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2017 Jeep Compass: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 229 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Jeep Compass, and the largest group is the electrical system[1][2]. Four recalls are on file, and each one lists a free remedy[3][4][5][6].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 229 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Ten mention a crash, 3 a fire and 3 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one part, so the group counts below add up to more than the total.
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[2] | 86 | 21,000 |
| Engine[10] | 71 | 29,000 |
| Unknown or other[11] | 64 | 23,200 |
| Power train[12] | 42 | 39,082 |
| Brakes[13] | 29 | 27,000 |
| Steering[14] | 16 | 36,453 |
| Electronic stability control[15] | 12 | 21,000 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[16] | 10 | 11,500 |
All 3 fires in the model-year total are in the electrical group[1][2]. The engine group has 1 crash and no fires or injuries[10]. The power train group has 3 crashes[12].
We also read a sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four groups: electrical, engine, power train and brakes[2][10][12][13]. This is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how common a problem is.
- Engine. In 8 of 12 texts, owners describe the engine shutting off while the car was moving, often at an intersection or on a highway[10]. In 6 of 12, they describe heavy oil use or very low oil, sometimes linked to the shutoff[10]. A few mention the stop/start feature, including one where the engine did not restart[10].
- Electrical. In 6 of 12 texts, owners describe a sudden loss of power or several systems failing at once, such as gauges, radio, lights and the backup camera[2]. Two say the dash stays too bright, and one of them says the problem continued after the recall update[2][4].
- Power train. Three of 12 describe harsh or hesitant shifting[12]. Three connect a driveshaft or axle problem or a grinding noise with the halfshaft recall, including cars the owner says were not covered[12][6]. Two describe the car rolling while parked[12].
- Brakes. Five of 12 describe the parking brake applying itself or a brake warning light coming on while driving[13]. Three describe losing power steering and brake assist after the engine stalled[13].
Recalls
NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first.
- Fire extinguisher (17V824). Dec 21, 2017[3]. Certain Kidde fire extinguishers may clog, so they do not discharge or need too much force. In some models the nozzle can detach hard enough to cause injury. The risk is more injury in a fire. The fix is a free replacement extinguisher from Kidde. Chrysler notifies owners, and the recall began February 14, 2018[3]. About 61,791 vehicles across various Dodge, Chrysler and RAM models are potentially affected[3].
- Instrument panel brightness (17V740). Nov 21, 2017[4]. The backlight on the instrument cluster cannot be dimmed, which does not meet a federal display standard. A cluster that is too bright at night can make it harder to see and raises crash risk. Dealers update the cluster software as necessary, free of charge. The recall covers certain 2017 and 2018 Compass vehicles, and 25,823 units are potentially affected[4].
- Jump-start instructions (17V433). Jul 7, 2017[5]. The User's Guide shows the battery terminal polarity reversed in its jump-start graphic. Following it could connect the jumper cables wrong and raise injury risk. Chrysler replaces the guide with a corrected version, free. Potentially affected units: 12,989[5].
- Left front halfshaft (17V301). May 9, 2017[6]. On certain Compass vehicles with a 6-speed transmission[6], the left front halfshaft may not be seated properly. It can come out of the transmission or break. The result is a loss of drive, and a car parked without the parking brake may roll even in Park. Either one can raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the halfshaft and replace any that are not properly engaged, free of charge. Potentially affected units: 4,705[6].
Fuel economy
EPA lists several versions of the 2017 Compass. Combined ratings run from 21 to 26 MPG[17][8], and the EPA annual fuel cost estimate runs from $2,600 to $3,200[8][17]. The estimate uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Est. annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Compass FWD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[18] | 21 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 |
| Compass 4WD, 2.4L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[17] | 20 / 23 / 21 | $3,200 |
| Compass 4WD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[19] | 20 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 |
| Compass 4WD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[20] | 22 / 27 / 24 | $2,800 |
| Compass FWD, 2.0L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[21] | 22 / 26 / 24 | $2,800 |
| Compass FWD, 2.4L, Manual 5-spd[22] | 23 / 28 / 25 | $2,700 |
| Compass FWD, 2.0L, Manual 5-spd[23] | 23 / 30 / 25 | $2,700 |
| New Compass 4WD, 2.4L, Automatic 9-spd[24] | 22 / 30 / 25 | $2,700 |
| New Compass 2WD, 2.4L, Automatic 6-spd[25] | 22 / 31 / 25 | $2,700 |
| New Compass 2WD, 2.4L, Manual 6-spd[8] | 23 / 32 / 26 | $2,600 |
| New Compass 4WD, 2.4L, Manual 6-spd[26] | 22 / 31 / 25 | $2,700 |
All versions use regular gas[18][17][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][8][26]. The ratings do not say which version a given car is, so check the car you are looking at.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2017 Compass 4 stars overall in both the 4WD and FWD versions[9][27]. Frontal crash is 3 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars[9][27]. NHTSA's rollover risk is 16.4% for 4WD[9] and 18.5% for FWD[27].
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows these horsepower ratings for the 2017 Compass:
- 2.0L 4-cylinder: 158 hp[28]
- 2.4L 4-cylinder: 172 to 184 hp, depending on version[29]
- Electric motor: 165 hp[30]
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models[31][32].
How 2017 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 435 | 4 |
| 2008 | 172 | 0 |
| 2009 | 64 | 1 |
| 2010 | 81 | 2 |
| 2011 | 188 | 3 |
| 2012 | 184 | 4 |
| 2013 | 80 | 1 |
| 2014 | 307 | 2 |
| 2015 | 113 | 1 |
| 2016 | 293 | 1 |
| 2017 | 229 | 4 |
| 2018 | 946 | 6 |
| 2019 | 330 | 2 |
| 2020 | 143 | 1 |
| 2021 | 81 | 0 |
| 2022 | 225 | 4 |
| 2023 | 49 | 2 |
| 2024 | 53 | 0 |
| 2025 | 29 | 0 |
| 2026 | 5 | 1 |
NHTSA data for the Jeep Compass covers model years 2007 to 2026[7]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
- Complaints. The 2017 model year has 229, which is sixth highest of the 20 years[7]. Five years are higher: 2018 (946), 2007 (435), 2019 (330), 2014 (307) and 2016 (293)[7].
- Recalls. The 2017 model year has 4[7]. That ties with 2007, 2012 and 2022 for second most. Only 2018 has more, with 6[7].
The neighbors are very different. 2016 has 293 complaints and 1 recall, while 2018 has 946 complaints and 6 recalls[7].
Should you buy a used 2017 Compass?
The record is mixed. Electrical and engine complaints lead the list, and the electrical group has all 3 reported fires[1][2][10]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe engine shutoffs and oil use, but a sample cannot tell you how often that happens[10]. All four recalls state a free remedy, so ask the seller or a Jeep dealer to confirm each one was done[3][4][5][6]. Safety ratings are 4 stars overall, and fuel economy depends a lot on the version, so match the ratings to the exact car[9][27][18][8].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Jeep Compass?
- By NHTSA complaint count, the electrical system leads with 86 of 229 complaints, followed by the engine with 71[1][2][10]. In a small sample of texts, owners describe engine shutoffs, oil use and sudden electrical failures[2][10].
- Does the 2017 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
- Yes, four: 17V824 (fire extinguisher), 17V740 (instrument panel brightness), 17V433 (jump-start instructions) and 17V301 (left front halfshaft)[3][4][5][6]. Each lists a free remedy.
- How many miles per gallon does a 2017 Jeep Compass get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 21 MPG (4WD, 2.4L, automatic with variable gear ratios) to 26 MPG (New Compass 2WD, 2.4L, manual 6-spd)[17][8].
- Is the 2017 Jeep Compass safe?
- NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall for both 4WD and FWD, with 3 stars for frontal crash and 5 stars for side crash[9][27].
- Is 2017 a good year for the Jeep Compass?
- By NHTSA counts, 2017 has 229 complaints, sixth highest of 20 model years, and 4 recalls, second most along with three other years[7]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 229 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Jeep Compass (10 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 86 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 17V824, filed December 21, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V740, filed November 21, 2017: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V433, filed July 7, 2017: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V301, filed May 9, 2017: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Compass model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for New Compass 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 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
- 71 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 64 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 42 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,082). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,453). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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
- EPA rating for Compass FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 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
- 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
- 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
- EPA rating for New Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for New Compass 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for New Compass 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Jeep Compass with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 158 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Jeep Compass with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 172 to 184 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Jeep Compass with electric motor: rated 165 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COMPASS 4DR SUV AWD: length 175 in, width 71 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,261 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COMPASS 4DR SUV FWD: length 175 in, width 71 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,097 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov