Wrench.Pro

2012 Jeep Compass Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2012 Jeep Compass carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pretensioner and fuel system, gasoline. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission overheating and limp mode.” 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.

Save this car as:

4 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #13V120000 · Mar 4, 2013

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #12V142000 · Mar 4, 2012

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Jeep Compass.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission overheating and limp mode

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2021-09

“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS AND SLOWS DOWN THE CAR SPEED. WHEN DRIVING THE JEEP TRANSMISSION LIGHT GOES ON AND YOU CANNOT ACCELERATE OVER 45 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11343102
“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS AND SHUTS DONE THE CAR. 136000 MILES ON IT. DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED. CANNOT DRIVE OVER 45 MILES PER HR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319179
“TRANSMISSION TEMP LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR LOST SPEED AND MADE FUNNY WHINING NOISE. WE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND WAIT TILL LIGHT WENT OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011948

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front and rear subframe cross-member corrosion

SUSPENSION

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2026-07

“The rear suspension crossmember and suspension control arm rotted out on my 2012 Jeep Compass. Also, cross member cracked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553175
“The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for inspection prior to a road trip, he was informed that the rear cross members were severely corroded and had holes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491314
“THE REAR CROSS MEMBER ON MY 2012 JEEP COMPASS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. THIS INCLUDES MUCH OF THE SUBFRAME AS WELL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11338225

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system total power loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2012-07 → 2019-07

“THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES NOW. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THEY HAVE TO BE DRIVING IT WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. TWICE NOW, I LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. NO LIGHTS, NO HAZARDS, NO POWER STEERING. IT IS LIKE I HAVE NO BATTERY AT ALL. EVERYTHING IS DEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10819103
“IT IS NOT JUST JEEP WRANGLERS WITH DEFECTIVE TIPMS. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MINE REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS AND 32000 MILES. SINCE I DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK AS A MAIL CARRIER THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994328
“WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. I WASN'T ABLE TO USE MY HAZARDS OR ANYTHING. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824016

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission dipstick tube fracture

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2020-02

“DRIVING TO WORK I HEARD A CLANKING NOISE. I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT AND WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE STANDING BY THE LIGHT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING DRAGGING UNDERNEATH MY VEHICLE. I REACHED MY DESTINATION AND ONCE THE CAR WAS PARKED GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT IT WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10610480
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE FRACTURED AND COULD BE SEEN FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993534
“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE 2012 JEEP COMPASS HOME FROM WORK SATURDAY 3/26/2016. I WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WHEN SHE PULLED UP, I NOTICED A BLACK TUBE DRAGGING UNDER THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851964

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank rollover valve blocks refueling

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

30 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724721
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712812
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V120000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10524132

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ENGINE

36 NHTSA complaints · 2012-06 → 2026-03

“WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF AND LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND BRAKES. COMPONENT ENDED UP BEING A CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165963
“MY 77 YEAR OLD MOTHER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY 159 IN MARYVILLE, IL WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ROADWAY. ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10923860
“WHILE DRIVING MY JEEP ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE STALLED. NO WARNING. NO OTHER ISSUES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062525

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag and seat belt recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

21 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2019-05

“I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN THE SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAGS MAY NOT WORK IN A COLLISION! CURRENTLY THERE ARE NO PARTS TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND THE RECALL WAS INITIATED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016--IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11005570
“SAFETY BELT AND AIR BAG RECALL INFORMATION GIVEN SEPTEMBER 2016. AS OF JUNE 2017 THERE IS STILL NO FIX AVAILABLE FOR THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10995728
“THE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENT CAPABILITY IN CERTAIN CRASH EVENTS DUE TO A SHORTING CONDITION RESULTING IN A NEGATIVE VOLTAGE TRANSIENT THAT TRAVELS TO THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROLLER VIA THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR WIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10949001

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 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

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

Raw data + downloads for this 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)

34 crashes 1990–2024

How the 34 occupant deaths break down

25

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

34

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

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

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

5

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 2012 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.

Check another vehicle →