JEEP COMPASS · model year

2014 JEEP COMPASS

516 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014JEEPCOMPASS carries 516 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 11 fires, 30 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 3/5 front crash, 5/5 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 2014 COMPASS is engine with 91 filings, followed by air bags (91) and seat belts (53). 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 2 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 2014 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.

516
Complaints
28
Crashes
11
Fires
30
Injuries
0
Deaths
2014 JEEP COMPASS — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 JEEP COMPASS. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 3.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

516 filings

Crashes Reported

28 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 3/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE91
AIR BAGS91
SEAT BELTS53
UNKNOWN OR OTHER36
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35
POWER TRAIN33
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL32
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25
SEATS24
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)19
SERVICE BRAKES18
STRUCTURE:BODY9
STEERING8
SUSPENSION7
WHEELS6

Recalls (2)

16V66800015/09/2016

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

13V55200006/11/2013

ENGINE

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly r

Recent Complaints

20260217AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest deployed. Approximately 2 months later, while entering the vehicle, the passenger’s side headrest deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to another facility to replace the air bags; however, the air bags were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20260217SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest deployed. Approximately 2 months later, while entering the vehicle, the passenger’s side headrest deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to another facility to replace the air bags; however, the air bags were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20260210ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine). Several dealers and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Mileage: 96,000

20251206POWER TRAIN

am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or reca

20251206STEERING

am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or reca

20251206SUSPENSION

am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or reca

20251130ENGINE

Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.

20251130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.

20250923SUSPENSION

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that there was severe rusting to the rear suspension, with fractures on the passenger's side of the vehicle, with a fractured, detached suspension on the driver's side. The mechanic replaced the rear sub-frame, stabilizer links, and control arm. Approximately one year later, after driving 130,000 additional miles, the daughter informed the contact that oil needed to be added more frequently. The contact was informed that while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated quickly; and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved abnormally and coasted before decelerating. The driver was able to make it to the nearest parking lot and turned off

20250923ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that there was severe rusting to the rear suspension, with fractures on the passenger's side of the vehicle, with a fractured, detached suspension on the driver's side. The mechanic replaced the rear sub-frame, stabilizer links, and control arm. Approximately one year later, after driving 130,000 additional miles, the daughter informed the contact that oil needed to be added more frequently. The contact was informed that while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated quickly; and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved abnormally and coasted before decelerating. The driver was able to make it to the nearest parking lot and turned off

20250916ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and, while releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to a stop, shift into park(P), and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The failure reoccurred and became a persistent failure, and occurred at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and metal shavings were found inside the oil pan, which the engine failure. The engine was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact learned that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired in 2018. The contact called another dealer, Baxter Auto Group (17225 Burt St, Omaha, NE 68118); but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a third dealer, Woodhouse Chrysler Dod

Mileage: 85,000

20250821FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving, a ticking noise was present coming from the engine, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. Moments later, smoke and flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was an engine failure. A fire report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who replaced the engine with a used engine, but shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the engine failed and the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

20250818ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving in a tunnel at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was immediately restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. During the failure, there were no warning lights or messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not performed. The contact was informed that no diagnostic codes were found related to the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

20250727AIR BAGS

Headrest airbag went off randomly with no reason while driving. It broke when it went off and cannot be put back or reset.

20250727SEATS

Headrest airbag went off randomly with no reason while driving. It broke when it went off and cannot be put back or reset.

20250716UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The 2014 Jeep Compass was in a parking lot and the driver side head restraint opened up as though there was an accident, but there was no accident and no warning system, message, or other symptoms. There is broken plastic inside the headrest, so it cannot be reassembled. It is a safety issue because the part cannot be put into the original configuration that was intended by Jeep, so the current safety of my neck while in this car is unknown. Police and insurance were not involved because there was no accident. Dealer claims that (a) Jeep will not pay for a replacement despite the existence of multiple TSB's, and (b) there is a federal law preventing replacement parts from being manufactured on hand, so they must be ordered for every occurrence of a complaint, meaning I have been waiting for months to get this replaced - while in an uncertain state of safety. I am concerned that I will approach a statute of limitations on my complaint and not be able to get it fixed at all.

20250716SEATS

The 2014 Jeep Compass was in a parking lot and the driver side head restraint opened up as though there was an accident, but there was no accident and no warning system, message, or other symptoms. There is broken plastic inside the headrest, so it cannot be reassembled. It is a safety issue because the part cannot be put into the original configuration that was intended by Jeep, so the current safety of my neck while in this car is unknown. Police and insurance were not involved because there was no accident. Dealer claims that (a) Jeep will not pay for a replacement despite the existence of multiple TSB's, and (b) there is a federal law preventing replacement parts from being manufactured on hand, so they must be ordered for every occurrence of a complaint, meaning I have been waiting for months to get this replaced - while in an uncertain state of safety. I am concerned that I will approach a statute of limitations on my complaint and not be able to get it fixed at all.

20250511ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it’s not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn’t handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!

20250511VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it’s not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn’t handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!

20250511ENGINE

The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it’s not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn’t handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!

Compare 2014JEEPCOMPASS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 JEEP COMPASS have?
The 2014 JEEP COMPASS has 516 NHTSA complaints, 28 crashes, 11 fires, 30 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 JEEP COMPASS?
The 2014 JEEP COMPASS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 3/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 JEEP COMPASS?
Yes, the 2014 JEEP COMPASS has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 JEEP COMPASS?
The most-complained component for the 2014 JEEP COMPASS is ENGINE with 91 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS.
Is the 2014 JEEP COMPASS safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2014 JEEP COMPASS has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.