2017 Jeep Compass: common problems and reliability

The 2017 Jeep Compass has 228 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system 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 2017 model year

228
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
10
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2017 a good year for the Compass?

Across the 9 Compass model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2025) to 927 (2018). With 228 complaints, the 2017 Compass sits abovethe 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

electrical system
86
engine
71
power train
42
service brakes
27
steering
15

Recalls affecting the 2017 Compass

electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Campaign 17V740000

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

equipment

Campaign 17V824000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https

power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

Campaign 17V301000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission an

equipment:other:owners/service/other manual

Campaign 17V433000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the bat

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 2017 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Compass against its rivals