2011 Jeep Compass: common problems and reliability

The 2011 Jeep Compass has 187 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. 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 2011 model year

187
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
7
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Jeep Compass vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2011 a good year for the Compass?

Across the 9 Compass model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2025) to 927 (2018). With 187 complaints, the 2011 Compass sits about the same asthe model's median of 187.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
37
engine
30
suspension
26
structure
23
electrical system
20

Recalls affecting the 2011 Compass

seat belts:pretensioner

Campaign 16V668000

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

steering:column

Campaign 11V315000

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

air bags:side/window

Campaign 13V233000

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

What owners say across generations

Owner sentiment is predominantly negative, with widespread criticism focused on poor reliability, subpar build quality, and weak performance.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Compass. See the full Compass owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

Other Compass model years

Compare every Compass year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Compass against its rivals