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2018 Jeep Compass

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

Engine180 hp2.4L 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed manual · 9-speed automatic · 6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD
Seating5 seats

Trims

Longitude, North, LatitudeLimitedTrailhawkSport

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsOptional

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD173.2 in70.9 in66.9 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,327 lb59/41
4dr SUV FWD173.2 in70.9 in66.9 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,184 lb59/41
4dr SUV Trailhawk 4X4173.2 in70.9 in66.9 in103.1 in61.4 / 61.4 in3,633 lb59/41

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 FWD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26+4%$2,600339
Compass FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 250%$2,700350
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+8%$2,700358
Compass 4WD2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+8%$2,700355
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★20.2%
2018 Jeep Compass SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★20.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2018 Jeep Compass SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Jeep Compass (this car)26 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Kia Sportage26 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

947Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
28Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
13,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine475
Electrical System372
Unknown Or Other194
Power Train150
Exterior Lighting63
Fuel/Propulsion System63
Service Brakes61
Vehicle Speed Control33
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 924/12: 525/01: 525/02: 525/03: 725/04: 625/05: 125/06: 825/07: 525/08: 425/09: 1025/10: 225/11: 525/12: 326/01: 1126/02: 326/03: 526/04: 126/05: 326/06: 426/07: 626/08: 626/09: 726/10: 424/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 11

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 475 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 372 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 150 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,500 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 2018 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
2017 Compass26175.2 inNot rated4229
2016 Compass25175.2 inNot rated1293
2015 Compass25175.2 inNot rated1113
2014 Compass25173.6 inNot rated2283

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