Most common 2014 Jeep Compass problems
Share of the 307 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 →
2014 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.
Engine
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…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2014 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…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2014 Jeep Compass owners say
Engine & cooling all 93 →
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 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.
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 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. …
Air bags all 91 →
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. 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.
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 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. …
Seat belts all 53 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving 25 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bag failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Right now it doesn't run because the brain went out while I was driving back to work from lunch. There's no response to the vehicle and the other day it completely stopped dead while I was driving 65 on my way home from work. To top my matters off with this vehicle it's had the cruise control recalled and replaced and many other parts it's a terrible vehicle. To top my stress with it my seatbelt doesn't lock when it's supposed to so if I wreck looks like I'm going through the windshield. I honestly wish I could afford another vehicle because mine I feel is going to be the death of me. I have a video of what it was doing before it completely shut down can't upload any pictures because it wouldn't do justice.
2014 Jeep Compass engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 22 / 26 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Jeep Compass a good car?
Based on 307 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Compass rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Compass at the same age. It is one of the Compass years we suggest avoiding. 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 2014 Jeep Compass?
The engine & cooling — 93 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the air bags (91) and seat belts (53).
How many recalls does the 2014 Jeep Compass have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2014 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 2014 Jeep Compass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 42% 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.