Is the 2018 Jeep COMPASS reliable?

The 2018 Jeep COMPASS has 1612 complaints filed with NHTSA (6.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Jeep COMPASS?

Top problems: ENGINE (471 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (368 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (198 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Jeep COMPASS?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Jeep dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Jeep COMPASS?

The 2018 Jeep COMPASS gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Jeep COMPASS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Jeep COMPASS is approximately $1,723/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.

2018 Jeep COMPASS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2018 Jeep COMPASS has 1612 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 6.2x the segment average of 261. The most common issue is engine problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: my fuel efficiency (mpg) is very poor my vehicle, i have 9.4 mpg power loss and the mpg's shown in the official manufacturing web page is epa est. mpg 22 city/30 hwy. https://www.jeep.com/jeep-capabilities/fuel-efficiency.html additionally i am experiencing loss of power during the start of the dr. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 26 crash reports 11 injuries

1612

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

6.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

471 complaints

29%

• MY FUEL EFFICIENCY (MPG) IS VERY POOR MY VEHICLE, I HAVE 9.4 MPG POWER LOSS AND THE MPG'S SHOWN IN THE OFFICIAL MANUFACTURING WEB PAGE IS EPA EST. MPG 22 CITY/30 HWY. HTTPS://WWW.JEEP.COM/JEEP-CAPABILITIES/FUEL-EFFICIENCY.HTML ADDITIONALLY I AM EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER DURING THE START OF THE DR
• I JUST LEASED A BRAND NEW JEEP COMPASS. AT ABOUT 178 MILES, I FILLED UP MY GAS TANK FOR THE FIRST TIME. AFTER LEAVING THE GAS STATION, MY CAR STALLED ABOUT .2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD WHILE GOING ABOUT 10MPH. THE MESSAGE ON THE DASH STATES TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND THEN INTO THE DESIRED GEAR, BUT THE ENGINE
• ON FRIDAY MARCH 30 2018, VEHICLE HAD 6000 MILES AND WOULD NOT START. EXTREME AMOUNT OF STEAM WAS COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. INTERNAL ENGINE ISSUE (NOT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED) CAUSED THE ENGINE TO INTERNALLY EXPLODE LEAVING METAL FRAGMENTS ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports💥 8 crashes

“MY FUEL EFFICIENCY (MPG) IS VERY POOR MY VEHICLE, I HAVE 9.4 MPG POWER LOSS AND THE MPG'S SHOWN IN THE OFFICIAL MANUFACTURING WEB PAGE IS EPA EST. MPG 22 CITY/30 HWY. HTTPS://WWW.JEEP.COM/JEEP-CAPABILITIES/FUEL-EFFICIENCY.HTML ADDITIONALLY I AM EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER DURING THE START OF THE DR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Jeep COMPASS

Based on 777 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 19K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

535

30-60K

183

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 20K mi · 284 reports

0-30K

196

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 135 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 87 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 72 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 34 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 29 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 (6)

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM01/05/2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.

Risk: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Jeep COMPASS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/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 2018 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

$1,723

Full coverage / month

$144

Liability only / year

$626

vs US avg

+3%

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 rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1723

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 2018 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1612 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: MY FUEL EFFICIENCY (MPG) IS VERY POOR MY VEHICLE, I HAVE 9.4 MPG POWER LOSS AND THE MPG'S SHOWN IN THE OFFICIAL MANUFACTURING WEB PAGE IS EPA EST. MPG 22 CITY/30 HWY. HTTPS://WWW.JEEP.COM/JEEP-CAPABILITIES/FUEL-EFFICIENCY.HTML ADDITIONALLY I AM EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER DURING THE START OF THE DR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I HAD MY VEHICLE DIAGNOSED DUE TO INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT DIM AT NIGHT LEAVING THE JEEP VERY BRIGHT AND DANGEROUS. I HAVE CALLED JEEP AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE OR GIVE ME A SOLUTION ON WHAT TO DO! THEY STILL REFUSE AT OF TODAY 9/26/17.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHEN I ADJUST THE FORWARD COLLISION PREFERENCES SETTINGS IT SHOW ME "SELECTED" AND I CAN BACK TO THE MAIN MENU AND COME BACK AGAIN TO THIS OPTION TO CHECK AND CONTINUES SELECTED, BUT WHEN THE ECU SLEEPS (TURN OFF THE VEHICLE) AND I TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON AFTER 30 SECONDS THE FORWARD COLLISION PREF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: MY FUEL EFFICIENCY (MPG) IS VERY POOR MY VEHICLE, I HAVE 9.4 MPG POWER LOSS AND THE MPG'S SHOWN IN THE OFFICIAL MANUFACTURING WEB PAGE IS EPA EST. MPG 22 CITY/30 HWY. HTTPS://WWW.JEEP.COM/JEEP-CAPABILITIES/FUEL-EFFICIENCY.HTML ADDITIONALLY I AM EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER DURING THE START OF THE DR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)