Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Jeep Compass, including Seat Belts › Pretensioner; Air Bags › Side/Window; Fuel System, Gasoline. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2012 Jeep Compass problems?

Owners filed 184 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (36), fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28), power train (26).

How much does a 2012 Jeep Compass cost to own for 5 years?

About $39,189 over 5 years ($653/month) at an estimated $8,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2012 Jeep Compass

The 2012 Jeep Compass earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 59/100. Expect about $39,189 to own it for five years, or $653 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 184 complaints.

Recalls: 4
Complaints: 184
5-yr cost: $39k
MPG (EPA): 23

Fair

Ownership Score

2012 Jeep Compass vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Compass?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

4 recalls may apply

For the 2012 Jeep Compass. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

5-year cost to own

Estimated $8,500 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$39,189

$653/month · $0.65/mile

Depreciation	$1,923
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$8,740
Maintenance	$8,625
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$2,391
Taxes & fees	$1,510

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

184 complaints3 involved a crash5 involved a fire

Engine36
Fuel/Propulsion System34
Air Bags28
Power Train26
Unknown Or Other24
Electrical System24

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: Not rated
Frontal: Not rated
Side: Not rated
Rollover: Not rated

What to check on a used 2012 Jeep Compass

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2012 Jeep Compass problems

Cheaper alternatives

2012 Subaru Forester
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $38k · ↘ $1.7k less

FAQ

Is the 2012 Jeep Compass a good car to buy?: The 2012 Jeep Compass earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 59/100. Expect about $39,189 to own it for five years, or $653 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 184 complaints.
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2012 Jeep Compass, including Seat Belts › Pretensioner; Air Bags › Side/Window; Fuel System, Gasoline. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2012 Jeep Compass problems?: Owners filed 184 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (36), fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28), power train (26).
How much does a 2012 Jeep Compass cost to own for 5 years?: About $39,189 over 5 years ($653/month) at an estimated $8,500 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.