Home · 2017 · Jeep
2017 Jeep Compass
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
228 owner complaints · 4 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Electrical system problems dominate (38% of complaints, typically reported near 15k 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.
4/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2017 Jeep Compass SUV FWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 19%
3 open NHTSA defect investigations on file, 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 2017 Jeep Compass, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Brakes (27) · Steering (15) · Electronic Stability Control (esc) (12)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Electrical system
38%86 complaints · typically near 15k mi · 9 in the last 2 years
“Car just cuts off. Batteries are good, alternator good no codes! Rpm goes to o cuts off parking break comes takes a couple of seconds to start then cuts off at random …”
Engine
31%71 complaints · typically near 5k mi · 6 in the last 2 years
“I was approaching a stoplight and every light on the dash lit up, the car wouldn’t go after stopping and it wouldn’t turn off when put in park. I also couldn’t shift i…”
Transmission & drivetrain
18%42 complaints · typically near 3k mi · 4 in the last 2 years
“The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle stopped unexpectedly. While accelerating, there was …”
Brakes
12%27 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“While driving, my parking break will turn on and halt the car. It usually is around when there is an issue with my auto start/stop.”
Recalls (4)
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.
Equipment · 17V824000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Electrical System · 17V740000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: An instrument cluster that is too bright, and cannot be dimmed, can reduce the driver's ability to see at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.
Equipment · 17V433000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles. The affected vehicles have User's Guides that contain incorrect information regarding the jump start procedure, specifically, the polarity of the battery terminals are reversed in the battery terminal graphic.
Risk: If a customer follows the User's Guide, they may hook up the battery jumper cables incorrectly, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and will replace the User's Guides with a corrected version, free of charge. The recall began August 22, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T46.
Power Train · 17V301000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Jeep Compass vehicles equipped with a 6-speed transmission. The left front halfshaft may not be properly seated, and, as a result, it may disengage from the transmission and/or break.
Risk: If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T26.
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 2017 Jeep COMPASS beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2017? See how every Compass model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2017 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.