Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Jeep Compass, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 20 | 11% |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 7% |
| Structure | 12 | 6% |
| Suspension | 12 | 6% |
| Engine | 11 | 6% |
| Air bags | 10 | 5% |
| Electrical system | 9 | 5% |
| Air bags | 5 | 3% |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The vehicle pulls when I’m driving it and the transmission over heats if I go over 80 and turns off.
NHTSA complaint: Seats
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and was difficult the steer. The vehicle was later towed to the
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The vehicle shuts off while driving at any speed. Steering locks and will not allow driver to pull over to safety.
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refu
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought t
NHTSA complaint: Steering
CUANDO ESTOY CON EL VEHICULO EN MARCHA SUBEN LAS REVOLUCIONES DEL VEHICULO ESTE DIMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD CORRIENDO, LO CUAL PODRIA OCACIONAR UN ACCIDENTE
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear s
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2011 Jeep Compass. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 pret
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 deploy
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
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUIL
Risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-
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 sid
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 resul
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.
| Reliability raw | 63 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 75 | good |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 187 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 20 of them (11%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 63/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.