NHTSA vehicle safety data

2017 Jeep Compass Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2017 Jeep Compass has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 229 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Jeep dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Jeep Compass, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2017 Jeep Compass owner complaints

Owners have filed 229 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Jeep Compass, describing incidents dated April 11, 2017 to September 15, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 86 complaints
Engine 71 complaints
Unknown or Other 65 complaints
Power Train 42 complaints
Service Brakes 27 complaints
Steering 16 complaints

Of the 229 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 229 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11765444 · Filed September 19, 2026
I am reporting a serious steering/suspension safety problem with my 2017 Jeep Compass. After picking the vehicle up from the dealership following repairs/service, the vehicle was significantly more difficult and frightening to control than before. While driving, the Jeep will suddenly veer toward…
ODI #11739861 · Filed May 25, 2026
When driving the 2017 Jeep Compass, a bubble which has formed on the touchscreen causes it to randomly change different settings (such as turning on the heated seats/steering wheel, turning on the AC or heat, etc.), caused music to suddenly start playing at loud volumes, caused it to call random…
ODI #11728909 · Filed April 2, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact had traded a prior vehicle for the Jeep. The vehicle was a private sale. The following day, the mileage jumped nearly 40,000 miles. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 110,246 and the next day the mileage was 154,085. Since…

Read all 229 complaints

Owner-reported

2017 Jeep Compass mileage at failure

157 of the 229 complaints on file for the 2017 Jeep Compass give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Power Train	Median 40,000 miles	Middle half 20,000–70,000 miles	Based on 35 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2017 Jeep Compass in 3 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE19-014: Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Closed February 25, 2026
Engineering Analysis EA19-001: Electrical overstress
Closed September 19, 2024
- Recall 20V-024
Audit Query AQ17-004: Northwest Chrysler Jeep Dodge Sale Issue
Closed November 23, 2020

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #17V824000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported December 21, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 61,791 vehicles

Repair completion: 48.34% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T82 · Owners notified February 14, 2018 · Vehicles built May 5, 2017 – June 1, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Safety consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Instrument Brightness not Adjustable/FMVSS 101

NHTSA #17V740000 · Electrical System — Instrument Cluster/Panel · NHTSA notice

Reported November 21, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 25,823 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.6% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T70 · Owners notified December 8, 2017 · Vehicles built July 29, 2017 – September 11, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Safety consequence

An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

User Guide has Incorrect Jumpstarting Information

NHTSA #17V433000 · Equipment — Other — Owners/Service/Other Manual · NHTSA notice

Reported July 7, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 12,989 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.95% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T46 · Owners notified August 22, 2017 · Vehicles built October 17, 2016 – April 28, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.

Safety consequence

If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners and will replace the User's Guides with a corrected version, free of charge. The recall began August 22, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T46.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Halfshaft may Disengage/Loss of Drive

NHTSA #17V301000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly — Axle Shaft · NHTSA notice

Reported May 9, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Potentially affected: 4,705 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.75% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign T26 · Owners notified June 12, 2017 · Vehicles built October 27, 2016 – June 1, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.

Safety consequence

If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2017 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

16% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 3, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

229 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Jeep Compass.

Steering; Suspension; Wheels

ODI #11765444

Incident: September 15, 2026 · Filed: September 19, 2026

I am reporting a serious steering/suspension safety problem with my 2017 Jeep Compass. After picking the vehicle up from the dealership following repairs/service, the vehicle was significantly more difficult and frightening to control than before. While driving, the Jeep will suddenly veer toward the shoulder/ditch or toward/over the center line even though I have not intentionally moved the steering wheel in that direction. I have to repeatedly correct the steering to keep the vehicle in my lane. The problem becomes worse and more dangerous as speed increases. There are also multiple popping/clunking noises coming from underneath the vehicle. The steering feels unstable and the vehicle does not consistently track in the direction the steering wheel is pointing. This creates a serious risk of losing control, leaving the roadway, or colliding with another vehicle. The dealership has previously diagnosed problems involving the steering/rack and pinion and has had the vehicle multiple times for repairs. After the most recent service, the steering condition became extremely unsafe. I notified the dealership immediately and provided video showing the steering/vehicle movement. The dealership owner responded that I should obtain an attorney and have my attorney contact theirs. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this steering/suspension safety issue because I believe the vehicle presents a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11739861

Incident: May 21, 2026 · Filed: May 25, 2026

When driving the 2017 Jeep Compass, a bubble which has formed on the touchscreen causes it to randomly change different settings (such as turning on the heated seats/steering wheel, turning on the AC or heat, etc.), caused music to suddenly start playing at loud volumes, caused it to call random numbers, etc. which makes it impossible to use the touchscreen or display screen at any time. This also has made the backup camera inoperable, as it just switches to the radio screen or something else while you are in the process of reversing the vehicle.

Electrical System

ODI #11728909

Incident: April 1, 2026 · Filed: April 2, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact had traded a prior vehicle for the Jeep. The vehicle was a private sale. The following day, the mileage jumped nearly 40,000 miles. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 110,246 and the next day the mileage was 154,085. Since owning the vehicle, the contact stated that the mileage had gone back and forth between the two mileages. The contact obtained a vehicle history report online, which confirmed that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle history report showed that on December 12, 2025, the mileage was 177,382.

Electrical System

ODI #11728362

Incident: March 3, 2026 · Filed: March 31, 2026

Car just cuts off. Batteries are good, alternator good no codes! Rpm goes to o cuts off parking break comes takes a couple of seconds to start then cuts off at random times while driving very unsafe!!!! Taken to dealer can’t find anything wrong!!!

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #11727337

Incident: March 19, 2026 · Filed: March 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle and the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and exited the vehicle to inspect the brakes. The brakes on the vehicle and the brakes were extremely hot. The contact reentered and started the vehicle after five minutes, and the vehicle operated as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the brake caliper needed to be replaced. The brake caliper, rotors, and brake pads were replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Steering; Suspension; Wheels

ODI #11721519

Incident: February 1, 2026 · Filed: March 2, 2026

Tire rods and suspension failed vehicle is unsafe to operate .

Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Power Train

ODI #11719884

Incident: October 8, 2025 · Filed: February 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle were shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stopped the vehicle to inspect it and became aware that the front passenger’s side wheel was extremely hot to the touch. The contact deactivated the Traction Control light, and the failure was temporarily corrected before recurring. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11715198

Incident: January 26, 2026 · Filed: February 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. While accelerating, there was an abnormal grinding and clanking metallic sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. After three hours of being stranded on the roadway, the vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic determined that the failure was related to the drive shaft, transfer case, and driver’s side front half shaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,851.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Engine

ODI #11714975

Incident: February 2, 2026 · Filed: February 2, 2026

I was approaching a stoplight and every light on the dash lit up, the car wouldn’t go after stopping and it wouldn’t turn off when put in park. I also couldn’t shift into any other gear. This is seriously dangerous and not the first time I’ve had major mechanical issues with this vehicle.

Electrical System

ODI #11707071

Incident: December 24, 2025 · Filed: December 26, 2025

My lights keep blinking on dashboard saying 4 wheeldrive isn't available and my vehicle keeps shutting off in the middle of me driving it,this is very dangerous,I took it to Carlock Dodge Jeep and for recall on vehicle that they say was causing the problem they fixed the recall but vehicle still doing the same thing

Other Jeep Compass model years

Check your 2017 Jeep Compass VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Jeep Compass at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Jeep VIN