VehicleVerdict

2010 Jeep Compass problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2010 Jeep Compass is among the quieter years of the Compass on NHTSA's books: 108 complaints (49% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (18), body & structure (13), and seat belts (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

108

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Compass years?

Compass NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted1,614 complaints2007: 396 complaints2008: 135 complaints2009: 60 complaints2010: 108 complaints2011: 283 complaints2012: 261 complaints2013: 121 complaints2014: 518 complaints2015: 173 complaints2016: 450 complaints2017: 385 complaints2018: 1,614 complaints2019: 569 complaints2020: 249 complaints2021: 131 complaints2022: 387 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 103 complaints2025: 43 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Compass NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Compass years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Jeep Compass problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1817%
Body & Structure1312%
Seat Belts1110%
Fuel System109%
Other98%
Electrical System87%
Suspension87%
Speed Control66%
Steering66%
Engine55%
Brakes44%
Transmission44%
Seats22%
Lighting22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2010 Jeep Compass have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V668000Seat BeltsSeptember 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

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.

13V233000Seat BeltsJune 4, 2013 · 254,396 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER INJURED HER BACK, NECK, AND LEGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 26, 2013 · crash

“THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING PARKED FOR 2 HOURS. NO KEY IN IGNITION. LOOKED OUT AND SAW FIRE COMING OUT OF THE REAR OF THE CAR. LIGHTING FIXTURE WAS COMPLETE BURNED OUT AS WELL AS EVERYTHING ELSE OVE TO WHERE THE GAS TANK SPOUT IS. FIRE DEPT CAME. FILLED OUT A REPORT . THE HEAD LIGHTS AND OTHER LIGHTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 28, 2016 · fire

“MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND MY SEATBELT DID NOT PREVENT ME FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL. MY NECK, LEFT KNEE, AND CHEST WAS INJURED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 8, 2015 · crash

“MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR WAS REVVING HIGH AFTER SHIFTING GEARS. RPMS WERE APPROXIMATELY 4000 ONCE SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR GOING 20 MPH. CALLED DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE NEXT DAY IN THE HIGHWAY THE CAR HAD NO POWER. WOULD ONLY BE ABLE TO GO 40MPH IN A 65 IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 19, 2014 · fire

“FILLED MY GAS TANK AT THE GAS STATION BEFORE GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. CAR STALLED AND TURNED OFF MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. LOST CONTROL OF BREAKS AND STEERING. NO WARNING LIT UP ON DASH. GOOGLED AND FOUND OUT MANY OTHERS HAVE THIS ISSUE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND I WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 25, 2019

2010 Jeep Compass — common questions

Is the 2010 Jeep Compass reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 108 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Compass year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2010 Compass problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (18 complaints), body & structure (13 complaints), seat belts (11 complaints).

Does the 2010 Jeep Compass have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Jeep Compass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Jeep Compass under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Jeep Compass years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Compass years to avoid are 2018, 2019, 2014, 2016, 2007, 2022, 2017, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2013. The cleanest record among Compass years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.