2021 Jeep Compass.
The 2021 Jeep Compass is better than average by owner complaints: 46 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 55, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 25 mpg combined. The best Jeep Compass year is 2013.

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 81 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Jeep Compass year. 2021 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 34K to 83K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 334 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Customer complaint may include engine oil leak/consumption
- Difficulty Starting the Vehicle on the First Attempt Due to Possible Leaking Fuel Injectors…
- Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination After Key Off
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety

Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Compass SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Jeep Compass SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When ESS is Engaged, car does not want to start from stop/engine off after pulling from a stop. Car then turns off Lane Departure and Blind Spot Warning and ESS says needs service. Battery has been replaced 2x by Jeep.
2021 Jeep Compass owner · NHTSA complaint 11620821
More owner reports
The following message displays on my dashboard "Coolant Temperature High. Shutting Down" and the vehicle wants to shut down or sputters. Car shakes like it wants to turn off and then it starts to run like normal
NHTSA complaint 11552226
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Jeep Compass reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 55; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Compass year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Compass problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (37%), engine (17%) and automatic emergency braking (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Compass have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Jeep Compass get?
25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Jeep Compass have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 9% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Jeep Compass cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Jeep Compass have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Jeep Compass year is better than the 2021?
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