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2010 Jeep Compass Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Jeep Compass carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pretensioner and side/window. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rusted front or rear subframe and crossmember.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #13V233000 · Apr 6, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Jeep Compass.

Reported to NHTSA

Rusted front or rear subframe and crossmember

STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2022-07

“my front and rear sub-frame rotted out, making my vehicle dangerous to drive for me my family and other passengers that ride in my vehicle,it is also a danger to other vehicles and persons on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442742
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND SPLIT IN HALF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130565
“I TOOK MY WIFES 2010 JEEP COMPASS TO THE GARAGE FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH SO BADLY THAT HE CAN FIT HIS FIST THROUGH ONE OF THE HOLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945608

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front ball joint and control arm wear

SUSPENSION

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-08 → 2019-11

“THE BALL JOINT ON THE JEEP HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 2 TIMES ON THE LEFT. ONE TIME AT 42,000 MILES. THE SECOND TIME AT 85,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10947688
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10672430
“TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION.I WAS INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE FRONT BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD WAS BAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10592259

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Powertrain or transmission control module failure

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2018-08

“THE JEEP COMPASS 2010 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) FAILED RESULTING IN THE JEEP TO BE INOPERABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745816
“THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING. AFTER TRYING TO TURN THE CAR ON. IT WOULD ONLY MOVE IN 1ST GEAR AND IN REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10428374
“LAST WEEK AFTER PULLING OUT OF A SIDE STREET MY 2010 JEEP COMPASS WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I WAS IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND IT WAS DANGEROUS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10392943

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall or shutdown after refueling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2010-10 → 2020-12

“AFTER RE-FUELING MY JEEP 2010 JEEP COMPASS UNTIL THE TANK IS FULL (NOT OVER FILLED) THE CAR DRIVES HEAVY; ENGINE STALLS AND ENGINE HAS STOPPED COMPLETELY WHILE IDLING IN TRAFFIC AND AT A INTERSECTION STOP LIGHT ON ROUTE 102 IN LONDONDERRY, NH OFF OF EXIT 4 OFF OF INTERSTATE 93”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105408
“CAR STALLS AFTER YOU FILL UP THE GAS TANK AND DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION. IF YOU COME TO STOP AND/OR IDOL WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF FILLING UP YOUR CAR TANK OR COASTING ALONG IT WILL STALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133155
“CAR RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE IN MOTION. WILL RESTART AFTER SHUT OFF. HAS DOES THIS MANY TIMES . THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR QUITE SOME TIME. LOOKED IT UP AND IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228417

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag recall repair delayed by unavailable parts

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2018-02

“TAKATA RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THE REPLACEMENTS ARE STILL UNAVAILABLE. I'VE KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE MAY 2015...ALMOST 2 YEARS!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958951
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073141
“I AM UNABLE TO USE MY 2010 COMPASS TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY BECAUSE OF FEAR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DANGEROUS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995425

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

13 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Jeep Compass reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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