Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Jeep Compass. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a ditch on the side of a mountain. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was not wearing a seat belt. It was stated that the seat belt had a history of loosening. A police report was filed. The contact was killed in the crash. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
The vehicle jerks on acceleration or loses power and the engine bucks and sputters while in motion. When rolling up windows while stationary the lights dim or engine sputters. This has happened off and on for the past two years. Only recently has is scared me because I was about to pull out into oncoming traffic. I was told by the dealership in chantilly, va there is nothing wrong with my engine. My passenger seatbelt gets stuck after being engaged. I had it replaced in fall 2012 at a dealership in woodbridge, va. I still have this issue and the new dealership will not replace it because it already was in 2012.
Rec'd notice from FCA regarding recall, s61/nhta16v-688. After contacting FCA, was informed that part required would be available by 1 June 2017. Have yet to hear from FCA nor could a rep tell me when part would be available. Situation is such that the affected vehicle can not be sold or traded and is loosing value. Vehicle is parked and essentially unusable as it could produce more harm than good to myself or others if used and an incident occurs. FCA is not responding as they stated or as I requested nor have they provided reimbursement for diagnostic work done a local dealer as they initially promised.
I do not feel safe driving my vehicle when the seat belts and air bags May not work in a collision! Currently there are no parts to fix this issue and the recall was initiated in September of 2016--it has been almost a year! What about children riding in the vehicle?!
I received a recall for a defective seat belt and air bag assembly in my 2012 Jeep Compass weeks ago. Because this vehicle is used in a fleet capacity, I pulled it from service immediately. I talked to Dodge and was told there is no remedy at this time. I then asked for a loaner vehicle until my vehicle was safe to drive and was told that Dodge doesn't have a rental program for recalls. I don't know how this manufacture doesn't have a plan to rectify an inconvenience that their customers have to go through regarding a problem that wasn't the customers fault to begin with. I'm very unhappy Dodge treats customers like this.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted (bergeron Jeep in new orleans, la) and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 13V233000 (air bags, seat belts, electrical system) and 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. James serenity greenville (3064 us-82, greenville, ms 38703, [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedies. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
While driving at 70 MPH on I 90, I adjusted my posture, slightly elevating my hips and leaning back against the seatback, whereupon the seatback suddenly collapsed backward, leaving me looking at the ceiling. Fortunately I was virtually alone on the road and was able to quickly recover my upright position without loss of control. I stopped and examined the seatback adjustment and discovered that the seatbelt had intruded between the seat and the adjustment lever in such a way that my upward motion disengaged the lever so that my backward pressure allowed the seat to recline.
Tl* Takata recall the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags) however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated 03/07/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Updated 05/10/17
Seat Belt complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 2012 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seat belts of the 2012 Jeep Compass, 12% of the model year's 184 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Compass seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts recall for the 2012 Jeep Compass, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Jeep Compass seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury and 1 death to seat belts problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.