2011 Jeep Compass: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 187 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (16% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 and 2013 model years look 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 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall F 50 for the same issue.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2024
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refueling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2024
“Cuando estoy con el vehiculo en marcha suben las revoluciones del vehiculo este diminuye la velocidad corriendo, lo cual podria ocacionar un accidente”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2024
“Front wheel assembly with broken connection to frame which was caused by a rusted out frame that mechanic said make vehicle extremly dangerous to drive. Front Wheels buckled outward. Can't drive car any more.”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2023
“Front subframe rusted out due to salt corrosion and as Kentucky is not listed as a Salt belt state the recall notice went unsent and the consumer was not advised nor were service locations.”Owner report · Steering · May 2023
“The suspension has completed rusted through. My mechanic can stick his arm all of the way through. There was a recall on other VINs but not mine so far. There needs to be one since I wasn't told about this safety problem until my mechanic went to replace other parts. I was never told this through any means. Jeep needs to do better. I am now out of a car and will have to pay thousands just to get the parts fixed.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2023
“My mechanic reported that car's rear control arm has broken away from frame of car and is a very unsafe condition to use. No warning was given. Was found during normal inspection on mechanics lift. Manufacturer would not help during owners notification of problem but recognized the seriousness of the problem. Dealer has not been notified just my mechanic professional's recommendation.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2022
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle rear end swerved to the right while driving straight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact regained control and stopped the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear underside was severely rusted; causing the rear suspension to separate from the under body. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2022
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the wheels aligned, she was informed that the work could not be performed due to severe subframe corrosion. The vehicle was then taken to a second independent mechanic who provided the same diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 2011 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA has 187 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Jeep Compass. The most complained-about area is power train (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Compass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Jeep Compass have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive. 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.