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Vehicle safety record

2010 Jeep Compass Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 2010 Jeep Compass with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (19) and the seats & seat belts (14). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in September 2016 for the pretensioner. For comparison, the 2009 has 64 and the 2011 has 188.

NHTSA data checked

BFewer problems than a typical Compass year, for its age

#112 most complained-about 2010 vehicle

Complaints
81
Recalls
2
Crashes
5
Fires
3
Injuries
7
Deaths
0

Most common 2010 Jeep Compass problems

Share of all 81 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2010 Jeep Compass recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Seat belts: pretensioner

16V6680001,435,625 vehicles 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.

Air bags: side / window

13V233000254,396 vehicles 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.

What owners say

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81 complaints about the 2010 Jeep Compass

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.

Acceleration & cruise controlBrakes

System failed was the throttle body, power (engine?) and brakes. I was unable to accelerate while going up a hill. When this happened the whole vehicle shut off which wouldn't allow me to push in the break pedal since I was still in drive. This could of caused us to be hit from the traffic following behind me. This put our lives at risk. Unknown, unsure what is being questioned as far as repeoducing a problem? It has failed my states safety inspection yesterday. I just purchased this vehicle a week ago. Warning lights were lightening bolt, abs light and traction control light.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11574614
Electrical systemAirbagsBrakes

The brake and ABS are on. Also there is a lightning bolt that appears on the cluster. The honk does not want to work as well and it is associated with the airbag since its installed with it in the center of the steering wheel.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Service brakesNHTSA 11515187
Body, doors & structure

The contact's son-in-law owns a 2010 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change and tire rotation, the mechanic informed him that the rear subframe was cracked. The mechanic advised the contact's son-in-law to not drive the vehicle until the rear subframe was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11472682
Suspension

my front and rear sub-frame rotted out, making my vehicle dangerous to drive for me my family and other passengers that ride in my vehicle,it is also a danger to other vehicles and persons on the road. Chrysler knows of this problem with 2010 jeep compass but has never issued a safety recall, it seems only fair that Chrysler should held responsible to recall this vehicle since they used cheap parts knowing they would not hold up in states with heavy winters and the use of salt on roadways.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11442742
Body, doors & structure

My 2010 jeep compass was taken in for an inspection today. It failed for lower front subframe being totally rusted out. This is unacceptable for a 10 year old vehicle and very unsafe!

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11388379
Airbags

THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON AND IT CHIMES.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11382863
Fuel system

Every time I fill my jeep up it starts jerking then completely quits. I restart my jeep and start to pull out onto the street and/or highway it still jerks for the first few seconds then quits. I had a engine diagnostic test and had to replace the canister costing me $248.00 Not counting labor cost. This has been an issues for the last seven months to date, the jerking and shutting off of my jeep

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11377474
Other & unknown

The vehicle keep on honking on it own. We took the vehicle to the dealership which the diagnosed and repaired the problem but the vehicle from time keeps honking. We took it back to the dealership they say there's no code showing up for the and it never went off while there.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11360185
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 jeep compass. The contact stated that occasionally, the horn activated independently. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted nor notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11330416
Acceleration & cruise control

I have been driving my vehicle for almost a year now it and it seems like the clutch pedal is binding, the pedal depresses when I'm driving but feels like it has some kind of resistance. I'm not sure if it may be an underlying issue or not but this is best how it can be described.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11320890
Seats & seat beltsCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2010 jeep compass. While driving 25 mph, another vehicle turned left without yielding the right of way. As a result, the contact slammed on the brake pedal and rear ended the other vehicle. The driver's seat belt failed to engage and all the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained minor injuries and burns to the left arm, which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was able to be driven to the side of the road and was towed to a lot. The vehicle was later...

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deemed destroyed. The windshield, passenger side headlight, and driver's door were damaged. The contact mentioned that in 2017, the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall at the faricy boys chrysler jeep (4950 new car dr, colorado springs, co 80923, (855) 846-8666). The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 120,000. *Bf *tr

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 11280396
Other & unknown

Jeep compass has just over 61,000 miles, when turning to go up my driveway the control arm fell to the ground. I had to purchase new vehicle as this was unsafe to drive. The service department at lia jeep of northampton reported to me that I would keep continuing having other problems with underneath the car even if repaired as it was so bad. This is why I chose to get new vehicle. Metro jeep of chicopee, ma took is as a trade and will be towed there today. 10/4/19 I was very thankful that this did not happen at high rate of speed or I may not be typing this right now.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11266052
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainFuel system

After purchasing my new/used compass from a dealer in town I went to fill the gas tank up. Not really a problem this time filling the tank but upon stating the vehicle it started to stall shake , spit, and sputter down the road after only about a 1/10 of a mile. During this time of stall the steering became almost impossible to turn while driving towards oncoming traffic . This wasnt the only time it done this ....No every time I go to fill up the tank with gas it does the same thing and acts the same way it...

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straightens up after running a few miles (if it stays running ) or restarting the engine. Lately it takes me about a half an hour to fill the tank because the pump shuts off like it is about to over-spill except the tank is empty and it isn't the pump because it does this at every gas station I come to now. The safety factor here is the stalling while in motion without warning loosing control of where my car is going is a safety hazard and this needs to be address before a head on collision

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11256534
Engine & coolingFuel system

Car stalls after fill up, no other time.I do not over fill.After leaving the gas pump, the car "bucks" and then stalls one or two times while in traffic as I try to leave a traffic light or drive in the traffic. Car is in motion when this happens on city streets. Started in 2017 and continues to today.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11246070
Body, doors & structure

The car leaks thru the overhead lights during rain/storms which causes the water to come onto the shift control column causing major distraction while driving. In addition, the water leakage also runs along the driver sidebar, and pools on the drivers floorboard and the seat immediately aft. This is a safety hazard when water is pouring out of the overhear dome lights onto the shifter/driver while driving. Rain comes in be it stationary or driving. This has been a constant problem since we have owned this car. We have repaired/replaced the sunroof, new windshield...Nothing works. This car is a safety hazard, I don't allow any members of my family to drive it any longer.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11242943
Engine & coolingFuel system

Car randomly shuts off while driving. Started with no known cause then it started doing this after fueling the car. Have seen that it is a well known problem with jeep compass, and other models like the compass.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11241597
Body, doors & structure

I brought my vehicle a 2010 jeep compass to bodwells jeep in brunswick maine last year to have the crossmembers inspected. There is an extended warranty on this vehicle for 10 years. Last year they told me that it was in perfect shape and now this year the crossmembers are so rusted through that there is a giant hole. They don't want to fix it for free and my car will not pass inspection.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11229446
Other & unknown

Car randomly shuts off while in motion. Will restart after shut off. Has does this many times . This has been happening for quite some time. Looked it up and it's a common problem that needs to be addressed.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11228417
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 jeep compass. After fueling the vehicle, it sputtered and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the intake manifold sensor actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11222148
Body, doors & structure

Rusted subframe. Recalled in some states considered salt belt states but not nebraska, why not? This is horrible. Nothing else is so rusty it is crumbling like the subframe.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11218568
SuspensionFuel system

Purchased in 2017, 4 months later put close to $4000.00 In suspension and fuel filler tube due to extreme rusting. Now on april 15, 2019 took it in for oil change and was written on paper but not told to me. I just was going through the papers today because the bbb said they can't handle my problem. Mdh 0826xx is a safety bulletin that extended the coverage for this problem. I still owe on this and the dealer should be held accountable for all of these parts I paid for some already but this I won't pay for. Why...

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isn't randy wise chyrsler responsible? All these safety things should have been fixed before they sold it with terrible safety defects that they were aware of. You can't do all the suspension work they did and not notice a rotten cradle!!! I am more upset nowthan I can even say. I'm a 69 year old woman with a 72 yr old disabled husband!!

Filed Incident Suspension · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11205724
Fuel system

I just filled up my car and about 1 mile from my home the car stalled out while making a turn. I was driving at about 15 mph in the city. I almost crashed the car because the steering wheel locked up and I needed an enormous amount of pressure on the brake pedal to stop my car.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11192888
Engine & cooling

Filled my gas tank at the gas station before getting onto the highway. Car stalled and turned off merging onto the highway about a mile down the road. Lost control of breaks and steering. No warning lit up on dash. Googled and found out many others have this issue. This is dangerous and I was almost killed, something needs to be done.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11182574
Fuel system

Car stalls after you fill up the gas tank and drive away from the gas station. If you come to stop and/or idol within 5 minutes of filling up your car tank or coasting along it will stall.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11133155
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 jeep compass. The contact stated that the front subframe of the vehicle was rusted and split in half. The dealer (ramey chrysler dodge jeep ram, 27992 gov g c peery hwy, north tazewell, va 24630 (276) 988-6526) was contacted and stated that the vehicle was only included in a seat belt recall. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist; however, the contact heard a message about the rust failure when she was placed on hold. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11130565

Jeep Compass: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20143082207Engine & coolingD
201380175Transmission & drivetrainB
2012184435Fuel systemC
2011188372Engine & coolingC
201081253AirbagsB
200964130SuspensionA
2008172034SuspensionC
20074343138SuspensionF
All Compass years

2010 Jeep Compass vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2010 Jeep Compass

Does the 2010 Jeep Compass have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 Jeep Compass: pretensioner (September 2016); side / window (June 2013). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Jeep Compass?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (19), seats & seat belts (14), body, doors & structure (13).

How many complaints has the 2010 Jeep Compass had?

81 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 5, 2010 and the latest on February 29, 2024. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2010 Jeep Compass a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 73 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Jeep Compass year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Jeep Compass years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2010 Jeep Compass has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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