NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2016 Jeep Compass recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass and 293 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (135), electrical system (62), unknown or other (47). EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2016 ranks #11 of 14 Compass model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (219). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 1

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Jeep Compass. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Engine and engine cooling · engineNHTSA #16V907000 · 12/16/2016

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

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

Engine135
Electrical system62
Unknown or other47
Power train44
Vehicle speed control30
Engine and engine cooling26
Steering16
Fuel/propulsion system16

By the numbers

293owner complaints filed
9involved a crash
2involved a fire
15injuries reported

Recent owner reports

08/31/2026 · Engine and engine cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The dealer was contacted, and th…

08/16/2026 · Power train,electrical system,engine

Component: Engine / Electrical System / Power Train VIN [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power and completely shut off while traveling at highway speeds. This total engine failure disabled the vehicle on an active highway, forcing an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder. This incident occurred less than four m…

08/12/2026 · Seats

Spontaneous deployment of passengers headrest . A safety system defect causing passengers concerned discomfort ! Plastic mechanism failure CANNOT be repaired. Headrest must be replaced by Jeep covered regarding the safety & security of their customers. Headrest deployed problem encountered has been reported in many Jeeps. FCA US LLC due to safety should correct the problem , at…

Safety ratings

2016 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crashNot rated
Rollover★★★★★

2016 Jeep Compass SUV 2WD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crashNot rated
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Jeep Compass.

Compass 4WD

Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L

20city
23hwy
21combined

Regular

Compass 4WD

Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L

20city
25hwy
22combined

Regular

Compass FWD

Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L

22city
26hwy
24combined

Regular

Compass FWD

Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L

21city
27hwy
23combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Jeep Compass year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Compass have?

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass, most recently for engine and engine cooling · engine (12/16/2016). 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 2016 Jeep Compass?

Based on 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (135), electrical system (62), unknown or other (47).

Is the 2016 Jeep Compass safe?

NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2016 Jeep Compass.

Is the 2016 a good year for the Jeep Compass?

The 2016 ranks #11 of 14 Compass model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (219). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Jeep Compass get?

EPA ratings for the 2016 Jeep Compass range from 21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2016 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.

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