Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Wrangler vs JEEP Compass
How the JEEP Wrangler and JEEP Compass compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
JEEP Wrangler vs JEEP Compass: The Wrangler averages 793 complaints per year and has 102 recalls, while the Compass averages 113 complaints per year and has 20 recalls. Both show electrical and engine issues, but the Wrangler's are more frequent. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Wrangler or JEEP Compass more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged SUV that generates a lot of owner complaints—about 793 per year over the last decade. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, steering, and engine, with many reports of sudden power loss, battery drain, and power steering failure. With 102 recalls and 163 crash-related complaints, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection and a tolerance for frequent shop visits.
JEEP Compass
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV with far fewer complaints—about 113 per year—but still has notable issues. Electrical and engine problems dominate, including stalling, hesitation, and sensor glitches. It has 20 recalls and 55 crash-related complaints, so while it's less complaint-prone than the Wrangler, it's not trouble-free.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Wrangler | JEEP Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,929 | 1,130 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 102 | 20 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 163 | 55 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 792.9 | 113.0 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 102 | 23 Better |
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 Wrangler
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,850
- 02STEERING2,455
- 03ENGINE2,155
- 04POWER TRAIN1,209
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,075
Owners of plug-in hybrid Wranglers report the 12-volt auxiliary battery repeatedly dying after the vehicle sits plugged in, leaving them stranded. Others describe sudden loss of electric drive power, with warnings like 'Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable.' These failures can happen even on new vehicles, making reliability a real concern.
Many owners report electric power steering failures, often accompanied by warnings such as 'Power Steering System Hot' or 'Electric Power Steering Fail.' Some experience this within miles of leasing, which can make steering suddenly heavy and difficult, especially at low speeds.
Engine-related complaints often tie back to the same 12-volt battery and electrical issues, causing odd operational patterns and power loss. Owners describe hesitation and unexpected shutdowns, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Power train complaints mirror the electrical and engine issues, with reports of unexpected loss of drive power and reduced performance. This can leave drivers unable to accelerate or maintain speed, increasing crash risk.
“The 12-volt auxiliary battery and related electrical system in my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid (leased new 8/25/2025) repeatedly fail. The battery completely discharges after the vehicle sits plugged into a standard home charger, undisturbed, for sev…”
“While driving my 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe in normal conditions, the vehicle unexpectedly loses electric drive power. Power is reduced in stages — to approximately 50%, then 25% — then electric mode is disabled and the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Un…”
JEEP Compass
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM476
- 02ENGINE381
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER258
- 04POWER TRAIN148
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE109
Owners report intermittent electrical gremlins, including hesitation, vibration, and a roaring noise that may be related to the drivetrain. Some also experience the car dying or losing all power while driving, which is a serious safety concern.
Engine complaints include hesitation under acceleration and recurring mechanical problems that owners say create safety concerns. These issues often appear shortly after purchase and can persist despite dealer visits.
Some owners report the vehicle losing all power while in drive, requiring a restart. Others note that light sensors cause the GPS screen to flash bright white at night, which can temporarily blind the driver.
A notable complaint involves the Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) failing suddenly at highway speeds, which can cause loss of power to the wheels. Others mention that safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking may not work reliably.
“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…”
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 Wrangler — 102 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The child seat tether welds on the second-row, right-side seat frame may be insufficient, which can reduce the seat's ability to properly restrain a child during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the require…
The risk: A child that is not properly restrained during a crash can have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row, right-side seat frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 29, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 27D. Vehicle Identi…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The walls for the steel wheels may be too thin, allowing them to crack or detach, which can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The risk: Loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steel wheels and valve stems, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's numbe…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyage…
The risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler'…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The remote start antenna cable may be pinched, which can cause the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light not to illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federa…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of a problem increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the remote start antenna cable as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number…
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.
Buyer analysis
JEEP Wrangler or JEEP Compass: which should you buy?
The Jeep Compass has far fewer complaints per year (113 vs. 793) and fewer recalls (20 vs. 102), suggesting it may be less trouble-prone overall. However, both vehicles have serious reported issues, so the difference is mainly in frequency, not in the possibility of major failures.
Key differences
- The Wrangler has about 7 times more complaints per year than the Compass, with electrical and steering problems being especially common.
- Wrangler owners frequently report 12-volt battery drain and sudden power loss in plug-in hybrid models, while Compass owners report stalling and hesitation.
- The Wrangler has 102 recalls versus 20 for the Compass, covering areas like child seat anchors, wheels, and battery systems.
- Compass complaints include a specific Power Take-Off Unit failure at speed, while Wrangler complaints include electric power steering failure shortly after purchase.
- Check the 12-volt auxiliary battery and charging system on plug-in hybrid models—ask for a recent battery health test and look for signs of repeated discharge.
- Test the electric power steering at low speeds and listen for warnings; any 'Power Steering System Hot' or 'Fail' messages are a red flag.
- Listen for a roaring noise from the drivetrain and feel for hesitation during a test drive, as these are common owner complaints.
- Ask about the Power Take-Off Unit (PTU) service history and check for any recalls related to the instrument cluster or camera system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including battery health and charging components.
- Test drive at both low and high speeds, paying attention to steering feel, acceleration, and any warning lights.
- For the Wrangler, specifically check the power steering and 12-volt battery; for the Compass, check the PTU and safety features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and be wary if there are repeated electrical or engine-related repairs.
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 Wrangler | JEEP Compass |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30 | 5 |
| 2025 | 225 | 26 |
| 2024 | 2485 | 52 |
| 2023 | 365 | 46 |
| 2022 | 397 | 222 |
| 2021 | 943 | 80 |
| 2020 | 610 | 141 |
| 2019 | 742 | 329 |
| 2018 | 1823 | 0 |
| 2017 | 309 | 229 |
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 Wrangler or JEEP Compass in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Wrangler vs JEEP Compass
- JEEP Wrangler total complaints
- 7,929
- JEEP Compass total complaints
- 1,130
- JEEP Wrangler total recalls
- 102
- JEEP Compass total recalls
- 20
- JEEP Wrangler avg complaints/year
- 792.9
- JEEP Compass avg complaints/year
- 113.0
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Compass
- JEEP Wrangler top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- JEEP Compass top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM