2010 Jeep Compass: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 71 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (17% of complaints); the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“System failed was the throttle body, power (engine?) and brakes. I was unable to accelerate while going up a hill. When this happened the whole vehicle shut off which wouldn't allow me to push in the break pedal since I was still in drive. This could of caused us to be hit from the traffic following behind me. This put our lives at risk. Unknown, unsure what is being questioned as far as repeoducing a problem? It has failed my states safety inspection yesterday. I just purchased this vehicle a week ago. Warning lights were lightening bolt, abs light and traction control light.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2024
“The brake and ABS are on. Also there is a lightning bolt that appears on the cluster. The honk does not want to work as well and it is associated with the airbag since its installed with it in the center of the steering wheel.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2023
“The contact's son-in-law owns a 2010 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change and tire rotation, the mechanic informed him that the rear subframe was cracked. The mechanic advised the contact's son-in-law to not drive the vehicle until the rear subframe was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“my front and rear sub-frame rotted out, making my vehicle dangerous to drive for me my family and other passengers that ride in my vehicle,it is also a danger to other vehicles and persons on the road. Chrysler knows of this problem with 2010 jeep compass but has never issued a safety recall, it seems only fair that Chrysler should held responsible to recall this vehicle since they used cheap parts knowing they would not hold up in states with heavy winters and the use of salt on roadways.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2021
“My 2010 jeep compass was taken in for an inspection today. It failed for lower front subframe being totally rusted out. This is unacceptable for a 10 year old vehicle and very unsafe!”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2021
“The vehicle keep on honking on it own. We took the vehicle to the dealership which the diagnosed and repaired the problem but the vehicle from time keeps honking. We took it back to the dealership they say there's no code showing up for the and it never went off while there.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2020
“Every time I fill my jeep up it starts jerking then completely quits. I restart my jeep and start to pull out onto the street and/or highway it still jerks for the first few seconds then quits. I had a engine diagnostic test and had to replace the canister costing me $248.00 not counting labor cost. This has been an issues for the last seven months to date, the jerking and shutting off of my jeep”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2020
“I have been driving my vehicle for almost a year now it and it seems like the clutch pedal is binding, the pedal depresses when I'm driving but feels like it has some kind of resistance. I'm not sure if it may be an underlying issue or not but this is best how it can be described.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2020
“Jeep compass has just over 61,000 miles, when turning to go up my driveway the control arm fell to the ground. I had to purchase new vehicle as this was unsafe to drive. The service department at lia jeep of northampton reported to me that I would keep continuing having other problems with underneath the car even if repaired as it was so bad. This is why I chose to get new vehicle. Metro jeep of chicopee, ma took is as a trade and will be towed there today. 10/4/19 I was very thankful that this did not happen at high rate of speed or I may not be typing this right now.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2019
“The car leaks thru the overhead lights during rain/storms which causes the water to come onto the shift control column causing major distraction while driving. In addition, the water leakage also runs along the driver sidebar, and pools on the drivers floorboard and the seat immediately aft. This is a safety hazard when water is pouring out of the overhear dome lights onto the shifter/driver while driving. Rain comes in be it stationary or driving. This has been a constant problem since we have owned this car. We have repaired/replaced the sunroof, new windshield...nothing works. This car is a safety hazard, I don't allow any members of my family to drive it any longer.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
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 side airbags.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Compass by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA has 71 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Jeep Compass. The most complained-about area is air bags (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Jeep Compass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Jeep Compass have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:pretensioner. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.