2016 Jeep Compass problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 293 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Jeep Compass, filed between 2016-02-06 and 2026-08-31. The most common problem areas are the engine (135, 46%), electrical system (62, 21%) and power train (44, 15%). Owners reported 9 crashes, 2 fires and 15 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Jeep Compass complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 135 | 46% | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 62 | 21% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 47 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Power train | 44 | 15% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 30 | 10% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 26 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 16 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 15 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 13 | 4% | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| Seat belts | 12 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Seats | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 8 | 3% | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| Suspension | 6 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 135 complaints
- 135 complaints of 293 (46%) name the engine.
- 25 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Jeep Compass; the recall, campaign 16V907000, says: “The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.”
Electrical system: 62 complaints
- 62 complaints of 293 (21%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 25 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass covers this system.
Power train: 44 complaints
- 44 complaints of 293 (15%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 15 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 293 (10%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 16 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass covers this system.
Engine and engine cooling: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 293 (9%) name the engine and engine cooling — the engine and its cooling system.
- 2 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Jeep Compass; the recall, campaign 16V907000, says: “The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 16 complaints
- 16 complaints of 293 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 9 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 56 |
| 2020 | 49 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 23 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names COMPASS, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Jeep Compass recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Compass?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Jeep Compass's most common problem areas are the engine (135 of 293 complaints), electrical system (62 of 293 complaints) and power train (44 of 293 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Jeep Compass have?
NHTSA has 293 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Jeep Compass, including 9 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.