2012 Jeep Compass recalls and problems

4 recalls and 184 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Jeep Compass.

4
recalls
184
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Jeep Compass recalls

Air bags · Seat belts: pretensioner · Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · reported September 15, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,435,625 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 (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.
The risk
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Electrical system: software · Seat belts · Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · reported June 4, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 254,396 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.
The risk
In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 13V120000 · reported April 3, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 20,799 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Chrysler 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.
The risk
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly

NHTSA campaign 12V142000 · reported April 3, 2012 · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC · 1,689 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Chrysler 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.
The risk
In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 25, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 9, 2026 · Structure

2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car. I really do like my Jeep Compass, is there any remedy to this situation. I have…

Mar 24, 2026 · Fuel system, gasoline · 109,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the…

Mar 16, 2026 · Fuel system, gasoline · 63,000 miles

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the contact was unable to pump more than one gallon at a time. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the roll-over valve was defective and needed to be…

Jan 22, 2026 · Fuel/propulsion system

When I attempt to fuel the car, the gas pump immediately shuts off regardless of the gas station or the pump that I am at. The gas also seemed to not want to go into the tank, as I could see some of the gas leaking out around the rim of the tank even though it was empty when I began to fuel.

Jun 8, 2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which…

Compass model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2009 14420
2010 27153
2011 318872
2012 418435
2013 18075
2014 2308207
2015 111342

Across all years, the 2018 Compass has the most complaints (947). All Jeep Compass years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass, the most recent reported on September 15, 2016 (Air bags, Seat belts: pretensioner, Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?
Owners have filed 184 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (36 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (34).
How many 2012 Jeep Compass complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 184 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 9, 2026.