2012 Jeep Compass recalls and problems

The 2012 Jeep Compass has 4 safety recalls and 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

184

Crashes / fires

3 / 5

Injuries / deaths

2 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Jeep Compass vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Jeep Compass recalls

Recall 16V-668: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Sep 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Recall 13V-233: Electrical System, Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Jun 4, 2013 · 254,396 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Recall 13V-120: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 3, 2013 · 20,799 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.

Recall 12V-142: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 3, 2012 · 1,689 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 jeep patriot and compass vehicles manufactured from december 17, 2011, through january 2, 2012. Some vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll-over valve.

Risk: In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about may 25, 2012. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2012 Jeep Compass problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	36
Fuel/Propulsion System	34
Air Bags	28
Power Train	26
Electrical System	24
Unknown or Other	24
Seat Belts	22
Structure	12
Suspension	10
Fuel System, Gasoline	10
Vehicle Speed Control	10
Steering	6

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 7
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 2
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hatchback/Liftgate › Lock — 1
Structure › Frame and Members — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Jeep Compass complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 109,000 miles · reported Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was jumpstarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 63,000 miles · reported Mar 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the contact was unable to pump more than one gallon at a time. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the roll-over valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jan 22, 2026

When I attempt to fuel the car, the gas pump immediately shuts off regardless of the gas station or the pump that I am at. The gas also seemed to not want to go into the tank, as I could see some of the gas leaking out around the rim of the tank even though it was empty when I began to fuel.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 8, 2025

I have had problems with a hitch or pause in the acceleration of my 2012 Jeep Compass since at least April of last year. I purchased the vehicle used in January 2021. In and of itself, the hitch would be a minor thing, but I think it's related to other problems I'm having with the vehicle losing acceleration, which has become a real point of concern. This has occurred multiple times when I start accelerating from a stop, such as when I'm at an intersection. The car loses acceleration, the traction control light sometimes will come on, the steering will tighten up like I've lost power steering…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 63,176 miles · reported Jan 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the nozzle kicked off and shut down. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V142000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the fuel tank rollover valve being defective. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was…

Other Jeep Compass years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 201320122011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Compare all Jeep Compass years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass: 16V-668 (seat belts, air bags), 13V-233 (electrical system, seat belts, air bags), 13V-120 (fuel system, gasoline), 12V-142 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Jeep Compass?

Owners report engine problems most often (36 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (34). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.