2007 Jeep Compass: common problems and reliability

The 2007 Jeep Compass has 434 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag poor reliability and build quality — very frequent reports of major mechanical issues (transmission, engine) and numerous electrical problems, often requiring expensive repairs well before 100,000 miles. brand frequently ranked last in reliability surveys. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2007 model year

434
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
13
Crash reports
8
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2007 Jeep Compass vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

suspension
163
fuel/propulsion system
84
steering
64
structure
52
engine
49

Recalls affecting the 2007 Compass

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 10V234000

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE CALIBER AND JEEP COMPASS PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7 THROUGH MAY 19, 2006. THE PIVOT BUSHINGS IN VEHICLES WITH OVERSIZED ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEARING POCK…

equipment:other:owners/service/other manual

Campaign 06V434000

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED HIGHER ROLLOVER RISK WARNING INFORMATION.

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 06V493000

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

What owners say across generations

Owner sentiment is predominantly negative, with widespread criticism focused on poor reliability, subpar build quality, and weak performance. The vehicle is frequently described as a poor value proposition, especially when purchased new at or near MSRP, due to

  • Poor reliability and build quality — Very frequent reports of major mechanical issues (transmission, engine) and numerous electrical problems, often requiring expensive repairs well before 100,000 miles. Brand frequently ranked last in reliability surveys. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems — CVT transmissions (including Jatco units shared with Nissan) are notorious for failure, overheating, and sluggish performance. Conventional automatic transmissions also cited for being slow to respond and laggy. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Underpowered engine — Described as dangerously slow, with sluggish acceleration and lack of passing power, making the vehicle feel unsafe. The 4-cylinder engine is specifically called out for lacking power. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical system issues — Recurrent problems with the CAN bus system causing cascading failures (e.g., power steering), faulty wiring, infotainment system failures (including blank screens), and moisture ingress damaging components. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Unrefined driving dynamics — Criticized for feeling top-heavy, unresponsive, and poorly engineered compared to competitors. Excessive road noise and a cheap-feeling interior are also noted. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Compass.

Typical used price

Used Compass listings typically run $25,170–$27,692 across 2018 to 2026 model years.

Other Compass model years

2025 Compass2022 Compass2021 Compass2020 Compass2018 Compass2017 Compass2013 Compass2011 Compass
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