DecodedCars2010 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited, 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 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
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Jeep Compass is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 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), 21% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Compass — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Compass →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,223 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,071 lb | 56/44 |
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 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +21% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 25 | +21% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +21% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +37% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +11% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Jeep Compass under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Jeep Compass (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Not every 2010 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 17 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 11 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 11 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,500 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 2010 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 |
| 2018 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 947 |
| 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 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →