2012 Jeep Compass recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass and 184 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (36), fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28). EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #8 of 14 Compass model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (219). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Jeep Compass. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seat belts · pretensioner
Problem: 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.
Air bags · side/window
Problem: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline
Problem: 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
Problem: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car. I really do like my Jeep Compass, is there any remedy to this situation. I have the report in a email sent to me and can send the report to…
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of th…
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. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the roll-over valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12…
Safety ratings
2012 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD
2012 Jeep Compass SUV 2WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Jeep Compass.
Compass 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Compass 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Compass 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Compass 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Off Road Package
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Jeep Compass have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass, most recently for seat belts · pretensioner (09/15/2016). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?
Based on 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (36), fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28).
Is the 2012 Jeep Compass safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Jeep Compass.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Jeep Compass?
The 2012 ranks #8 of 14 Compass model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (219). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Jeep Compass get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Jeep Compass range from 21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Jeep Compass in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: COMPASS, Compass.