2012 Jeep Compass Problems: 9 Known Issues

On the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass, first-generation Compass models (2007-2017) equipped with the Jatco CVT2 continuously variable transmission suffer from overheating, slipping, shuddering, and premature failure. The CVT fluid breaks down under heat stress, causing the pulleys to wear and the belt to slip. Overheating is especially common in hot weather, stop-and-go traffic, or when towing. "Transmission Over Temp" warnings are extremely common.

On the 2012 Jeep Compass, two 2012-model-year fuel tank manufacturing defects. 12V142 (M11, 1,689 vehicles built Dec 17, 2011 - Jan 2, 2012) covers tanks whose roll-over valve was damaged by the supplier's leak-test equipment, allowing fuel to leak in a rollover or impact. 13V120 (N17, 20,799 vehicles built Oct 18, 2011 - May 7, 2012) covers 2012 Compass/Patriot tanks built with an incorrectly manufactured internal transfer tube, which can interrupt fuel transfer from the secondary to the primary side of the tank and cause the engine to stall. Both are first-generation, 2012-only build-window defects.

On the 2010-2014 Jeep Compass, on 2010-2014 first-generation Compass (and Patriot), a shorting condition in certain crash events can send a negative voltage transient through the front impact sensor wires to the Occupant Restraint Control module (under the center console), damaging its circuit. That can stop the front airbags, side airbags and seat-belt pretensioners from deploying, and FCA reported no warning beforehand. The same platform also had an earlier software-only recall (13V233 / N01, 2010-2012 built May 6, 2008 - Jul 20, 2012) for delayed or non-deployment of side airbags and pretensioners in slow-developing rollovers.

On the 2007-2016 Jeep Compass, owners of the first-generation (MK) Compass report rear hub/bearing noise, a growl or hum that rises with speed, and some report repeat replacements. It affects the 2007-2016 first-generation (MK) Compass, not the 2017-on second generation (MP).

On the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass, the MK Compass (shared platform with the Patriot and Caliber) wears out the front lower control arm rear bushings and the inner/outer tie rod ends early - many owners report replacement between 40,000 and 80,000 miles. Symptoms start as a clunk or pop through the floor when accelerating from a stop or crossing bumps, then progress to steering wander and uneven inner tire wear. FCA also issued a service bulletin for 2011-2014 Compass and Patriot built January 24, 2010 through February 28, 2014 that lubricates the front lower control arm rear bushings with Nye lubricant to cure a cold-weather creak or squeak.

On the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass, the plastic thermostat housing on the 2.0L and 2.4L World engines is prone to cracking and leaking coolant. The housing warps from heat cycling, causing the O-ring seal to fail. This leads to external coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage if not addressed. The same housing is used across Compass, Patriot, and Dodge Caliber platforms.

On the 2011-2016 Jeep Compass, the catalytic converter on 2011-2016 front-wheel-drive Compass models with the 2.0L or 2.4L World Engine loses efficiency and exceeds NOx standards, a defect FCA acknowledged in emissions recall U67 (part of a roughly 862,000-vehicle campaign covering the Compass and Patriot along with the Dodge Journey, Caliber, Avenger and Chrysler 200). FCA attributed it to the combination of precious-metal loading, washcoat technology and fuel sulfur. Owners see a check engine light with P0420 that returns within a few hundred miles of clearing. Because the same engine family is prone to oil consumption and misfire, a converter that fails early is often being poisoned by oil or unburned fuel, so an underlying misfire or oil-burning condition must be corrected or the replacement converter dies too.

On the 2007-2014 Jeep Compass, on first-generation (MK) Compass models the underhood TIPM fuse/relay module develops internal relay and circuit-board faults. Owners report wipers turning on by themselves or only working on high, low/high beams dying with good bulbs, the horn honking randomly, dash lights flickering, power outlets dead and in some cases a no-start because the fuel-pump relay inside the module drops out. Unlike the Grand Cherokee/Durango TIPM, the Compass/Patriot/Caliber module was never recalled, and several owners report a replacement module failing again within a year. For the 2007 Compass, CarComplaints logs an average failure mileage of ~110,900 miles and a typical dealer repair of about $1,650.

On the 2007-2020 Jeep Compass, the plastic gears inside the temperature blend door actuator strip, so the actuator motor free-spins and ratchets. Owners hear a rapid tick-tick-tick from behind the glovebox or center dash for several seconds after startup and every time the temperature or mode is changed, and one side of the cabin (or the whole system) gets stuck blowing only hot or only cold. The failure is common on the MK Compass and carries into the MP; the recirculation and mode actuators use the same gear train and fail the same way. It is a wear item rather than a control-head fault, so replacing the climate control head does not fix it.