SUV · Gas
Jeep Compass 2007–2016 (1st gen)
- Your fit
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- Price
- $19,000–$26,000
- MPG
- 25
- Strength: Strong value retention
- Watch-out: Poor tech
- Watch-out: Poor driving fun
How it scores for you10 scores
A Jeep badge on a dull car-based crossover, undone by weak engines, a vague CVT, and heavy engine and electrical complaints, though resale holds up surprisingly well.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 2 recalls was serious. About 4% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Limited history so far, so this score may move as more recalls are filed. Adjusted -8 points for its wider reputation.
No overall NHTSA crash rating yet, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 48% of cars we track.
22.7 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 42% of other SUVs we track.
Adequate five-seat room and 22.7/53.6 cu ft cargo is roughly segment-typical for a compact crossover, though nothing exceptional.
First-gen Compass is widely panned for its weak, coarse engines, vague CVT feel, and car-based platform with limited off-road ability despite Jeep badge. Not engaging to drive.
Dated 2007-2016 interior with minimal infotainment, few driver aids, and basic features even late in the run. Well behind modern segment standards.
Known for cheap, hard plastics, mediocre seats, and noisy ride. Below-average refinement even by compact SUV norms of its era.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 1,000 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls2 recalls
2 recalls · 6 common complaint areas across 2015–2016
- Engine — 69 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Engine and engine cooling: engine (2016)
- Electrical — 49 complaints (2016)
2016
- RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine16V907000
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.
- Complaint clusterEngine69 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
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 jus
- Complaint clusterElectrical49 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!!
- Complaint clusterPowertrain41 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an e
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other28 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
- Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling25 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in th
2015
- RecallSteering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections15V878000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure retu
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other23 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both headrests on our 2015 Jeep Compass have deployed. It happened while parked in our driveway and without warnings or symptoms. The headrest in the passenger's side happened first, then maybe two months later the headrest in the driver's side deployed. Both times the car was in the driveway not in
- Complaint clusterElectrical15 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It’s been over a year since I’ve experienced stalling problems with my Jeep. At first, it would happen every once in a while. Now, it occurs everyday. There doesn’t appear to be a trigger as it happens while driving on an interstate, highway, while turning, etc. My Jeep will completely shut off and
- Complaint clusterAirbags14 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact inquired with the dealer if there was a recall associated with the VIN. The local dealer
- Complaint clusterEngine13 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while coming to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately. The vehicle
- Complaint clusterPowertrain10 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The minute the front tires start to slip on any surface, I lose power in the engine, I don't have front wheel drive or 4x4. The 4x4 light comes on the dash with an exclamation point and flashes. It rear drive shaft doesn't engage. This makes my vehicle useless. The smallest amount of mud, snow or ic
Cost to own$19,500 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$19,000–$26,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,700/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
23
Highway MPG
30
Combined MPG
25
Horsepower
172 hp
Doors
4
Length
175.2 in
Width
71.3 in
Height
65.0 in
Wheelbase
103.5 in
Curb weight
3,261 lb
Cargo volume
22.7 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
53.6 cu ft
Towing capacity
1,000 lbs
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