Most common 2016 Jeep Compass problems
Share of the 293 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 →
2016 Jeep Compass recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2016 Jeep Compass:
Stall from Crankshaft\Camshaft Failure
On December 13, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received recall 16V-907 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that identified a safety defect involving crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Model Year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles.
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.
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
What 2016 Jeep Compass owners say
Engine & cooling all 160 →
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate, shuddered, and the air conditioner was inoperative, and the vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was suggested that the contact should take the vehicle to a dealer and that the crank shaft position sensor wiring connector or sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact also stated that the vehicle was parked and turned off, and upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). …
Electrical system all 62 →
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical and motive power, causing the vehicle to shut off. The contact was able to pull over on the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where it was ODB scanned and determined that the crankshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
I was recently driving my vehicle at a speed of 50mph when all of a sudden the engine light and the electrical light came on and I was unable to accelerate. I was able to pull over. Restart the car and get to my mechanic. A diagnostic was run and it was determined it was the throttle body actuator. I said fix the part. Apparently it is on backorder and there is nothing Jeep can to and the only way you can get one emergently, is to have your car break down The following day I was driving and my vehicle completely stopped without warning. I was able to pull over. My car was not drivable and had to be towed. I called Jeep and the service manager laughed and said the part was on backorder. My brother was able to find an aftermarket part to replace it. I filed a claim with Jeep to cover it and replace the part and they told me there is no recall and they will not do it. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 44 →
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving uphill, the vehicle was chugging. The vehicle was difficult to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who test-drove the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P0420 was due to the catalyst system. The contact was also made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the two other local dealers, Pueblo Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (2147 US-50, Pueblo, CO 81008) and Perkins Motors (1205 Motor City Dr. 1225, 1231 Motor City Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80905); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. …
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and power train warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V907000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,521.
2016 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 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 22 / 26 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 20 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Jeep Compass a good car?
Based on 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Compass rates avoid: 2.0× 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 2016 Jeep Compass?
The engine & cooling — 160 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the electrical system (62) and transmission & drivetrain (44).
How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Compass have?
There is 1 recall for the 2016 Jeep Compass, the most recent from December 16, 2016 (engine). 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 2016 Jeep Compass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 39% 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.