2012 Jeep Compass: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Jeep Compass: 4 recalls, 184 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #12V142000 · 2012 · 1,689 vehicles
What's wrong: Some vehicles May have been built with a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll-over valve.
Why it matters: In the event of an impact or roll-over, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #13V120000 · 2013 · 20,799 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the engine stalls while driving it May increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Electrical, Seat belts Vehicle recall #13V233000 · 2013 · 254,396 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013.
Airbags, Seat belts Vehicle recall #16V668000 · 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (36): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (22), warning light on (9).
- Fuel & propulsion (34): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (15), warning light on (5).
- Airbags (28): the most common themes are warning light on (3), fails to deploy (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (26): the most common themes are warning light on (8), stalls / loses power (7).
The 2012 Jeep Compass has 184 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 20 Compass model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 185). Complaints peaked in 2017 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 59,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (188 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (80 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Jeep Compass.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Jeep Compass problems?
Owners have filed 184 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (36), fuel & propulsion (34), airbags (28).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Jeep Compass get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Jeep Compass repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.