2021 Jeep Compass reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2021 Jeep Compass has 80 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 10 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Compass years here — under the median of the other years, which is 18. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Jeep Compass
Photo by Navigator84, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
Complaints

80

Per year

10

Recalls

0

Years on the road

6

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (34 of 80), then Engine (18) and Powertrain (9). Those filings include 5 that report a crash and 2 that report a fire.

Next to 2020 and 2022

The 2020 Compass has 140 complaints, 15 per year, and the 2022 has 222 complaints, 59 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2021 Jeep Compass. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (0)

No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.

Complaints by component (80 total)

Electrical system
34
Engine
18
Powertrain
9
Speed control
6
Steering
6
Service brakes
5
Exterior lighting
4
Forward collision avoidance
4
Fuel and propulsion system
4
Engine and engine cooling
3
Lane departure
3
Seat belts
3
Air bags
2
Suspension
2
Back-over prevention
1
Fire-related
1
Hydraulic brakes
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Wheels
1
Show 11 more Show less
Crash-flagged

5

Fire-flagged

2

Injury reports

0

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

120207202132022182023172024182025162026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle lost power, but was able to be restarted, and the vehicle…"
    Powertrain, Electrical system · filed 2026-09-14
  • "I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass Limited due to repeated coolant loss, overheating/high-temperature warnings, and eventual engine failure. The vehicle began losing coolant and required…"
    Engine · filed 2026-09-06
  • "Screen glitching can’t use touch screen and rear view camera not available when screen is glitching."
    Electrical system, Unknown or other · filed 2026-09-05
  • "To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious…"
    Electrical system, Speed control, Engine · filed 2026-08-27
  • "The engine will shut off completely while traveling a a normal rate of speed. The temperature gauge will malfunction and report high temperature (when there is none) and the engine will shut off. It cannot be restarted…"
    Electrical system, Unknown or other, Engine · filed 2026-05-19

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 3 stars
2021 Jeep Compass SUV FWD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 3 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Compass four-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 22 30 25 MPG $2600
Compass front-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 6-speed Front-wheel drive 22 31 25 MPG $2600

Specs and fitment

MP generation, 2017–present
Body styles SUV
Oil 0W-20 (2.4L Tigershark) , 5 qt capacity
Tire size 225/60R17 to 245/45R19 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 2,000 lbs

Known issues for this generation

NHTSA campaign 20V208000. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions. Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Compass reliable?

The 2021 Jeep Compass has 80 complaints with NHTSA after 6 years, or 10 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Compass years here — under the median of the other years, which is 18. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

What are common problems with a 2021 Jeep Compass?

The complaints owners file most often name Electrical system (34 of 80), then Engine (18) and Powertrain (9). Those filings include 5 that report a crash and 2 that report a fire.

Is the 2021 Jeep Compass more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2020 Compass has 140 complaints, 15 per year, and the 2022 has 222 complaints, 59 per year. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2020. The 2021 has fewer complaints per year than the 2022.

Has the 2021 Jeep Compass been recalled?

NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Jeep Compass?

Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Compass with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2021 Jeep Compass get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2021 Jeep Compass is 25 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Compass take?

5W-20 (2.0L and 2.4L)

What does NHTSA recall 16V-668 cover on the Jeep Compass?

NHTSA campaign 16V668000.

What generation is the 2013 Jeep Compass?

MK49 (US) (2012-2016).