Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, backup camera).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the infotainment screen would occasionally independently operate or fail to operate as needed without warning. Due to the failure, various safety features including the defroster could not be used as needed. The contact had initially called the maker of the infotainment screen and she was informed that a case had been opened regarding the failure; however, the manufacturer had not helped regarding the failure. The vehicle manufacturer was then notified of the failure and referred her to a local dealer and the NHTSA. The contact then notified the dealer and made an appointment for service. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact reported that the rearview camera display was intermittently blank, and no image was visible. The contact stated that occasionally the image froze and was not properly displayed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to operate intermittently. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired and there was no recall associated with the Vin. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was 15,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the rear backup camera screen had malfunctioned and was unreadable with lines and a whited out image displayed. The was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera was inoperable, and the audible alert failed to sound while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was concerned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
My 2018 Jeep Compass started out having minor issues that I just blew off at first. First thing I noticed after purchasing it new was the cruise control wouldn't allow me to set speed. It only happened randomly, now its every other time the jeep starts up. Then my back up camera started going black. It worked more times than not. Well, time goes by and now the whole touch screen is black, or white lines, upside down, and sometimes just rolls then completely black. Another day, my oil change light came on, (2000 miles before it was due) and the parking brake engaged itself and cut off. It wouldn't start back up for about 3 mins. I checked the oil level and it was way below the oil pressure gauge. So i added oil and it seemed to fix the issue. Which brings us up to date until today, my car was sitting still in a parking lot for about 15 mins. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -the emergency brake will automatically turn on when my car stops due to the automatic stop start. Then it will not start again and it won't let me turn the brake off. I have been stuck in the middle of traffic before because of this. Also, the automatic stop start has killed both of my batteries multiple times. In the last 2 years I have had this car, I have replaced my batteries 2 times and have had to go get them fully recharged multiple times because they just completely drain and die How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -I was unable to move my vehicle from the middle of the road while I was trying to get it to turn back on, this had happened several times Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? …
I was at a red light and when the light turned and I put on the gas my car stalled. I could not shut off the car, it has a push button engine. The motor was off but on the dashboard it said the car was on and all of the electrical systems were still running (heat, radio, lights, etc). When I pushed the engine button, the car would not turn off. The parking break turned on by itself. I could not push my car to the side of the road. I was in the middle of traffic. I had to call for the police and for a tow truck. We still could not get the car to turn off (the motor was not on but the car's electrical system was still on). We could not disengage the parking break. Finally the tow truck operator slammed the break pedal down and he was able to turn off the car. The car then started. We still towed it to the Jeep Dealership. The could not find anything wrong with the car. …
Description of Problem: Since purchase, this vehicle has exhibited severe safety defects, including sudden and repeated engine shutdowns at highway speeds, loss of power while driving, dashboard malfunctions, steering lockups, service ESC, dynamic steering torque service required, service hill holder, false fuel gauge readings, service airbag reading, transmission warming sign, and emergency brake engagement without command. These failures have occurred multiple times and forced me off the road to avoid collisions. They mirror known recalls on this model year and create a clear risk of injury or death. Attempts to Repair: The selling dealer (Coral Springs Pre-Owned Superstore) and an authorized Jeep dealer (Arrigo Jeep in Margate, FL and Arrigo Jeep Tamarac,FL) have repeatedly failed to identify or repair the issues despite video evidence. …
Subject: Vehicle Lost Power While Driving - Potential Battery/Electrical Safety Issue On August 15, 2026, my vehicle suddenly began malfunctioning and lost power while I was driving my daughter to a medical appointment. I was on/near Highway 20 and had to maneuver the vehicle into a parking lot to avoid being struck. My daughter and I were extremely fortunate not to be injured. The vehicle was subsequently towed to Mall of Georgia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for evaluation. The dealership stated that both the main and auxiliary batteries need to be replaced and indicated that the main battery purchased from AutoZone may be faulty. The main battery was purchased from AutoZone on June 20, 2026. After an earlier vehicle failure, AutoZone tested the battery on July 24, 2026, and reported it as 100% charged/good. …
Collision Avoidance complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are collision avoidance problems on the 2018 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2018 Jeep Compass, 6% of the model year's 946 complaints. The component named most often is automatic emergency braking (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Jeep Compass collision avoidance problems?
No. NHTSA lists no driver assistance recall for the 2018 Jeep Compass, though it has 6 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 2018 Jeep Compass collision avoidance problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to driver assistance 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.