The Lemon Index2017 Jeep Compass.
The 2017 Jeep Compass is worse than average by owner complaints: 149 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 189, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best Jeep Compass year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 229 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Jeep Compass year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 48K miles on the car (159 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 9K–37K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 13K–51K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 20K–68K miles
Recalls 4
- equipment 2017
A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf.
- electrical 2017
The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted.
- equipment 2017
The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.
Show all 4 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2017
The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 259 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Power Transfer Unit (PTU) If you have a leak at the transmission to Power Transfer Unit (PTU)…
- Hands Free Module - Convergence Telematics Module (CTM) Before replacing the Hands Free Module…
- Pentastar Oil Filter Adapter All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L engine; If replacing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
- ClosedNorthwest chrysler jeep dodge sale issue2017–2020
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Compass SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine uses oil. Have to add oil several times before next oil change is due.
2017 Jeep Compass owner · NHTSA complaint 11193188
More owner reports
Transmission shifts back n forth very bad. Only 71,649 miles. Need to fix it. Please.
NHTSA complaint 11375118
Takata recall: burning plastic smell while in motion. Found burn hole in the passenger side leather seat.
NHTSA complaint 11097290
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Jeep Compass reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 189; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Compass year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2017 Jeep Compass problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (38%), engine (32%) and transmission & drivetrain (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Jeep Compass have?
4 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Jeep Compass get?
21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Jeep Compass safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Jeep Compass problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,000 and 48,000 miles. The middle report was at 28,000 miles, from 159 complaints.
Does the 2017 Jeep Compass have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Jeep Compass cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Jeep Compass have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Jeep Compass year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works