The Most Common 2012 Jeep Compass Problems
Error codes and engineering designs that affect the airbags, engine performance, and fuel lines are behind four recalls of the 2012 Jeep Compass.
Written by Jessica Gibson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2012 Jeep Compass struggles with powertrain performance, resulting in acceleration problems, clunky handling, and engine noise. Along with these issues, the Compass has been recalled four times.
Jeep devotees might see the 2012 Jeep Compass as a bargain vehicle. While it’s true that it’s affordable and gets so-so gas mileage, owners aren’t as impressed with the somewhat basic interior. Some reviewers noted problems with visibility and ease of access because of tall door sills.
These are just a few of the 2012 Jeep Compass problems you should know about. Here to break down all of the issues is
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(or explore insurance for any other vehicle), Jerry’s got you covered there, too!The most common 2012 Jeep Compass problems
Let’s get the bad news out of the way: the 2012 Jeep Compass struggles with design flaws and engineering errors, resulting in four recalls.
The 2012 Jeep Compass was first recalled for a damaged rollover valve, which could cause fuel leaks and increased fire risk if the vehicle is in an accident with impact or rollover.
The following recall was for an incorrectly manufactured fuel transfer tube, which can cause the engine to stall and increase the risk of a crash.
The 2012 Jeep Compass was also recalled for a software error that delayed or didn’t deploy the side airbags. If the airbags are delayed or don’t go off during a rollover, passengers are at an increased risk of injury.
The most recent recall was for the Occupant Restraint Control module, which might short circuit. In this instance, front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and side airbags don’t deploy during a crash. This can increase the risk of injury to passengers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has gotten 162 driver complaints about the 2012 Jeep Compass. The complaints are divided pretty evenly between complaints about the engine, airbags, fuel/propulsion system, and powertrain. Not all of these reviews deal with recall issues. Owners were also concerned about the following:
- Sound of the engine and exhaust
- Feel of the seat material
- Water leaks from the roof area
- Vehicle’s handling on curves
Given that the Compass was recalled for leaking fuel in the event of a rollover, the vehicle’s handling on curves could be a potentially severe complaint.
Now for some good news about the 2012 Jeep Compass: it is one of the most affordable small SUVs, and owners tend to like the amount of trunk and cargo space.
MORE:
Jeep resale value
Is the 2012 Jeep Compass reliable?
Unfortunately, Consumer Reports argues that the 2012 Jeep Compass isn’t as reliable as most new vehicles. They looked at Jeep’s brand history along with the recalls on the Compass and compared them to other small SUVs to arrive at this conclusion.
Kelly Blue Book gives the 2012 Jeep Compass a 65% chance of needing major repairs within a year. However, RepairPal rates the Compass at 4.0/5.0 for reliability. Keep in mind that the annual repair costs average around $562—which is lower than average.
Yet, this model is over a decade old. So, keep in mind that your experience may differ for better or worse.
If you’re not sure you want to commit to a 2012 Jeep Compass, you’ll find the 2012
Nissan Xterra
, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
, and the 2012 Kia Sportage
to be reliable competitors.How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)
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