Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2012 Jeep Compass: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Compass years.
184 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Compass?The 2012 Jeep Compass has 184 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Jeep Compass vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Compass years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Compass?
Across the 20 Compass model years we track, complaint volume runs from 46 (2023) to 942 (2018). With 184 complaints, the 2012 Compass sits about the same as the model's median of 172.
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
Recalls affecting the 2012 Compass
seat belts:pretensioner
Campaign 16V668000Chrysler (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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 13V120000Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 12V142000CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 13V233000Chrysler 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.
What owners say across generations
Owner sentiment is predominantly negative, with widespread criticism focused on poor reliability, subpar build quality, and weak performance.
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 $15,772–$23,763.
Other Compass model years
Compare every Compass year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Compass against its rivals
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