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2011 Jeep Compass

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Jeep Compass
Pictured: 2019 Jeep Compass Limited 2.4L, front 7.6.19. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
Length
173.6 in
Curb weight
3,071–3,223 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2011 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Jeep Compass is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,223 lb (4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 20% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Compass — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Compass →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited173.6 in71.3 in64.2 in103.9 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,223 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited173.6 in71.3 in64.2 in103.9 in59.8 / 59.1 in3,071 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Compass 2WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+20%$2,700355
Compass 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+20%$2,700355
Compass 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 27 / 24+15%$2,800370
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24+27%$2,800370
Compass 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23+10%$2,900386
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive21 / 26 / 23+22%$2,900386
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+11%$3,200423
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Jeep Compass.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Jeep Compass (this car)25 MPGNot rated3
2011 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated11
2011 Honda CR-V24 MPGNot rated13
2011 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated5
2011 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated16
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan22 MPGNot rated3
2011 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated6

Recalls (3)

Air Bags · Sep 15, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles

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.
Electrical System › Software · Jun 4, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 254,396 vehicles

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.
Steering › Column · Jun 8, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Risk
A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

145Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
98,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train26
Unknown Or Other25
Suspension25
Engine20
Electrical System17
Structure › Body16
Air Bags14
Steering14
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/06: 121/07: 121/08: 121/11: 222/03: 122/04: 122/05: 122/06: 222/08: 222/11: 123/03: 123/04: 123/05: 223/06: 223/08: 223/09: 224/02: 124/06: 124/07: 124/11: 225/04: 125/08: 226/02: 126/10: 121/0621/1122/0522/1123/0523/0924/0725/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 26 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Suspension — 25 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  4. Engine — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Jeep Compass. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Compass years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Compass26173.2 inNot rated15
2025 Compass27173.2 in★★★★★029
2024 Compass27173.2 in★★★★★053
2023 Compass27173.2 inNot rated249
2022 Compass25173.2 in★★★★★4225
2021 Compass25173.2 in★★★★★081
2020 Compass26173.2 in★★★★★1143
2019 Compass26173.2 in★★★★★2331
2018 Compass26173.2 in★★★★★6947
2017 Compass26175.2 inNot rated4229
2016 Compass25175.2 inNot rated1293
2015 Compass25175.2 inNot rated1113

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →