2012 Jeep Compass problems and complaints

Owners have filed 184 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Compass. The most-reported areas: Engine (36), Fuel/Propulsion System (34), Air Bags (28).

Key takeaways

  • 184 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 3 involve a crash, 5 a fire, 2 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3620%
Fuel/Propulsion System3418%
Air Bags2815%
Power Train2614%
Unknown Or Other2413%
Electrical System2413%
Seat Belts2212%
Structure127%
Suspension105%
Fuel System105%
Gasoline105%
Vehicle Speed Control105%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2012 Jeep Compass SUV 4WDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5
2012 Jeep Compass SUV 2WDNot ratedNot ratedNot rated4/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Suspension,structure - filed 2026-07-09

2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car. I really do like my Jeep Compass, is there any remedy to this situation. I have...

Fuel System, Gasoline - filed 2026-03-24

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the midd...

Fuel System, Gasoline - filed 2026-03-16

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the contact was unable to pump more than one gallon at a time. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the roll-over valve was defective and needed to be repla...

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More for the 2012 Jeep Compass

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.