2012 Jeep Compass

184 complaints on file, page 1 of 10.

1. Filed Jul 9, 2026Failure Apr 14, 2026Mc Afee, NJBody, Suspension

   2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car. I really do like my Jeep Compass, is there any remedy to this situation. I have the report in a email sent to me and can send the report to you if I have an email address to send it to.

   NHTSA complaint 11749429
2. Filed Mar 24, 2026Failure Mar 10, 2026109,000 milesTaunton, MAFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11726791
3. Filed Mar 16, 2026Failure Jan 19, 202663,000 milesBelcamp, MDFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the contact was unable to pump more than one gallon at a time. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the roll-over valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11724721
4. Filed Jan 22, 2026Failure Jan 19, 2026Fayetteville, GAFuel/propulsion system

   When I attempt to fuel the car, the gas pump immediately shuts off regardless of the gas station or the pump that I am at. The gas also seemed to not want to go into the tank, as I could see some of the gas leaking out around the rim of the tank even though it was empty when I began to fuel.

   NHTSA complaint 11712812
5. Filed Jun 8, 2025Failure Apr 9, 2024Marshall, MIEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

   I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the traction control light sometimes will come on, the steering will tighten up like I've lost power steering, and the car will come to a halt and stop idling. Nothing happens when I give it gas after it's stopped in these circumstances. I learned that if I turn the car off and back on, that will serve as a sort of reset, and I regain power and can get back on the road. The car has had active codes for a catalytic converter and a crankshaft position sensor. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor in April of last year (with an OEM sensor) after losing power while merging onto an interstate. That seemed to resolve the loss of acceleration problem, but it recurred starting in December of last year. I replaced the crankshaft position sensor again recently, this time with an aftermarket sensor, as I thought the sensor I put in previously may have been defective, but the problem has started occurring more frequently. Losing power while turning into or crossing intersections is a scary thing, and I've begun to feel I cannot drive the car safely. I've read accounts online of many Jeep Compass owners having problems with losing acceleration, and I've begun to suspect that the problem is not simply related to the parts associated with the active codes. The sad thing is that I just finished paying off the loan I took out for this car, and I have little extra money. I don't know what I'm going to do. Please investigate these vehicles (problem affects various Compass model years).

   NHTSA complaint 11665635
6. Filed Jan 17, 2025Failure Jan 16, 202563,176 milesFloral Park, NYFuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the nozzle kicked off and shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the fuel tank rollover valve being defective. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,176.

   NHTSA complaint 11636546
7. Filed Aug 19, 2024Failure Jul 25, 202497,000 milesGeen Bay, WISteering, Structure

   The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross members were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11609391
8. Filed Aug 2, 2024Failure Aug 2, 2024Junction City, KYEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   Everytime I drive it acts as if it’s not getting sufficient fuel to the engine . Have had multiple things replaced to try and fix the problem but still not helped . Whole Engine sputters when I stop and acts as if it’s not getting any fuel to accelerate. Has almost caused a few crashes . To my surprise recalls have been made for my vehicle but says they have been repaired. I personally don’t think they have

   NHTSA complaint 11606215
9. Filed Jul 15, 2024Failure Jul 15, 2024Clinton Township, MIFuel/propulsion system

   The vehicle just went through an inspection with the dealership before being sold to me. The vehicle is stalling when making turns and driving. There are no warning lights, there is a full tank of gas, no warning of it going to happen and it just stalls. The Jeep stalled at an intersection, stalled driving through a parking lot and again today stalled turning from an intersection. It almost caused me to get rear ended in an accident. Luckily they did not but that was scary enough for me to check for recalls and to my surprise there is for my year and type but not my VIN, my vehicle was manufactured April 2012, does not have high miles and should not be having these issues.

   NHTSA complaint 11602446
10. Filed Apr 23, 2024Failure Apr 17, 2024South Fallsburg, NYFuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    My Coils had to be replaced several times. Last week I started to drive my car on a major road, shaking and no power. My car had to be towed once again. My mechanic told me the Jeeps have issues with the Coils. Not sure why this keeps happening but now It's scary to drive my vehicle and not knowing how quick this happens again. Recently my check engine light came on and off, changed the fuel gas cap, and had a code read. My mechanic mentioned that there was a safety recall regarding the manifold ? if so was this ever done and where I would like documents provided. Please respond Via email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11584652
11. Filed Feb 12, 2024Failure Feb 1, 2017Carpentersville, ILEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Suspension

    The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced. All bearing had to be replaced. Two of which were fixed before 60,000 miles. Hood rusted completely through. Cross members are rusting through.

    NHTSA complaint 11571483
12. Filed Jan 30, 2024Failure Jul 1, 202344,000 milesSouthport, CTFuel system, Gasoline

    The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that an additional 20-30 minutes was needed to fill the fuel tank while refueling. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the roll-over valve was damaged. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer later referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11568753
13. Filed Jan 23, 2024Failure Jan 17, 2024Bradley, ILElectrical system, Unknown or other

    I’m in Bradley, Illinois, and after the first snowfall, these indicators lit up. The ABS, the ESC, and the 4WD. I thought because of inclement weather, they would go off, but have remained lit for a couple of weeks now. One day, while driving to work, the throttle lagged, and I couldn’t accelerate past 20 mph for over 10 minutes amidst heavy traffic. When this occurred, the ABS light turned off, then suddenly lit up again, and the truck sped up. This has happened several times. I was told all recalls were repaired, so I am wondering if this is a new concern? Please advise. Thank you for your help and time.

    NHTSA complaint 11567140
14. Filed Jan 10, 2024Failure Jan 7, 2024Caguas, PRAir bags

    - The passenger headrest of my 2012 Jeep Compass Limited deployed while the car was in motion on the highway with no reason to deploy. Yes, the component is available for inspection. - This created a distraction to the driver that could have resulted in an accident and also could have injured the passenger. - The dealer mentioned that the issue has happened to other cars, but in my case they could not help me because my car is not under warranty. They told me they could not assist and requested I call Jeep Customer Care. - Jeep Customer Care replied ""We have review the information on your case and sadly found that we are unable to offer any assistance with the head restraint repair." - The vehicle component has not been inspected. - No warning lights, messages or symptoms of the problem

    NHTSA complaint 11564744
15. Filed Nov 2, 2023Failure Nov 1, 2023Rochester, NYSuspension

    The rear suspension crossmember and suspension control arm rotted out on my 2012 Jeep Compass. Also, cross member cracked. Two repair shops inspected the damage and told me that I should be very careful driving the vehicle to get it repaired because there wasn't much hold the rear wheel on. They both said that the problem cause cause a catastrophic failure, which would lead to the rear wheel falling off. At highway speeds this might cause a serious accident. Both repair shops also said they have seen a lot of Jeeps with this type of rust damage. The steel used for the components must have been inferior or the factory rust protection on these components was inadequate. There are probably thousands of older jeep models (Compass, Patriot, etc.) driving around in a dangerous condition. The only warning that I got was a slight squeaking noise when I went over bumps. The sound would be fairly normal for an eleven year old vehicle. But, I decided to get under the car and spray some liquid lubricant to try to eliminate the squeak. The crack in the crossmember was up high on the underside of the car and it was difficult to see. Luckily, I noticed that the component was entirely cracked in two pieces. The second repair shop told me that Jeep extended the warranty on the components to 10 years. This was due to the large number of similar issues reported. Although the 10 year period ran out in my case in September 2022, I still plan to contact Jeep to see if they will reimburse me for a portion of the repair. But, I believe that a recall should be issued before some Jeep owner is seriously injured due to this problem. The repair cost is in the thousands of dollars. I have attached a photo showing the crack in the crossmember.

    NHTSA complaint 11553175
16. Filed Sep 6, 2023Failure May 1, 2023Virginia Beach, VASeats

    The passenger active restraint headrest exploded spontaneously. The vehicle was not in any accident. I happen to notice one morning that the headrest was deployed due to no known issue. Appears this has happened to numerous other people and not sure why this make/model issue has not come under a manufacturers safety recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11542851
17. Filed Aug 22, 2023Failure Aug 1, 2023Gwynn Oak, MDSeat belts, Unknown or other

    BRAKE LIGHT IN DASH WOULD COME ON AND OFF THEN GO OUT FOR A DAY OR SO AND THEN WILL STAY ON ALL THE TIME. ALSO SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AND WONT GO OFF.

    NHTSA complaint 11540036
18. Filed May 18, 2023Failure Apr 13, 2023Natchez, LAAutomatic emergency braking, Unknown or otherFire

    My car caught a fire while in the parking while sitting in an parking lot.

    NHTSA complaint 11522643
19. Filed Mar 9, 2023Failure Dec 7, 202263,513 milesNorth Adams, MAFrame and members

    The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while having a routine check on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, the mechanic stated that the front and rear subframe of the vehicle was extremely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the crossmember of the front and rear subframe. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 63,513. The contact stated that the vehicle has been repaired.

    NHTSA complaint 11510993
20. Filed Dec 7, 2022Failure Dec 1, 2022Philadelphia, PAEngine

    This vehicle has shut down while on the street & on the dangerous highway with vehicles behind me. It wouldn’t start back up either I had to keep playing with the key or try starting it & it wouldn’t turn over

    NHTSA complaint 11496378