In this guide, I’ll break down all Jeep Compass generations, highlighting the best Jeep Compass years to buy and the worst years to avoid.
Leveraging data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power, our investigation combines owner experiences, safety scores, and recall information, ensuring our insights are grounded in real-world performance and expert evaluations.
Specifically, I’ll spotlight the essential factors of each Jeep Compass model year, such as reliability, powertrain, technological and safety features, common issues, and recalls.
Let’s plunge right in!
Table of ContentsShow
Jeep Compass Generations
The Jeep Compass, first unveiled in 2007, marked Jeep’s entry into the compact crossover SUV market.
It combined the durability of traditional Jeeps with the practicality and fuel efficiency desired in an urban family car.
Here is a table listing Jeep Compass’s generations from 2007. As you can notice, there are only 2 generations of this automobile.
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation (MK49) | 2007-2017 |
| 2nd Generation (MP/552) | 2018-Present |
Understanding the generational modifications is essential, especially if you’re considering buying a used Jeep Compass, as they can significantly impact the model’s reliability and your driving experience.
Jeep Compass Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
We consider many factors when determining the best, neutral, and worst years for the Jeep Compass. These factors include:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
The upcoming graph combines these ratings to comprehensively overview each model year’s complete performance.
Furthermore, based on these evaluations, we have categorized each Jeep Compass model year into the best, neutral, and worst year categories.
See the rankings below.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation (MK49) | 2013 2015 | 2009 2010 2016 2017 | 2007 2008 2011 2012 2014 |
| 2nd Generation (MP/552) | 2020 2021 2023 2024 | N/A | 2018 2019 2022 |
“Neutral Years” generally offer a balanced experience regarding reliability and performance but may not have the standout features or ratings of the finest years.
It’s crucial to note that factors like NHTSA recalls adversely impact our rankings. A greater number of complaints and recalls typically indicates lower reliability for that model year.
Let’s delve into the finest, neutral, and worst years for the Jeep Compass.
Best & Worst Years for Jeep Compass 1st Generation (2007-2017)
The original-generation Jeep Compass, debuting in 2007, marked Jeep’s entry into the small crossover market. It combined Jeep’s off-road heritage with city practicality.
2013 and 2015 are Jeep Compass’s best years to buy, while 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2014 are the worst years to avoid at all expenses.
The Best Years: 2013, 2015
What is the best year for the Jeep Compass? 2013 and 2015 are generally considered as the greatest years for the first-gen Jeep Compass to purchase.
These years offered a choice between 2.0L I4 and 2.4L I4 engines, balancing efficiency with sufficient power.
The 2013 Jeep Compass resolved the previous CVT transmission issues, while the 2015 model continued this trend with fewer reported difficulties.
Fuel efficiency hovered around 23 city/28 highway MPG (2015, FWD), making these years economical for daily driving.
Technologically, these models saw upgrades in infotainment systems with more intuitive interfaces and connectivity features.
Safety enhancements included advanced airbag systems and stability control, adding to their appeal as family-friendly vehicles.
The Neutral Years: 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017
The 2009 and 2010 Jeep Compass models marked a phase of gradual improvements with ongoing subframe corrosion issues.
The 2016 and 2017 Jeep Compass models offered enhanced technology and better interior quality but were still plagued by electrical system and infotainment malfunctions.
Engine stalling became more pronounced in the 2016 Jeep Compass, mostly due to camshaft position sensor failures, which were issued a recall.
The 2017 Jeep Compass owners reported numerous electrical issues and infotainment system malfunctions. Stalling was common.
The 2017 model was subjected to recalls for instrument panel lighting and halfshaft disengagement in the 6-speed transmissions.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014
The worst initial-gen Jeep Compass to avoid, the launch years of 2007 and 2008 and 2011, 2012, and 2014 saw significant transmission, suspension, steering, and fuel system issues.
Subframe corrosion leading to stability and steering issues was a substantial concern, alongside engine stalling and CVT problems. Essential recall for the 2007 and 2008 models concerned ABS control module software issues, which may cause the rear brakes to lock up and inflexible acceleration pedals.
In the 2011 and 2012 models, owners mostly complained about the CVT transmission overheating, causing stalling and excessive engine revs. The subframe corrosion persisted. Engine stalling was common, leading to power steering loss and posing a significant safety risk.
Vital recalls for the 2011 and 2012 models concerned airbags and defective fuel tank transfer tubes, causing engine stalling.
Owners complained about engine stalling, chiefly due to fuel system failures, electrical issues, seat belt pre-tensioners, and electronic throttle body problems in the 2014 Jeep Compass. The 2014 model was recalled for defective airbag and seat belt pre-tensioners due to the Occupant Restraint Control module short circuits.
See NHTSA 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017 Jeep Compass recalls and problems.
Best & Worst Years for Jeep Compass 2nd Generation (2018-Present)
The second-generation Jeep Compass, introduced in 2018, builds on the compact crossover concept with a more refined approach, targeting users seeking a blend of off-road capability and city functionality.
2018, 2019, and 2022 are the worst Jeep Compass model years of the generation to avoid, while the best years for the Jeep Compass are 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024
The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
The top years for the second-generation Jeep Compass – 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024 – showcase substantial reliability and feature improvements.
These models are equipped with a 2.4L I4 (until 2023, then 2.0L I4 turbo, 8-speed transmission, standard 4WD) engine paired with a 6-speed automatic/manual (FWD) or a 9-speed automatic transmission (4WD), providing a balance of power and effectiveness.
Fuel economy averages around 22 city/31 highway (2021) and 24 city/32 highway (2023) MPG, making them practical in their category.
Safety features have been significantly upgraded, including sophisticated driver assistance systems like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
These years also introduced more advanced infotainment systems with larger touchscreens, better connectivity options, and improved navigation systems.
Trim levels range from the base Sport to the more luxurious Limited, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
The Worst Years: 2018, 2019, 2022
The early years of the second-generation Compass, particularly the 2018 and 2019 model years, encountered issues with the engine and electrical system.
Infotainment system malfunctions were frequent complaints, including radio screen issues and sporadic warning light illuminations.
While seeing some enhancements in the 2022 Jeep Compass, there are still reported issues with the “auto-dim” feature and forward collision warning malfunctions.
The 2018 Jeep Compass was subject to significant recalls, including voltage regulator failures leading to stalling, insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons, and lower control arm separation issues.
The 2018 and 2022 Compass models were also recalled for instrument panel illumination failures, indicating continuing electrical system dependability issues.
These years, marked by these significant issues, make them less desirable for buyers seeking a reliable and hassle-free ownership experience.
See NHTSA 2018, 2019, 2022 Jeep Compass recollections and complaints.
Jeep Compass Resale Values
Examine the graph depicting the common resale values of Jeep Compass models across various years.
Conclusion
Wrapping up our comprehensive journey through the Jeep Compass’s history, I recommend opting for the finest model years for the Jeep Compass, like 2013, 2015, and 2020-2024, for reliability and avoiding 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2022 due to their noted issues.
Which Jeep Compass model year did you find most dependable?
Share your thoughts and observations in the comments beneath!
