Wrench.Pro

2015 Jeep Compass Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2015 Jeep Compass carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering hose, piping, and connections. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Active head restraint deploying 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.

Save this car as:

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Campaign #15V878000 · Dec 23, 2015

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.

Risk: If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R68.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 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 deploying without impact

SEATS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-05

“Passenger headrest exploded while parked - thankfully it happened overnight while no one was in the seat. I checked online and there’s tons of reports of this exact issue with no way to repair it or recall it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678033
“The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while reversing, the front driver’s side headrest unexpectedly deployed. The contact stated that there was no impact to cause the headrest to deploy, creating a safety hazard for the driver”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663809
“The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, he heard an abnormal sound and saw the front passenger’s headrest had partially deployed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424734

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electronic throttle control failure limiting acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

18 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2022-09

“The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while she was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the throttle body warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light went away and then illuminated again while pressing the accelerator pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486029
“TAKATA RECALL THE THROTTLE CONTROL INDICATOR CAME ON AND THEN I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE THROTTLE INDICATOR LIGHT WENT OFF AND COME BACK ON RANDOMLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091694
“I HAVE HAD MY 2015 JEEP COMPASS FOR 2 YEAR AND 8 MONTHS. I BOUGHT IT USED. SINCE THE MOMENT I BOUGHT IT, I HAVE HAD ACCELERATION ISSUES. MY CAR WON'T SHIFT INTO GEAR IMMEDIATELY WHEN I MAKE TURNS. JUST RECENTLY THE THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED BLINKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11156713

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or shutting off while driving

ENGINE

34 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2026-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a pedestrian assisted with jumpstarting the vehicle, and the vehicle moved several feet but stalled again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718611
“VEHICLE STARTED STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHEN DRIVING. NO ERROR CODE IS RECORDED IN CAR. NO CHECK ENGINE OR OTHER LIGHTS APPEAR ON THE DASH. THERE ARE MANY BLOGS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WHEN I CONTACTED FIAT (JEEP) THEY HAD NO SOLUTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399234
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 75 ON CHRISTMAS EVE WITH MY PARTNER AND OUR DOG WHEN MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING DUE TO THE ABRUPTNESS OF THE STALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11164169

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illuminated intermittently

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2025-03

“The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated intermittently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651760
“EVERY TIME I START MY 2015 JEEP COMPASS,R STATIONARY AND RUNNING, I SEE A WARNING LIGHT APPEAR REGARDING MY AIR BAG, INDICATING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM HAS FAILED. POSSIBLY A SIMPLE RESET, HOWEVER, JEEP HAS HAD OTHER YEAR JEEPS RECALLED REGARDING FAULTY AIRBAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328381
“WE PURCHASED THE JEEP COMPASS ON 11/15/14. WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. WE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP A TOTAL OF 5 TIMES BETWEEN 11/15/14 AND 12/12/14. ON 12/12, THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAG”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10706112

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags and seat belts failing to activate in a crash

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2020-10

“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED FROM CARMAX IN APRIL 2018 *(NEVER ALERTED TO ANY RECALLS. ) 10/09/2020 CAR DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY / CAR WAS ROLLED IN ACCIDENT / TOTALED/ NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365335
“VEHCILE WAS INVOLVED A A 50 MPH FRONT END COLLISION WITH A GUARD RAIL ON A STATE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE SUFFERED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11099044
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10723464

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 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)

25 crashes 1990–2024

How the 25 occupant deaths break down

22

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

25

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2015 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.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2015 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 →