2013 Jeep Compass: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 80 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (29% of complaints).
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 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Catalytic converter problem Warning engine light keeps coming on. This has happened over several years. It now comes on everyday. It is now in shop to be fixed and code shows front converter is bad which includes the manifold.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“Attached is a work order request for a defective door handle on my Jeep Compass. The driver side door handle we have determined is wrapped in metal and is delaminating. It has caused a hand injury to my daughter due to the wrapping on the door handle coming apart and being extremely sharp. We have taken the car to our local dealer for inspection and they have verified that this is not normal and we believe the part is defective. Additionally, the passenger side handle is starting to do the same. This is a dangerous defective part and attempts to correspond with Jeep/Stellantis have been completely ignored.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2024
“Passenger seat headrest ejected itself. Outside of the car was getting a handwash and suddenly the headrest just shot open. Now nobody is able to sit in passenger seat safely. Unsure how this could happen as car was operating just fine prior.”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“This vehicle before had the cvt transmission replaced as it was over heating/inoperable. Complete replacement. Flash forward not even a year I was driving and thr transmission made a noise and basically locked up causing the driver to hit curb at high rate of speed along the freeway. The vehicle again is disabled with a transmission defect and requires replacement. 2nd transmission failure and will need replacement and caused injury during collision with curb at high rate of speed without any indication lights of a mechanical issue prior to impact.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2022
“Jeep first issues was at 89k, not shifting. Second issues was at100k transmission over heated. Dealer/ warranty had me changed the fluid and filter for transmission. Third issue, 130k transmission made a whining noise and stopped. Jeep was towed to the shop. After doing some research, turns out that the transmission on several these Jeep's have same issue. The transmission should be on manufactured recall.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2021
“Purchased 2013 jeep compass with 109,000 miles. Noticed it burned oil bad. Replaced spark plugs, changed oil to synthetic as recommend and filter. Continued to have excessive oil burn. 3 bottles every 2 weeks. Was driving it and heard a loud noise and something didnt feel right., she pulled over as oil light came on. Now oil was checked and was full prior to driving 40 minutes, now oil light on, checked oil and was low. Had to call a tow truck, had it towed to garage and engine is fried. At 111,000 miles, needs a whole new engine. Engine it is is a 2.4l . If my daughter didnt think quick to pull off the road and stop, this would have been a horrible accident”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Dangerously dropping into limp mode without warning or ability to override for safety. Early full system transmission failure without no options for repair. Finally died by making whining noise, going into limp mode and staying there. The excessive cost of replacing the transmission makes it not cost effective. Only option is to replace the vehicle altogether.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2020
“I had my jeep in for regular service & it was discovered to have a rusted subframe. It was suggested to take it to the dealer. I made the appointment. It was evaluated & determined that my VIN was not included in the extended warranty, even though it is the same issue with prematurely rusting. I contacted jeep customer care on two occasions, but they will not help. The cost to replace the subframe is over $1,300. It is a safety issue & if not repaired will continue to corrode & diminish the handling of my jeep as well as the structural support.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2020
“Cvt transmission over heating during normal driving conditions. Dangerously dropping into limp mold at highway speeds without warning or ability to override for safety. Early full system transmission failure without no options for repair. Finally died by making whining noise, going into limp mode and staying there. The excessive cost of replacing the transmission makes not cost effective. Only option is to replace the vehicle altogether.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2020
“I purchased this jeep a year ago very low mileage. About 2 weeks into it the jeep started heating up. Long story short this vehicle at its 100k miles needed a transmission replacement that cost me over 3000.00 with such little mileage I believe this is a manufacture error., ive heard several of these jeep compasses needing transmissions under 100k miles”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 2013 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA has 80 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Jeep Compass. The most complained-about area is power train (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Jeep Compass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,000 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Jeep Compass have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags. 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.