal to fail. This leads to external coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage if not addressed. The s… Repairs typically run $80-$350. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2018 Jeep Compass Front Lower Control Arm Bushing and Tie Rod Wear Causing Clunk and Wander?
The MK Compass (shared platform with the Patriot and Caliber) wears out the front lower control arm rear bushings and the inner/outer tie rod ends early - many owners report replacement between 40,000 and 80,000 miles. Symptoms start as a clunk or pop through the floor when accel… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2021 Jeep Compass Rear Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Failure (Repeat Failures)?
Both the MK (2007-2016) and MP (2017+) Compass use a sealed rear hub/bearing unit that owners report failing as early as 30,000-40,000 miles, frequently repeating on the same corner within a year of replacement. Owners describe a growl or hum that rises with speed and changes whe… Repairs typically run $250-$650. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2022 Jeep Compass Blocked Sunroof Drain Tubes Causing Water Leaks into Headliner and Rear Cargo Area?
Sunroof-equipped Compasses use four drain tubes (two front A-pillar, two rear routed down the D-pillar to behind the rear wheels). The tubes clog with pollen and debris or become kinked/disconnected at the sunroof tray, and the overflow dumps inside the vehicle. Owners consistent… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2011-2016 Jeep Compass Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss (P0420) - Emissions Recall U67?
The catalytic converter on 2011-2016 front-wheel-drive Compass models with the 2.0L or 2.4L World Engine loses efficiency and exceeds NOx standards, a defect FCA acknowledged in emissions recall U67 (part of a roughly 862,000-vehicle campaign covering the Compass, Patriot and Cal… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Jeep Compass TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure — Wipers, Headlights, Horn Operating Randomly or Dead (First Generation)?
On first-generation (MK) Compass models the underhood TIPM fuse/relay module develops internal relay and circuit-board faults. Owners report wipers turning on by themselves or only working on high, low/high beams dying with good bulbs, the horn honking randomly, dash lights flick… Repairs typically run $300-$1,700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 Jeep Compass HVAC Blend Door Actuator Gear Failure (Clicking Behind the Dash, Stuck Temperature)?
The plastic gears inside the temperature blend door actuator strip, so the actuator motor free-spins and ratchets. Owners hear a rapid tick-tick-tick from behind the glovebox or center dash for several seconds after startup and every time the temperature or mode is changed, and o… Repairs typically run $90-$400. Severity: low.
