VehicleVerdict

2017 Jeep Compass problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 385 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Compass year — the 2017 model ranks #7 of 20 Compass years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 99 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

385

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Compass years?

Compass NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Compass years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Jeep Compass problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System9926%
Engine7118%
Other6517%
Transmission4211%
Brakes328%
Steering154%
Fuel System103%
Airbags103%
Speed Control103%
Lighting82%
Suspension72%
Driver Assistance41%
Seats31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 2017 Jeep Compass have recalls?

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

17V824000OtherDecember 21, 2017 · 61,791 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

17V740000Electrical SystemNovember 21, 2017 · 25,823 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence

An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.

17V433000OtherJuly 7, 2017 · 12,989 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.

Consequence

If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners and will replace the User's Guides with a corrected version, free of charge. The recall began August 22, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T46.

17V301000TransmissionMay 9, 2017 · 4,705 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.

Consequence

If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR DOORS OPENED AND A BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VENTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MANHATTAN JEEP (629 W 54TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10019, [PHONE]) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 12, 2018 · fire

“On July 9th 2022 the car showed a low oil pressure warning then shut down going around a curve but I was able to restart the vehicle. Within a few minutes I was stopped at an intersection and the car stalled again and I was unable to restart it which resulted in my car being rear ended. On July 12…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 9, 2022 · crash

“MAY 23, 2019, MY HUSBAND WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED OUR COMPASS ACCORDING TO THE POLICE IN THE TOWN. THE SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 30MPG. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY HUSBAND WAS TAKEN TO FINLEY HOSPITAL. THERE WERE INJURIES CONSISTING OF ROTATOR CUFF DAMAGE. I WILL BE LOOKING INTO A LAWSUIT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 23, 2019 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL , IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ALL MY WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH WENT OFF AND THE CAR CUT MY FUEL SERVICE OFF, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, I PULLED OVER IN A PARKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND COULDN'T START IT BACK UP AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOCKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 20, 2019 · crash

“I CAME DOWN A HILL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, STREET THEN BECAME LEVEL AND I CAME TO STOP SIGN, I STOPPED AND MY ENGINE DIED AND MY EMERGENCY BRAKE CAME ON. I HAD TO REMOVE FOOT FROM BRAKE, PUT BACK ON BRAKE, RESTART ENGINE AND THEN I COULD DISENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE. DEALER IS TELLING ME THIS BECAUSE IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 12, 2019

2017 Jeep Compass — common questions

Is the 2017 Jeep Compass reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 385 complaints put the 2017 model at #7 of 20 Compass years. It is one of the Compass years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Compass problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (99 complaints), engine (71 complaints), other (65 complaints).

Does the 2017 Jeep Compass have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Jeep Compass. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Jeep Compass under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations 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.

How safe is the 2017 Jeep Compass?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Jeep Compass earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.