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2016 Jeep Compass
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
286 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (47% of complaints, typically reported near 55k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
4 open NHTSA defect investigations on file for this model year, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Jeep Compass, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Speed control (30) · Engine & cooling (23) · Fuel system (18)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
47%134 complaints · typically near 55k mi · 20 in the last 2 years
“The crankshaft position sensor is throwing a code , and the car want turn over .”
Electrical system
21%60 complaints · typically near 55k mi · 12 in the last 2 years
“The crankshaft position sensor is throwing a code , and the car want turn over .”
Transmission & drivetrain
15%43 complaints · typically near 73k mi · 7 in the last 2 years
“Brake caliphers went bad 2 days after I purchased, now a heavy humming sound that I literally feel vibration in my seat, loud weird noise when making sharp turns, turn…”
Speed control
10%30 complaints · 6 in the last 2 years
“Relay box underneath drivers side headlight prone to corrosion, causes jeeps from this era to stall and die randomly.”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine And Engine Cooling · 16V907000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Jeep COMPASS beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Compass model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2016 Jeep Compass against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.