Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Compass vs JEEP Cherokee
How the JEEP Compass and JEEP Cherokee compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
JEEP Compass vs JEEP Cherokee: The Compass averages 113 complaints per year with 20 recalls, while the Cherokee averages 740 complaints per year with 59 recalls. Both have zero deaths reported, but the Cherokee has more crash-related reports (180 vs. 55). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Compass or JEEP Cherokee more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a moderate complaint volume: 1,130 complaints over 10 years, averaging 113 per year. Electrical system issues dominate, with 476 complaints, often involving intermittent noises, hesitation, and screen glitches. Engine complaints (381) include vibration and power loss, while power train issues (148) involve sudden failures like the PTU. With 20 recalls and 55 crash-related reports, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
JEEP Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a midsize SUV with a much higher complaint rate: 7,397 complaints over 10 years, averaging about 740 per year. Power train problems are the most common (3,688 complaints), with reports of harsh jolts, rolling backwards, and unexpected braking. Engine (1,629) and electrical (1,563) issues also frequent, including sudden stops and battery drain. With 59 recalls and 180 crash-related reports, it has a more troubled reliability record than the Compass.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Compass | JEEP Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,130 Better | 7,397 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 20 Better | 59 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 55 Better | 180 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 113.0 Better | 739.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 23 Better | 153 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
JEEP Compass
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 02ENGINE381
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER258
- 04POWER TRAIN148
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE109
Owners report intermittent roaring noises, hesitation under acceleration, and screen flashing from dark to bright mode when passing under street lights. These electrical gremlins can be distracting and may indicate deeper wiring or sensor issues.
Complaints include vibration and hesitation under acceleration, sometimes accompanied by a roaring noise. These symptoms can point to engine misfires or transmission problems, potentially leading to costly repairs.
The Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) can fail suddenly while driving at highway speeds, causing loss of power. This is a critical safety risk and an expensive fix if it occurs out of warranty.
Owners report that lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking may not work reliably, with icons not illuminating when veering out of lane. This undermines driver confidence in the safety systems.
“The vehicle was purchased in Dec of 2023. It had a slight vibration and hesitation under acceleration a few miles after leaving the dealership, just assumed everything needed to “break in”. About a month later, we had noticed an intermittent roaring noise com…”
“To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding my 2021 Jeep Compass, particularly concerning recurring mechanical, electrical, and safety-related problems that have created serious concerns about the vehicle's reliability and sa…”
JEEP Cherokee
- 01POWER TRAIN3,688
- 02ENGINE1,629
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,563
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,408
- 05SERVICE BRAKES465
Owners describe hard jolts during acceleration, rolling backwards at stop lights, and unexpected emergency braking at highway speeds. These issues can lead to loss of control and are frequently reported, indicating a systemic problem.
Complaints include sudden drops in fuel economy, excessive soot from the tailpipe, and emergency braking activation. These symptoms may indicate engine or emissions system faults that can be costly to diagnose and repair.
Vehicles may suddenly stop while driving, sound an alarm, and flash error messages. Battery drain after a few days of parking is also reported, requiring replacement batteries and leaving owners stranded.
Some owners find the brake and gas pedals too close together, causing their foot to scrape the brake pedal when switching, leading to unintended braking or acceleration. This design flaw can be a safety hazard.
“on May 3 at approx. 4:00 pm I was sitting at a stop light and when it turned green I started to accelerate the jolt was so hard that I thought the car behind me had hit me.When I went to go again it started rolling backwards and I applied the brakes.I could n…”
“On [XXX], we were traveling from Seattle to Portland on [XXX] in my 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the cruise control set at around 75 mph. Suddenly the emergency collision braking system applied and all of the lights on my vehicle lit up. While the brakin…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
JEEP Compass — 20 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness level of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) may not be adjustable due to incorrect software in the body control module (BCM). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh…
The risk: An IPC display that is not bright enough may not clearly show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rear…
The risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, L…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500, 1500 Classic and Jeep Compass vehicles. The windshield wiper arm or arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to not operate properly and reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions.
The risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front seat head restraints were not welded properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints."
The risk: Improperly welded head restraints can result in an increased risk of injury to seat occupants during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both front seat head restraints, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z36.
JEEP Cherokee — 59 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed Jun…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equ…
The risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
The risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 29D. Vehicle Id…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed Jun…
Buyer analysis
JEEP Compass or JEEP Cherokee: which should you buy?
The Jeep Compass has far fewer complaints per year (113 vs. 740) and fewer recalls (20 vs. 59), suggesting it may be less problematic overall. However, both vehicles have serious reported issues, so the Cherokee's higher volume means a greater likelihood of encountering a defective model. In practice, a used Compass might be a safer bet for reliability, but neither is without risk.
Key differences
- The Cherokee has over 6 times more complaints per year than the Compass, with power train issues being the most frequent (3,688 vs. 148).
- Compass complaints often involve electrical gremlins and engine hesitation, while Cherokee complaints center on harsh shifting, unexpected braking, and sudden stops.
- The Cherokee has 59 recalls versus 20 for the Compass, indicating more widespread safety-related defects.
- Crash-related reports are higher for the Cherokee (180 vs. 55), though both have zero deaths reported.
- Listen for intermittent roaring noises from the engine bay or undercarriage, especially during acceleration, which could indicate PTU or transmission issues.
- Test all electrical features, including the infotainment screen, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, to ensure they function consistently.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hard jolts or hesitation when accelerating from a stop, and check for rolling backwards on inclines.
- Check for battery drain by leaving the vehicle parked for a few days, and inspect for soot around the tailpipe, which may indicate engine problems.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on transmission, electrical system, and engine components.
- Test drive the vehicle in various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate reported issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and battery replacements.
- Consider an extended warranty that covers power train and electrical components, as repairs can be expensive.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | JEEP Compass | JEEP Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 | 46 | 3 |
| 2022 | 222 | 51 |
| 2021 | 80 | 166 |
| 2020 | 141 | 309 |
| 2019 | 329 | 1648 |
| 2018 | 0 | 686 |
| 2017 | 229 | 1335 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific JEEP Compass or JEEP Cherokee in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Compass vs JEEP Cherokee
- JEEP Compass total complaints
- 1,130
- JEEP Cherokee total complaints
- 7,397
- JEEP Compass total recalls
- 20
- JEEP Cherokee total recalls
- 59
- JEEP Compass avg complaints/year
- 113.0
- JEEP Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 739.7
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Compass
- JEEP Compass top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- JEEP Cherokee top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN