2016 Jeep Compass: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 292 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (36% of complaints); the 2015 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 9 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 292 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Spontaneous deployment of passengers headrest . A safety system defect causing passengers concerned discomfort ! Plastic mechanism failure CANNOT be repaired. Headrest must be replaced by Jeep covered regarding the safety & security of their customers. Headrest deployed problem encountered has been reported in many Jeeps. FCA US LLC due to safety should correct the problem , at no charge , even if the vehicle is out of warranty and are not the original owner.... Please contact me aSAP THANK YOU.”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2026
“Car stalls turns off by itself could be at red lights or even while driving twice already!! Needs to be recalled as well and repaired pls repairs cost thousands!!! Not safe!! I have owned it for 4-5 years and it has happened maybe 7-8 times but most recently this week twice!!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
“Since purchasing this vehicle in 2022 the crankshaft position sensor has been replaced 4 times (twice by the dealer in 2022, once in 2023 and once in 2024) and now it is dying while driving once again with the check engine light indicating that it is once again the crankshaft position sensor”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turning the wheel while in park grinding noise, loud rumbling when air conditioner is on, jerking forward when press on gas. This car is horrible”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2026
“While driving at any time, the speedometer will instantly drop and the car feels like it's about to shut itself off. After a diagnostic with a mechanic, they stated this was the crankshaft issue; similar to a recall for other 2016 jeep compass. My vin is not currently associated with this recall notice, however based on these safety defects, it seems it should be considered under the recall”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
“The engine failed while driving on the expressway putting us in a dangerous spot on the outer lane. It was towed to Etscorn's in Louisville, KY and we were told despite everything looking ok on the outside, there was an internal engine failure of some kind and it would cost $900 to take it apart just to find out. I don't have that kind of money.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
“Electrical components failed car shut down while driving and put me and my daughters at risk I had to have a part with the lightning bolt that come on the dash replaced but that's all the inspection there was no warning only flashing engine light and it shut down it first happened June 2025 and has happened 3 times since. Also the cruise control when set will accelerate on its own and I have to hit the button multiple times and the brake to get it to stop and shut off.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Feb 2026
“My vehicle is experiencing the same symptoms as Recall 16V907 (S89). Crankshaft shift sensor but the vin was not bringing up the recall.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“The reason for the recall on this make and model is what I'm experiencing now. The whole car will shutdown power while driving with no warnings. In traffic the car will just roll to a stop with cars closely behind me. I bought the call September 2016 yet I just saw a recall when I signed up for triple a. The last 12 months I have been on n and out of shops trying to find the reason. Starter was fixed. Battery replaced. Cables replaced. Throttle body replaced yet the car still shutdown in traffic. I don't want to cause an accident.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2025
“Electronic throttle control Vehicle light came on my 2016 jeep compass dash as I was on vacation vehicle would not accelerate and turned off causing us to almost wreck and having to leave it on the side of the road and call a Uber and get a tow. There is many reports of this issue it needs to be a recall.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
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 2016 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA has 292 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2016 Jeep Compass. The most complained-about area is engine (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Compass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 57,000 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Jeep Compass have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine. 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.