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2014 Jeep Compass Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Jeep Compass carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pretensioner and engine. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Active head restraint deployment without impact.” 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.

ENGINE

Campaign #13V552000 · Jun 11, 2013

Issue: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.

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 engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2014 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

Active head restraint deployment without impact

SEATS

29 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the driver’s side headrest had deployed from the bottom of the headrest and was partially separated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730850
“The headrest of my passenger seat deployed while I was driving on the highway. My twelve year old was sitting in the seat as it happened, and was hit in the head by the front of the headrest”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533787
“WHILE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT LAUNCHED WITHOUT PROVOCATION. CAR WAS NOT ON WHEN THE AHS BLEW, HITTING ME IN THE HEAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245126

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Subframe and suspension corrosion

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-09

“The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689109
“My 2014 Jeep Compass is making vibrating noises, swerving moments and cracking sounds. Brought it to my mechanic, he found that the REAR SUBFRAME is rotted out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485559
“INFORMED BY DEALER THAT VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PROPERLY ALIGNED WITHOUT REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. VEHICLE HAS 58,334 MILES ON IT AND WAS SHOWING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON FRONT TIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11013067

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and throttle body failure

ENGINE

92 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717104
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and, while releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687598
“I was slowing to make a left turn and the engine began to sound like it was accelerating. A lightning bolt light, skid warning light and check engine light all came on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594483

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

26 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2025-03

“Hello, My VIN is [XXX] and I have a 2014 Jeep Compass Latitude. I took my vehicle into the Jeep Dealership on Val Vista and Williamsfield Rd to have my airbag recall serviced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645849
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091044
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019540

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure requiring rebuild

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2021-09

“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the warning message "Automatic Transmission overheating " appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to stall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11431364
“I HAVE A 2014 JEEP COMPASS SPORT 2.0. I PURCHASES IT IN 2016 USED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AMONG HEAVY TRAFFIC AND MY VEHICLE JUST STOP IMMEDIATELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316155
“2014 JEEP COMPASS SPORT WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT IN 2017, UNDER WARRANTY BY THE DEALER DUE TO MAKING A LOT OF NOISE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11253631

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)

61 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.

20

complaints mentioning a crash

7

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 2014 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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