JEEP COMPASS · model year

2017 JEEP COMPASS

374 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017JEEPCOMPASS carries 374 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 15 crashes, 4 fires, 3 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 2017 COMPASS is electrical system with 83 filings, followed by engine (71) and unknown or other (63). 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 2017 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.

374
Complaints
15
Crashes
4
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
2017 JEEP COMPASS — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 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

374 filings

Crashes Reported

15 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM83
ENGINE71
UNKNOWN OR OTHER63
POWER TRAIN40
SERVICE BRAKES24
STEERING14
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10
AIR BAGS10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
SUSPENSION6
SEATS3
INTERIOR LIGHTING2
PARKING BRAKE2

Recalls (4)

17V82400021/12/2017

EQUIPMENT

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 ma

17V74000021/11/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

17V30100009/05/2017

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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.

17V43300007/07/2017

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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.

Recent Complaints

20260203ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 100,851

20260203POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 100,851

20260202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20260202AIR BAGS

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.

20260202ENGINE

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.

20251226ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20251216SERVICE BRAKES

While driving, my parking break will turn on and halt the car. It usually is around when there is an issue with my auto start/stop.

20250912ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While attempting to do a U-turn on two different occiasions once the U-turn has been completed the car would stop and turn off. There was not power. Would attempt to restart the car and it would not. Needed to get a jump-start for the car to start. One other time when attempting to do a U-turn the car would act as if would stop, in this case did not but took about 2 miles before it would accelerate properly

20250912ENGINE

While attempting to do a U-turn on two different occiasions once the U-turn has been completed the car would stop and turn off. There was not power. Would attempt to restart the car and it would not. Needed to get a jump-start for the car to start. One other time when attempting to do a U-turn the car would act as if would stop, in this case did not but took about 2 miles before it would accelerate properly

20250912UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While attempting to do a U-turn on two different occiasions once the U-turn has been completed the car would stop and turn off. There was not power. Would attempt to restart the car and it would not. Needed to get a jump-start for the car to start. One other time when attempting to do a U-turn the car would act as if would stop, in this case did not but took about 2 miles before it would accelerate properly

20250902SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was violently shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Mileage: 57,000

20250805POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was shaking, and the contact noticed a burning odor. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured half-shaft. The contact was informed that the half-shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V301000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure recently became a persistent failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,862.

Mileage: 90,862

20250729AIR BAGS

My front passenger active headrest deployed while parked.

20250429ENGINE

When driving my Jeep Compass, there have been numerous instances of the vehicle stalling out when slowing down or stopping at a light/stop sign. This has happened on busy roads, at busy intersections, and on country roads. When it happens, I cannot control any aspect of the vehicle; the breaks no longer work, I cannot turn the wheel, I cannot change gears or easily put it into park, and it takes multiple attempts to turn it off and back on. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the incidents occurring, which started on 4/22/2025. Today, 4/29/2025, I checked my oil level and found that it was extremely low, although it should not be and I'm not yet due for an oil change. The Jeep Compass is going through more oil than usual and there is no message or notification showing at any time. I believe that this is the cause of the issues, and makes it extremely unsafe for myself, my passenger and other drivers/vehicles as it has happened on the highway and at inter

20250429SERVICE BRAKES

When driving my Jeep Compass, there have been numerous instances of the vehicle stalling out when slowing down or stopping at a light/stop sign. This has happened on busy roads, at busy intersections, and on country roads. When it happens, I cannot control any aspect of the vehicle; the breaks no longer work, I cannot turn the wheel, I cannot change gears or easily put it into park, and it takes multiple attempts to turn it off and back on. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the incidents occurring, which started on 4/22/2025. Today, 4/29/2025, I checked my oil level and found that it was extremely low, although it should not be and I'm not yet due for an oil change. The Jeep Compass is going through more oil than usual and there is no message or notification showing at any time. I believe that this is the cause of the issues, and makes it extremely unsafe for myself, my passenger and other drivers/vehicles as it has happened on the highway and at inter

20250429STEERING

When driving my Jeep Compass, there have been numerous instances of the vehicle stalling out when slowing down or stopping at a light/stop sign. This has happened on busy roads, at busy intersections, and on country roads. When it happens, I cannot control any aspect of the vehicle; the breaks no longer work, I cannot turn the wheel, I cannot change gears or easily put it into park, and it takes multiple attempts to turn it off and back on. There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the incidents occurring, which started on 4/22/2025. Today, 4/29/2025, I checked my oil level and found that it was extremely low, although it should not be and I'm not yet due for an oil change. The Jeep Compass is going through more oil than usual and there is no message or notification showing at any time. I believe that this is the cause of the issues, and makes it extremely unsafe for myself, my passenger and other drivers/vehicles as it has happened on the highway and at inter

20250409ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When driving the vehicle it has shut off the engine and stalled, it also shut off and a few milliseconds later restarted on the highway has done the multiple time

20250409ENGINE

When driving the vehicle it has shut off the engine and stalled, it also shut off and a few milliseconds later restarted on the highway has done the multiple time

20250325SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the driver’s side front seat belt unclipped and failed to secure the occupant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Mileage: 108,000

20250220ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Wiring compartment under the front wheel well is completely eroded away which caused my vehicle to completely stop driving and turning on. When looking at the whole wiring harness under the wheel well, wires were completely falling out of where they connect to the fuses because of how bad the erosion is. I was driving my car with my 4 year old child in it on the highway and it started to jerk, lights started flashing on the dash, including the airbag light, and then all at once shut completely off, lights went out, would not start back up at all. I had it towed back to my house and now it will not start up at all. I replaced a bunch of parts to it and then that is when I discovered that it was the whole wiring box under the wheel well that had corrode a bunch of wires. When hooking up the battery to try and jump it to. see if it would start, the wires that were loose started sparking and almost caught fire.

Compare 2017JEEPCOMPASS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 JEEP COMPASS have?
The 2017 JEEP COMPASS has 374 NHTSA complaints, 15 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 JEEP COMPASS?
The 2017 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 2017 JEEP COMPASS?
Yes, the 2017 JEEP COMPASS has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 JEEP COMPASS?
The most-complained component for the 2017 JEEP COMPASS is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 83 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2017 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 2017 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.