Total Complaints
259 filings
JEEP COMPASS · model year
259 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2012JEEPCOMPASS carries 259 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 8 fires, 3 injuries, and 2 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 COMPASS is engine with 36 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (34) and air bags (28). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2012 COMPASS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
259 filings
Crashes Reported
4 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 36 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 34 |
| AIR BAGS | 28 |
| POWER TRAIN | 26 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 24 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23 |
| SEAT BELTS | 22 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 10 |
| SUSPENSION | 9 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 8 |
| STEERING | 6 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 6 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 5 |
| STRUCTURE | 4 |
| SEATS | 4 |
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pret
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or sid
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interru
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
When I attempt to fuel the car, the gas pump immediately shuts off regardless of the gas station or the pump that I am at. The gas also seemed to not want to go into the tank, as I could see some of the gas leaking out around the rim of the tank even though it was empty when I began to fuel.
I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the traction control light sometimes will come on, the steering will tighten up like I've lost power steering, and the car will come to a halt and stop idling. Nothing happens when I give it gas after it's stopped in these circumstances. I learned that if I turn the car off and back on, that will serve as a sort of reset, and I regain power and can get back on the road. The car has had active codes for a catalytic converter and a crankshaft position sensor. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor in Apr
I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the traction control light sometimes will come on, the steering will tighten up like I've lost power steering, and the car will come to a halt and stop idling. Nothing happens when I give it gas after it's stopped in these circumstances. I learned that if I turn the car off and back on, that will serve as a sort of reset, and I regain power and can get back on the road. The car has had active codes for a catalytic converter and a crankshaft position sensor. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor in Apr
I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the traction control light sometimes will come on, the steering will tighten up like I've lost power steering, and the car will come to a halt and stop idling. Nothing happens when I give it gas after it's stopped in these circumstances. I learned that if I turn the car off and back on, that will serve as a sort of reset, and I regain power and can get back on the road. The car has had active codes for a catalytic converter and a crankshaft position sensor. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor in Apr
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the nozzle kicked off and shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the fuel tank rollover valve being defective. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,176.
Mileage: 63,176
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross members were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Mileage: 97,000
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross members were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Mileage: 97,000
Everytime I drive it acts as if itâs not getting sufficient fuel to the engine . Have had multiple things replaced to try and fix the problem but still not helped . Whole Engine sputters when I stop and acts as if itâs not getting any fuel to accelerate. Has almost caused a few crashes . To my surprise recalls have been made for my vehicle but says they have been repaired. I personally donât think they have
Everytime I drive it acts as if itâs not getting sufficient fuel to the engine . Have had multiple things replaced to try and fix the problem but still not helped . Whole Engine sputters when I stop and acts as if itâs not getting any fuel to accelerate. Has almost caused a few crashes . To my surprise recalls have been made for my vehicle but says they have been repaired. I personally donât think they have
The vehicle just went through an inspection with the dealership before being sold to me. The vehicle is stalling when making turns and driving. There are no warning lights, there is a full tank of gas, no warning of it going to happen and it just stalls. The Jeep stalled at an intersection, stalled driving through a parking lot and again today stalled turning from an intersection. It almost caused me to get rear ended in an accident. Luckily they did not but that was scary enough for me to check for recalls and to my surprise there is for my year and type but not my VIN, my vehicle was manufactured April 2012, does not have high miles and should not be having these issues.
My Coils had to be replaced several times. Last week I started to drive my car on a major road, shaking and no power. My car had to be towed once again. My mechanic told me the Jeeps have issues with the Coils. Not sure why this keeps happening but now It's scary to drive my vehicle and not knowing how quick this happens again. Recently my check engine light came on and off, changed the fuel gas cap, and had a code read. My mechanic mentioned that there was a safety recall regarding the manifold ? if so was this ever done and where I would like documents provided. Please respond Via email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My Coils had to be replaced several times. Last week I started to drive my car on a major road, shaking and no power. My car had to be towed once again. My mechanic told me the Jeeps have issues with the Coils. Not sure why this keeps happening but now It's scary to drive my vehicle and not knowing how quick this happens again. Recently my check engine light came on and off, changed the fuel gas cap, and had a code read. My mechanic mentioned that there was a safety recall regarding the manifold ? if so was this ever done and where I would like documents provided. Please respond Via email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced. All bearing had to be replaced. Two of which were fixed before 60,000 miles. Hood rusted completely through. Cross members are rusting through.
The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced. All bearing had to be replaced. Two of which were fixed before 60,000 miles. Hood rusted completely through. Cross members are rusting through.
The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced. All bearing had to be replaced. Two of which were fixed before 60,000 miles. Hood rusted completely through. Cross members are rusting through.
The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that an additional 20-30 minutes was needed to fill the fuel tank while refueling. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the roll-over valve was damaged. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer later referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Mileage: 44,000
Iâm in Bradley, Illinois, and after the first snowfall, these indicators lit up. The ABS, the ESC, and the 4WD. I thought because of inclement weather, they would go off, but have remained lit for a couple of weeks now. One day, while driving to work, the throttle lagged, and I couldnât accelerate past 20 mph for over 10 minutes amidst heavy traffic. When this occurred, the ABS light turned off, then suddenly lit up again, and the truck sped up. This has happened several times. I was told all recalls were repaired, so I am wondering if this is a new concern? Please advise. Thank you for your help and time.
Iâm in Bradley, Illinois, and after the first snowfall, these indicators lit up. The ABS, the ESC, and the 4WD. I thought because of inclement weather, they would go off, but have remained lit for a couple of weeks now. One day, while driving to work, the throttle lagged, and I couldnât accelerate past 20 mph for over 10 minutes amidst heavy traffic. When this occurred, the ABS light turned off, then suddenly lit up again, and the truck sped up. This has happened several times. I was told all recalls were repaired, so I am wondering if this is a new concern? Please advise. Thank you for your help and time.
- The passenger headrest of my 2012 Jeep Compass Limited deployed while the car was in motion on the highway with no reason to deploy. Yes, the component is available for inspection. - This created a distraction to the driver that could have resulted in an accident and also could have injured the passenger. - The dealer mentioned that the issue has happened to other cars, but in my case they could not help me because my car is not under warranty. They told me they could not assist and requested I call Jeep Customer Care. - Jeep Customer Care replied ""We have review the information on your case and sadly found that we are unable to offer any assistance with the head restraint repair." - The vehicle component has not been inspected. - No warning lights, messages or symptoms of the problem
The rear suspension crossmember and suspension control arm rotted out on my 2012 Jeep Compass. Also, cross member cracked. Two repair shops inspected the damage and told me that I should be very careful driving the vehicle to get it repaired because there wasn't much hold the rear wheel on. They both said that the problem cause cause a catastrophic failure, which would lead to the rear wheel falling off. At highway speeds this might cause a serious accident. Both repair shops also said they have seen a lot of Jeeps with this type of rust damage. The steel used for the components must have been inferior or the factory rust protection on these components was inadequate. There are probably thousands of older jeep models (Compass, Patriot, etc.) driving around in a dangerous condition. The only warning that I got was a slight squeaking noise when I went over bumps. The sound would be fairly normal for an eleven year old vehicle. But, I decided to get under the car and spray some liqui
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.