Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass include engine problems, electrical system problems, and transmission problems
Six recalls have been issued for this vehicle, involving a variety of issues from an instrument cluster being too bright to oil pump failures. Below is a look at 814 of the most common Jeep Compass problems drivers are complaining about on the NHTSA website as of September 23, 2024.
Most consumers would likely agree that reliability and safety are some of the most important traits for a vehicle to have.
While most vehicles manage to be safe and mostly reliable, things can sometimes get in the way: defects.
When a vehicle contains defects from the manufacturing process, it can severely impact the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle.
Consumers don’t have to bear the burden of owning such a car though, because the lemon law protects them.
In this article we will cover the 2018 Jeep Compass’s common problems and how the lemon law can be used to protect consumer rights.
Common 2018 Jeep Compass Problems
- Engine Problems: Stalling, loss of motive power, failure, overconsumption of oil, engine cuts out while driving
- Electrical System Problems: Infotainment system problems, rearview camera black or blank, headlights turn off, screen delamination
- Transmission Problems: Jerkiness while accelerating, problems accelerating or decelerating, sudden acceleration, car suddenly stops
2018 Jeep Compass Engine Problems
Of the 807 complaints on the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s website, 423 of them were for the engine.
Consumers described their engines stalling, losing motive power, outright failing, overconsuming oil, and cutting out while driving.
Engine problems are typically noticed quickly by drivers because they manifest so openly, but they also run the greatest risk of causing severe damage to the vehicle.
Engine problems should be taken seriously by any owner who discovers them, ideally prompting a visit to the mechanic for inspection and repair if necessary.
Jeep issued a recall for their oil pumps, which would not deliver enough oil and cause the engine to stall. This recall was issued in October 2017, and the NHTSA Recall ID is 17V670.
2018 Jeep Compass Electrical System Problems
Electrical system problems are somewhat common to hear about in vehicles, largely because there are a lot of electrical systems in vehicles and so one or two of them breaking and being reported is fairly common.
Consumers reported their infotainment system having problems, rearview cameras being black or blank, their headlights turning off, and screen delamination.
Screen delamination is likely to be causing the infotainment system problems people described, as it can cause screens to give false inputs.
Jeep has issued a recall for an element of their electrical systems, the instrument cluster. This cluster would be too bright and could distract drivers at night.
It was issued in November 2017 and the NHTSA Recall ID is 17V740.
Jeep Compass Owners Concerns
“Coolant light comes on without car actually overheating and car stalls for 2-3 seconds and then comes back on. While driving at higher speeds there is a partial stall and then cuts back on. When going from stoped with brakes and then pushing on gas, car fully stalls including unable to press on brakes and wheel is stiff. Problem continuously but randomly occurs and has been looked at by 2 different dealerships, oil consumption test is normal, and oil is topped off every 2,000 miles. Significant accident and safety concerns regarding car stalling while driving.”
“My first and last from JCD. Had nothing but electrical issues one year after purchase, was told the mileage took it out of warranty. I’m not sure how mileage affects the radio calling so for no reason.”
“I’m leasing a 2018 Compass- It shifts hard so I called the dealership and of course there was nothing they could do about it. They told me all Chrysler vehicles with a 9 speed transmission shift hard. Like it’s normal and I’m supposed to be ok with it… I’m not ok with it and how would anyone think that this could be normal?? Had to have it towed 3 different times last summer because the “service 4 wheel drive” light came on and would not let me drive any faster than 15 mph. After the third time they finally replaced the drive train control module. Now the check engine light is coming on. Took it in only to have them tell me that I needed an oil change (I was 1000 miles away from needing an oil change) so ok whatever go ahead and change the oil. It didn’t work- a week later the light came on again. Just got it back- they changed the in take / out take valve. Love everything about the jeep EXCEPT for all of the issues I’ve had with it. I wouldn’t buy/lease another one.”
When Your Compass Qualifies as a Lemon
If you have a defective vehicle and have presented it for repeat warranty repairs to an authorized manufacturer dealership, the best way to get compensated is to use your state’s lemon law process.
Most states have these laws to protect consumers who purchase or lease warrantied vehicles. The process starts as soon as you notice a defect and take the car in for inspection and repair.
Make sure to document every repair attempt, all communications with the manufacturer, and any other relevant information.
This evidence is crucial for a successful lemon law claim. A vehicle is usually considered a lemon if it goes through two to four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same problem or if it’s out of service for 30 days or more due to repairs.
If your car is deemed a lemon, hiring a lemon law lawyer is recommended to represent you against the large auto manufacturers.
A lawyer can ensure your claim is handled correctly and improve your chances of success. Whether in negotiations or in a formal legal proceeding, a lawyer can help you build a strong case.
If you win a negotiation or lawsuit, you can get either a refund or a replacement vehicle. A refund reimburses all money spent on the purchase or lease of the car, inclusive of the down payment, monthly payments, interest, taxes, and sometimes extra costs like registration renewal fees or rental car expenses.
Replacement vehicles will be of a similar make and model, often a current-year model.
In both cases, the manufacturer will deduct a usage fee for the time you drove the car without issues causing it to be a lemon. With the replacement option, the consumer is typically responsible for any difference in price.
Let the Lemon Law Experts Fight for You!
When manufacturers come to the table with a consumer bringing them a lemon, they come with their own legal counsel to defeat the consumer’s claim.
Without legal counsel of your own, you may find difficulty successfully bringing your claim.
Retaining an experienced lemon law attorney is likely one of the best things you can do for your claim.
The Lemon Law Experts are a team of skilled attorneys who would love to represent you and hold the manufacturer of your lemon accountable.
If you are planning on bringing a lemon law claim, we are your premier choice! Connect with our team today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by visiting us on our website!
