Is the 2011 Jeep COMPASS reliable?

The 2011 Jeep COMPASS has 283 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Jeep COMPASS?

Top problems: ENGINE (40 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (38 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (27 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Jeep COMPASS?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER, STEERING:COLUMN, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW. Contact any Jeep dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Jeep COMPASS?

The 2011 Jeep COMPASS gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Jeep COMPASS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Jeep COMPASS is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Jeep COMPASS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Jeep COMPASS has 283 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 261. The most common issue is engine problems (14% of all complaints), specifically: i have a 2011 jeep compass,brought it in may,less than (1) month it has cut off on me. the first time i make a right turn and truck cut off,second time im at red light it cut off,third time i stop at red light ,change to green got read to take off truck had cut off.it been in shop ,dealer couldn't f. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 7 crash reports 2 injuries

283

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

40 complaints

14%

• I HAVE A 2011 JEEP COMPASS,BROUGHT IT IN MAY,LESS THAN (1) MONTH IT HAS CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST TIME I MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND TRUCK CUT OFF,SECOND TIME IM AT RED LIGHT IT CUT OFF,THIRD TIME I STOP AT RED LIGHT ,CHANGE TO GREEN GOT READ TO TAKE OFF TRUCK HAD CUT OFF.IT BEEN IN SHOP ,DEALER COULDN'T F
• THE PROBLEM VEHICLE IS A 2011 FWD JEEP COMPASS. ON 5/31/11 WITHIN THE FIRST 10 (TEN) MILES OF OWNERSHIP THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT ON ME WHILE STROPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT WITHOUT ANY DIFFICULTY. ON 6/19/11 (WHILE IN MOTION), WITHOUT ANY ADVANCE INDI
• I OWN A 2011 JEEP COMPASS FOR 2 WEEKS WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, STOPPED AND TOOK OFF. ONCE I TOOK OFF THE JEEP ENGINE JUST STOPPED. I COULDN'T TELL IT UNTIL I TRIED TO TURN AND HAD NO CONTROL! THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE ENGINE NEEDED AN UPDATE CODE, THAT THEY DON'T HAVE YET FOR THE 2.4L ENGINE. SO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports

“I HAVE A 2011 JEEP COMPASS,BROUGHT IT IN MAY,LESS THAN (1) MONTH IT HAS CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST TIME I MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND TRUCK CUT OFF,SECOND TIME IM AT RED LIGHT IT CUT OFF,THIRD TIME I STOP AT RED LIGHT ,CHANGE TO GREEN GOT READ TO TAKE OFF TRUCK HAD CUT OFF.IT BEEN IN SHOP ,DEALER COULDN'T F”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Jeep COMPASS

Based on 197 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Earlier than typicalmedian 58K mi · 36 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 65K mi · 32 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 55K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 73K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 84K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Reported earliermedian 59K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER15/09/2016

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 Cost Calculator for 2011 Jeep COMPASS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Jeep COMPASS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Jeep COMPASS Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

24K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

20K mi

4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2011 COMPASS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 283 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I HAVE A 2011 JEEP COMPASS,BROUGHT IT IN MAY,LESS THAN (1) MONTH IT HAS CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST TIME I MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND TRUCK CUT OFF,SECOND TIME IM AT RED LIGHT IT CUT OFF,THIRD TIME I STOP AT RED LIGHT ,CHANGE TO GREEN GOT READ TO TAKE OFF TRUCK HAD CUT OFF.IT BEEN IN SHOP ,DEALER COULDN'T F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL HARD TOWARD THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A COMBINATION OF THE NATURE OF THE FRONT W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WE PURCHASED OUR 2011 JEEP COMPASS IN DECEMBER OF 2011. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS LATER MY WIFE EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN GOING APPROX. 20 MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR INDICATION THAT THE ENGINE WAS NO LONGER RUNNING. THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL HARD TOWARD THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A COMBINATION OF THE NATURE OF THE FRONT W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)