Jeep Compass problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The second-generation Jeep Compass (MP, 2017–present) is best known for oil consumption on the 2.4L Tigershark, covered for 2017–2018 models by a 2022 settlement extending the powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles. Recalls include a cracked 2.4L oil pump housing and mis-welded front lower control arms on 2018 models.

CarWhere lists 6 documented Compass issues, including 5 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Compass generations at a glance

Jeep Compass generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
MP2017–present2.4L Tigershark oil consumption · 2.4L cracked oil pump housing recall · Front lower control arm weld recall · Rear brake caliper piston coating recall · Front head restraint weld recall · Rearview camera image software recall

MP Compass problems (2017–present)

2.4L Tigershark oil consumption (2017–2018)

Major repair
Generation:
MP (2017–2018)
Years:
2017–2018
Powertrain:
2.4L Tigershark MultiAir I4

The Compass’s 2.4L was part of the Wood v. FCA US LLC class action alleging worn oil control rings let the engine burn oil. FCA denied wrongdoing but settled (final approval December 1, 2022). Covered 2017–2018 Compass models received a powertrain warranty extension to 7 years/100,000 miles, and those failing a dealer oil consumption test under CSN W80 get a replacement long block.

Symptoms

  • Low-oil warnings between changes
  • Needing to add oil regularly
  • Blue smoke or fouled plugs

Check before buying

  • Ask whether CSN W80 or an engine replacement was done
  • Check the oil level and ask how often it is topped up

Sources: [1]

2.4L cracked oil pump housing recall (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
MP (2018)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
2.4L Tigershark I4

Some 2018 Compass and Cherokee models with the 2.4L had a cracked oil pump housing that could cause oil pump failure and an engine stall. Dealers inspect and replace the pump as needed.

Symptoms

  • Low oil pressure warning
  • Engine noise followed by stalling

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete

NHTSA recall: 17V670 (2017-10)

Sources: [2]

Front lower control arm weld recall (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
MP (2018)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All engines

Front lower control arms on some 2018 Compasses may have been incorrectly welded and could separate, causing loss of control. Dealers inspect and replace the arms as needed.

Symptoms

  • Clunk from the front suspension
  • Steering pull or wander

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Inspect the lower control arm welds for cracks

NHTSA recall: 18V279 (2018-05)

Sources: [2]

Rear brake caliper piston coating recall (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
MP (2018–2019)
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All engines

Rear brake caliper pistons on some 2018–2019 Compasses had an insufficient coating that could let gas pockets form and reduce rear braking. Dealers bleed the brake system.

Symptoms

  • Soft or long brake pedal
  • Longer stopping distances

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Check brake pedal feel on the test drive

NHTSA recall: 18V523 (2018-08)

Sources: [2][3]

Front head restraint weld recall (2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
MP (2022)
Years:
2022
Powertrain:
All engines

Front seat head restraints on some 2022 Compasses were not welded properly and do not meet federal head restraint standard FMVSS 202, raising injury risk in a crash. Dealers replace both front head restraints.

Symptoms

  • Head restraint that feels loose or moves when locked

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete

NHTSA recall: 22V248 (2022-04)

Sources: [4]

Rearview camera image software recall (2022–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
MP (2022–2023)
Years:
2022–2023
Powertrain:
All engines

Radio software on some 2022–2023 Compasses (and many other Stellantis models) may stop the rearview camera image from displaying. The fix is a radio software update, at a dealer or over the air.

Symptoms

  • Blank or frozen screen when reversing

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Shift into reverse several times and confirm the camera image appears

NHTSA recall: 24V436 (2024-06)

Sources: [4][5]

Related Compass research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Compass was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Jeep build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Jeep build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Jeep Compass problems?

The best-documented issue is oil consumption on the 2.4L Tigershark in 2017–2018 models, covered by a 2022 class action settlement. Recalls include a cracked oil pump housing and mis-welded lower control arms on 2018 models.

Does the Jeep Compass burn oil?

2017–2018 Compass models with the 2.4L were part of the Wood v. FCA US LLC settlement. It extended powertrain coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles and provides a replacement long block for engines that fail FCA’s oil consumption test (CSN W80).

Which Compass years have the most recalls?

2018 has the most significant ones: the 17V-670 oil pump, 18V-279 control arm and 18V-523 rear caliper recalls. 2022 models have head restraint, gauge cluster and rear camera recalls.

How do I check a used Compass for open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask the seller for dealer repair orders. On 2017–2018 models, also ask whether the oil consumption test or engine replacement was done.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Fiat Chrysler 2.4L Tigershark oil consumption class action settlement (Wood v. FCA US LLC) — Top Class Actions
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2018 Jeep Compass — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recalls: 2019 Jeep Compass — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recalls: 2022 Jeep Compass — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2023 Jeep Compass — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Stellantis or Cummins Inc. Ram, Jeep, Dodge, HEMI, SRT, Hellcat, Hurricane and the model names are trademarks of their owners.