2012 Jeep Compass Problems And Complaints

2012 Jeep Compass User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine- Throttle body issues have been taking a row on the 2012 Jeep Compass. Starting issues, occasional knocking, hesitations, and ransom stalls all can be associated with a malfunctioning throttle body. A replacement outside of the warranty will cost you about $1,200. Though not too common, a few owners who have crossed the 6-digit marker on the dash have complained about excessive oil consumption. Though this issue was left unattended initially, updates how Jeep/Chrysler extended warranty on their engine in light of multiple lawsuits for suspected premature wear of piston rings.

• Transmission- The CVT unit on the 2012 Jeep Compass is known to overheat. Several owners have reported experiencing this issue wherein the SUV flashing a “transmission overheating” warning coupled with the vehicle reducing power. The main reason for CVT overheating is a bad transmission fluid or the presence of excessive metal shaving in the fluid. If not replaced with the correct grade fluid at the right intervals, it might also result in clogging of the control valve body oil paths leading to faulty shifts, jerks, and even complete failure of the transmission. TCM errors also have been reported to cause issues on the 2012 Jeep Compass and software/firmware updates have been made available at the dealer end.

 Electric System complaints

• Starting problems- Faulty communication between the wireless control module and the key fob on the 2012 Jeep Compass results in a no-start condition. The WCM replacement is the prescribed remedy to this issue with an average repair cost of $300.

Structural complaints

• Water leak- Roof leak, especially on trims equipped with the sunroof has been a constant hassle for many 2012 Jeep Compass owners. There are two main reasons for this for the leak, of which the first being a faulty sunroof drain system and secondly, the rubber seals that go under the roof rails which degrade and lift over time.

• Gas cap issues- Slow fuel filling or filler nozzle cut-off before the fuel tank is full are some common issues seen on the 2012 Jeep Compass. Though the fuel filler hose pipe was thought to be the issue initially, owners who got replacement still complained about the issue recurring. The issue was later traced to be with the evap-canister and purge valve which throws an error code of P0441. The estimated replacement cost is around $760.

• Rear cross-member rust- Excessive rust on the rear cross-member can result in complete failure of the rear suspension/ wheel assembly. The NHTSA has released a service bullet for this failure and advises users to take in their vehicle for inspection. Owners residing in coastal areas and used buyers must have an eye on this specific part to prevent catastrophic failures.

Safety Complaints

• Airbags- Faults with the restraint control module do cause the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners on the 2012 Jeep Compass to malfunction. The issue may arise as constant/ intermittent illumination of the airbag warning light. The owners are advised to get the vehicle repaired under the recalls (ID-16V668000 and 13V233000) to prevent system failure that might lead to serious injuries in every involved in a crash.

2012 Jeep Compass Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	15th September 2016	16V668000	Airbag/ Seatbelt pre-tensioner may be disabled	The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.	The dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2017.
2	4th June 2013	13V233000	Airbag/ seatbelt pre-tensioners may be disabled	The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pre-tensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury	The dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017.
3	3rd April 2013	13V120000	The fuel tank transfer tube may cause a stall	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 while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.	The dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available.
4	3rd April 2012	12V142000	Roll-over valve	Some vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll-over valve, which can cause a fuel leak in certain conditions and increase the risk of a fire.	The dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The safety recall began around May 25, 2012.

Should you buy a used 2012 Jeep Compass?

Even though the Jeep Compass stands out as one of the more, dare we say “Manly” offerings in the compact SUV class, the general reliability on one of these has been strictly average. With tried and tested Japanese alternates like the CR-V and the RAV4 having set the benchmark so high when it comes to hassle-free ownership, taking up compromises for the “Jeep life” does not make any sense. We are not calling out this SUV in any way, but for a class that appreciates pocket-friendly and trustable vehicles, the 2012 Jeep Compass has a higher chance of ending up on the wrong end.