2018 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD, 4dr SUV Trailhawk 4X4
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 180 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, 9-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,184–3,633 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.6% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Jeep Compass is a small SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,327 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 4% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 947 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
- New body dimensions: 2.0 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Compass →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Toluca, State Of Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Compass configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 66.9 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,327 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 66.9 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,184 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr SUV Trailhawk 4X4 | 173.2 in | 70.9 in | 66.9 in | 103.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,633 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 339 |
| Compass FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 350 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +8% | $2,700 | 358 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +8% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.2% |
| 2018 Jeep Compass SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 20.6% |


Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Jeep Compass (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (6)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 9, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V523000 · 154,335 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · May 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V279000 · 2,761 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Nov 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V732000 · 27,210 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The passenger side air bag assembly may have inflator mounting nuts loose within the module assembly.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Nov 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V740000 · 25,823 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Risk
- An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 24, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V670000 · 357 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
- Risk
- If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
Not every 2018 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 475 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 372 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 150 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Compass. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Compass years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 53 |
| 2023 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 49 |
| 2022 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 225 |
| 2021 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 143 |
| 2019 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 331 |
| 2017 Compass | 26 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 229 |
| 2016 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 293 |
| 2015 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 113 |
| 2014 Compass | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 283 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →