Most common 2010 Jeep Compass problems
Share of the 81 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Compass complaints by model year
Best Compass years: 2013, 2015, 2021. Years to avoid: 2018, 2022, 2019, 2014, 2016. Compare all years →
2010 Jeep Compass recalls (2)
Air bags
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Software
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2010 Jeep Compass:
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early…
What 2010 Jeep Compass owners say
Air bags
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Jeep Compass. While driving approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently and drove over a curb. As a result, the contact crashed into a pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a minor injury from the seat belt, but did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Body & 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.
The car had been sitting parked for 2 hours. No key in ignition. Looked out and saw fire coming out of the rear of the car. Lighting fixture was complete burned out as well as everything else ove to where the gas tank spout is. Fire dept came. Filled out a report . The head lights and other lights inside car kept coming on intermittently even after the fire was out. There was no key in ignition and the car had been sitting parked for 2 hours.
Fuel & propulsion system
After re-fueling my Jeep 2010 Jeep Compass until the tank is full (not over filled) the car drives heavy; engine stalls and engine has stopped completely while idling in traffic and at a intersection stop light on route 102 in londonderry, nh off of exit 4 off of interstate 93. It has happened multiple times and the check engine light briefly has flickered on, however, my mechanic stated the warning light did not show in the computers history. Thus causing no way to actually diagnose and fix the problem. This is dangerous as I had difficulty restarting the engine after each incident . However, I was able to eventually start and drive(although while the gas tank is full it drives heavy)the car. It seems, that the problem dissipates after using the gas and it has not occurred when the gas tank is not filled to its potential capacity. …
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 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. …
2010 Jeep Compass engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 27 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 21 / 25 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 21 / 24 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Jeep Compass a good car?
Based on 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Compass rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Compass at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Jeep Compass?
The air bags — 19 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (13) and fuel & propulsion system (12).
How many recalls does the 2010 Jeep Compass have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2010 Jeep Compass, the most recent from September 15, 2016 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Compass?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2015 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2022, 2019, 2014 and 2016. See the full Jeep Compass years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Jeep Compass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.