CarBrief

The 2014 Jeep Compass has 307 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and 2 recalls, one of which involves air bags that may not deploy[1][2]. Engine and air bag complaints lead the list, so check recall status before you buy or keep one[3][4].

307owner complaints[1]
2recalls[5]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[6]
4★NHTSA overall rating[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 307 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of these, 20 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 24 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Component group Complaints
Engine[3] 93
Air bags[4] 91
Seat belts[8] 53
Electrical system[9] 36
Unknown or other[10] 36
Power train[11] 35
Speed control[12] 35
Seats[13] 26

Engine. The 93 engine complaints have a median mileage at failure of 68,000[3]. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving in 7 of 12 texts[3].

Air bags. There are 91 complaints, with 12 crashes and 18 injuries, the highest of any group[4]. In the sample we read, owners describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash in 5 of 12 texts, and 4 of 12 describe waiting for repair parts for recall 16V668[4].

Seat belts. There are 53 complaints[8]. In the sample we read, 10 of 12 texts mention a recall notice and a wait for repair parts[8].

Electrical system. There are 36 complaints[9]. In the sample we read, 5 of 12 texts describe stalling or an electrical shut down while driving[9].

The samples are small, so they show what owners write about but not how common each problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year, newest first.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. Combined ratings run from 21 to 25 MPG, and estimated annual fuel cost from $2,700 to $3,200[6][15].

Version City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[16] 21 / 28 / 24 $2,800
FWD, 2.0L, Automatic 6-spd[17] 21 / 28 / 24 $2,800
FWD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[6] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.0L, Manual 5-spd[18] 23 / 30 / 25 $2,700
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[19] 21 / 27 / 23 $2,900
4WD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[20] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700
4WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[15] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200
FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[21] 22 / 26 / 24 $2,800

Fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2WD version 4 stars overall[7]. It gets 3 stars for frontal crash, 5 for side and 4 for rollover[7]. Rollover risk is 18.5%[7]. The 4WD version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 16.4%[22].

Engine and size

EPA test vehicles list these power ratings:

Size comes from Canadian-market specifications, so US models can differ slightly[26][27].

Measure FWD AWD
Length 174 in 174 in
Width 71 in 71 in
Height 64 in 64 in
Wheelbase 104 in 104 in
Curb weight 3,192 lb 3,344 lb

FWD figures are from[27] and AWD figures from[26].

How 2014 compares with other years

2007: 435 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 172 complaints, 0 recalls2009: 64 complaints, 1 recalls20092010: 81 complaints, 2 recalls2011: 188 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 184 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 80 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 307 complaints, 2 recalls30720142015: 113 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 293 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 229 complaints, 4 recalls20172018: 946 complaints, 6 recalls2019: 330 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 143 complaints, 1 recalls2021: 81 complaints, 0 recalls20212022: 225 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 49 complaints, 2 recalls20232024: 53 complaints, 0 recalls2025: 29 complaints, 0 recalls20252026: 5 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Compass model year. The 2014 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20074354
20081720
2009641
2010812
20111883
20121844
2013801
20143072
20151131
20162931
20172294
20189466
20193302
20201431
2021810
20222254
2023492
2024530
2025290
202651

The 2014 Compass has 307 complaints and 2 recalls[5]. Among the 20 model years NHTSA lists for the Compass, only three have more complaints: 2018 with 946, 2007 with 435 and 2019 with 330[5]. For recalls, 2018 has 6, and 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 have 4 each[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the ranking as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2014 Compass?

The data does not point to a clean pass or a clear warning. The complaint count is high for this model[1][5], and the largest groups are engine and air bags[3][4]. The 16V668 recall is the one to settle first, because it concerns air bags and belt pretensioners that may not deploy[2], so ask for proof that both recalls were done and check the VIN yourself. Safety ratings are 4 stars overall[7][22]. Our data does not cover price, towing or long-term reliability, so a pre-purchase inspection is a sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA lists 93 engine complaints and 91 air bag complaints out of 307 total[1][3][4]. Owners in the sample we read describe stalling and air bags that did not deploy[3][4].
Does the 2014 Jeep Compass have recalls?
Yes, two. 16V668 covers an occupant restraint module that may disable air bags and pretensioners, and 13V552 covers balance shaft debris in 2.4L engines[2][14].
What MPG does a 2014 Jeep Compass get?
EPA combined ratings range from 21 to 25 MPG depending on version[16][15]. The FWD 2.4L automatic is rated 21 city and 28 highway[16].
How safe is the 2014 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, 3 for frontal and 5 for side crashes[7][22].
Is 2014 a bad year for the Jeep Compass?
It has the fourth highest complaint count of the 20 listed model years, with 307[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 307 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Jeep Compass (20 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 16V668, filed September 15, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  3. 93 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 91 complaints name the air bags component group (12 crashes, 1 fires, 18 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,656). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Compass model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Compass FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 53 complaints name the seat belts component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 36 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 36 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 35 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 35 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,814). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 26 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,843). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 13V552, filed November 6, 2013: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Compass FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Compass FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Compass FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Compass FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Compass with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 158 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Compass with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 172 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Jeep Compass with electric motor: rated 165 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COMPASS 4DR SUV AWD SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,344 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COMPASS 4DR SUV FWD SPORT/NORTH/LIMITED: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,192 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.