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Vehicle safety record

2014 Jeep Compass Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 308 complaints about the 2014 Jeep Compass with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (93) and the airbags (91). Those complaints describe 20 crashes, 7 fires and 25 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in September 2016 for the pretensioner. For comparison, the 2013 has 80 and the 2015 has 113.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical Compass year, for its age

#45 most complained-about 2014 vehicle

Complaints
308
Recalls
2
Crashes
20
Fires
7
Injuries
25
Deaths
0

Most common 2014 Jeep Compass problems

Share of all 308 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2014 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.

Engine

13V552000521 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
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 engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

What owners say

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308 complaints about the 2014 Jeep Compass

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 13.

Seats & seat belts1 injury

Incident happened while sitting in the vehicle, diagnosing an issue with the catalytic converter. A loud noise was heard just as something struck me in the back/ side of the head. The result was my head being whipped forward/ sideways and leaving my head/ neck sore, especially when I woke up the next morning. Upon inspection, it was determined that the headrest in the driver seat had "deployed" unprovoked. Upon searching google / nhtsa for this issue I found that there were issues with other models that had...

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extended warranties. I then contacted the vehicle owner and asked if they had received any notice about this issue. Vehicle owner replied that the passenger side headrest had already deployed unexpectedly while driving down the road, almost causing an accident, and was repaired at a dealership in March 2024. Vehicle owner also stated (and sent email proof) that the dealership stated that they "could not replace the driver side headrest if it was not deployed because they would be charged by the manufacturer if they turned in an undeployed headrest." There were no lights, warnings or indications that the headrest was going to deploy. The vehicle is available for inspection and the headrest has not been repaired.

Filed Incident Seats · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11773265
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

ABS module is faulty causing other issues including problems with electronic stability, no speedometer, no cruise control, no abs brakes. Apparently Jeep is no longer making this part as it has been on backorder for months. I feel it is unsafe as winter weather is nearing and abs brakes would be essential for safe driving. At [[redacted]] old I feel it is an essential part of safe driving for myself and my wife. I've been communicating with Jeep customer care for several weeks with absolutely no resolve. It appears they are not even producing the part that would seem essential for safe driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11765252
Fuel system

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. Several Unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to a towing issue. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was repaired for an electronic throttle body control unit failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 11739305
Seats & seat belts

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the driver's side headrest had deployed from the bottom of the headrest and was partially separated. The contact stated that while driving, the headrest was sticking out and poked her in the back of the neck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11730850
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest deployed. Approximately 2 months later, while entering the vehicle, the passenger's side headrest deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired....

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The dealer referred the contact to another facility to replace the air bags; however, the air bags were not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11718462
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after approximately 15 minutes. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The mechanic determined that the failure...

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was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine). Several dealers and the manufacturer were contacted, and the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11717104
SteeringSuspensionTransmission & drivetrain

am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the instability is strong enough that the vehicle does not feel safe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to multiple mechanics for inspections and test drives. Despite these efforts, no one has been able to locate the source of the problem or...

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identify any faulty components. Although the mechanics report finding nothing wrong, the issue remains and makes the vehicle extremely concerning to drive on public roads. Because the problem affects steering stability and overall safety, I believe this may be a potential defect. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this issue, determine whether other drivers have reported similar complaints, and consider whether an investigation or recall may be necessary. I can provide additional information, videos, photographs, or repair documentation if needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Power trainNHTSA 11703474
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11702144
SuspensionEngine & cooling

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that there was severe rusting to the rear suspension, with fractures on the passenger's side of the vehicle, with a fractured, detached suspension on the driver's side. The mechanic replaced the rear sub-frame, stabilizer links,...

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and control arm. Approximately one year later, after driving 130,000 additional miles, the daughter informed the contact that oil needed to be added more frequently. The contact was informed that while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated quickly; and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved abnormally and coasted before decelerating. The driver was able to make it to the nearest parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a Certified Mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a rear catalytic converter failure; however, replacing the part failed to fix the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensors had failed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. Subsequently, a different mechanic replaced the front catalytic converter and performed an oil change. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Suspension · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11689109
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and, while releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to a stop, shift into park(P), and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The failure reoccurred and became a persistent failure, and occurred at various speeds or while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and...

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metal shavings were found inside the oil pan, which the engine failure. The engine was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact learned that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired in 2018. The contact called another dealer, Baxter Auto Group (17225 Burt St, Omaha, NE 68118); but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a third dealer, Woodhouse Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Bellevue (7713 S 19th Cir, Bellevue, NE 68147); who determined the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11687598
Engine & coolingFire

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving, a ticking noise was present coming from the engine, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. Moments later, smoke and flames were present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was an engine failure. A fire report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who replaced the engine with a used engine, but shortly after retrieving the...

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vehicle, the engine failed and the vehicle stalled. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11682066
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving in a tunnel at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was immediately restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. During the failure, there were no warning lights or messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not performed. The contact was informed that no diagnostic codes were found related to the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11681235
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Headrest airbag went off randomly with no reason while driving. It broke when it went off and cannot be put back or reset.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11676522
Seats & seat belts

The 2014 Jeep Compass was in a parking lot and the driver side head restraint opened up as though there was an accident, but there was no accident and no warning system, message, or other symptoms. There is broken plastic inside the headrest, so it cannot be reassembled. It is a safety issue because the part cannot be put into the original configuration that was intended by Jeep, so the current safety of my neck while in this car is unknown. Police and insurance were not involved because there was no accident. ...

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Dealer claims that (a) Jeep will not pay for a replacement despite the existence of multiple TSB's, and (b) there is a federal law preventing replacement parts from being manufactured on hand, so they must be ordered for every occurrence of a complaint, meaning I have been waiting for months to get this replaced - while in an uncertain state of safety. I am concerned that I will approach a statute of limitations on my complaint and not be able to get it fixed at all.

Filed Incident Seats · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11674056
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it's making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new spark plugs and it's not accelerating and ver 40/45 mph! Which is costing me more money to pay for a uber to work and everywhere I need to go while still making car payments! My insurance doesn't handle these repairs. I need immediate help please!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11660242
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The headrest in the passenger seat deployed without a car accident. Just randomly when the car was parked. Jeep dealership wants to charge me 140 dollars to inspect this and the air bags. Supposedly both have recalls but they have "expired". How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It hit my husband in the head while he was sitting passenger. Now no one can sit comfortably in that seat and I'm scared...

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the air bags are going to also deploy while I'm driving the car which could injure me and my kids in the process. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No they are trying to charge me to look and told me it would be over 800 dollars to fix, which I do not have right now. The headrest is VERY obviously deployed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11653435
Airbags

Hello, My VIN is [[redacted]] and I have a 2014 Jeep Compass Latitude. I took my vehicle into the Jeep Dealership on Val Vista and Williamsfield Rd to have my airbag recall serviced. I picked up my vehicle and the airbag light was still on, I didn't think too much about it since it could have not been related to the airbag recall. However, I was later informed by pep boys and another mechanic that the airbag recall was not replaced. I was also informed on the phone by a dealership service man they did not...

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have the part to replace the airbag and it did not get fixed even though they stated on the paperwork and when I picked it up that the airbag recall was serviced and the airbag was functioning properly, I have contacted the attorney general and the dealership regarding this issue and the dealership is claiming im incorrect and they serviced my air bag and asked me to bring the car in to reset the airbag light and see if there is something else going on with the airbag. The airbag recall part that was supposed to be replaced is the original manufactured airbag from 2013. I trusted the dealership on their word that the airbag was working and they let me drive around like that with my family while they cashed the 2500 check and did nothing with the airbag recall replacement. I am concerned about the actions of the dealership for my families safety as well as other families safety when they take their car to this dealership to get their recall's serviced. I would like to fix the problem with my airbag without having to take it to this specific dealership and would like to let others know so we can avoid any injuries or anything serious happening as a result of this dealership not actually fixing their safety recalls. Please let me know if you would like me to submit pictures for the information I provided. Thank you, [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11645849
Other & unknown

The harness has come loose on two inconsistent occasions. Once in our neighborhood and the other time when I arrived at my destination my child's body weight was able to loosen the harness. Nuna is rejecting returns or replacements for these $600 car seats.

Filed Incident Chest clip, buckle, harnessNHTSA 11645617
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Thermostat keeps going to hot or stops working and drops to cold. Replaced thermostat coolant sensor since that's what the code popped up. Didn't work it continues to out. Radiator cap is collecting engine oil and not coolant. Engine oil is getting into my radiator hose. I had just got my radiator and stuff replaced by the dealership. I only had it for 6 months and been putting a lot of money in it and I'm still having engine and thermostat and radiator problems. Also it keeps smoking when it already has coolant in it.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11624847
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

I was slowing to make a left turn and the engine began to sound like it was accelerating. A lightning bolt light, skid warning light and check engine light all came on. I needed to get it home, but the car wouldn't go above 25mph. Googling says that it has a stuck throttle body. Have not attempted to fix yet.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11594483
LightsAirbags

Passenger air bag fault randomly causes warning light. TIPM causing headlights to randomly shut off and flicker when driving at night. Both high and low beams. Randomly affects passenger and drivers headlights at different times, sometimes shutting off all lighting completely for a couple of seconds.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 11580086
Engine & cooling

The vehicle just shuts off while in gear and in motion. Very dangerous. Lights come on (engine light, break light...) for a brief second before it randomly shuts off. It seems like the computer goes out, because on re start, the clock reset to 12:00 and there are no check engine lights on. It has happened several times over the past few hundred miles. An Internet search will show similar problems for other Jeep owners with no resolution. Obviously a defect.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11562145
Seats & seat belts

The headrest of my passenger seat deployed while I was driving on the highway. My twelve year old was sitting in the seat as it happened, and was hit in the head by the front of the headrest. There has been no formal inspection about it yet, but I witnessed it first-hand. There were no warning signals, lamps, or warnings associated with the incident and it happened very suddenly.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11533787
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

The first time the situation occurred we were out of town. Warning lights appeared. The car had sluggish acceleration, noisy, rough ride, hesitating, jerking type movements . We thought it was going to stop. The message appeared "Do not drive the vehicle." My husband took the Jeep to the dealer and they were supposed to have fixed it. He was told it was the throttle. We drove the Jeep and the problem stopped for a while. It occurred again on May 25, 2023 and we had to turn around and go back home and park...

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the vehicle and we have not been able to drive it. I found the following information; 2014 Jeep Compass Among Chrysler Vehicles Recalled for Stall Risk. We have never received a letter about a recall. Warning lights came across the board.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11528686
Seats & seat belts

The drivers side headrest active restraint deployed, there was no accident or hit to it. Upon inspection there was broken plastic peices found and the head rest could not be reset. I saw on some sites that this was a known issue and the warranty was extended 10 years from 2022.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11527543

Jeep Compass: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20189526285Engine & coolingF
20172294103Electrical systemC
2016294192Engine & coolingD
2015113142Engine & coolingB
20143082207Engine & coolingD
201380175Transmission & drivetrainB
2012184435Fuel systemC
2011188372Engine & coolingC
201081253AirbagsB
All Compass years

2014 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 2014 Jeep Compass

Does the 2014 Jeep Compass have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2014 Jeep Compass: pretensioner (September 2016); engine (November 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 2014 Jeep Compass?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (93), airbags (91), seats & seat belts (79).

How many complaints has the 2014 Jeep Compass had?

308 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 19, 2013 and the latest on October 23, 2026. Of these, 20 describe a crash and 7 a fire, and together they report 25 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2014 Jeep Compass a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 29 out of 100 (grade D: more 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 2014 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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