The compact SUV segment is the most prolific option in the American automotive sphere, with almost all brands finding a place for themselves. However, Jeep draws its distinction by offering, both, the Compass and Cherokee. Out of these, the 2016 Jeep Compass has gained immense popularity, thanks to its leisurely seats, subtle ride quality, and modest off-roading capabilities. While it fails to ace the safety scores, the SUV’s reliability seems handy for its class. It has 187 complaints and 1 recall to its name, alongside two open investigations that deal with its airbag units. Most of the Compass’s grievances are constricted to a few of its components. A 2016 Jeep Compass for sale is available at just under $20,000 and it competes with the likes of the Nissan Juke, the Mazda CX-5, and the Buick Encore.
2016 Jeep Compass User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Problems with the airbags: In the list of Jeep Compass complaints, buyers have reported two distinct issues with the airbag units. Most complainants have recorded the inability of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. Such non-deployment can increase the chance of an injury to the occupant. On the other hand, in a one-off case, a buyer of the 2016 iteration of the SUV has also reported the random deployment of the airbag unit, which resulted in injuries on the neck and chest and a burning sensation on the hands.
- Deployment of the headrest: Among other Jeep Compass issues, buyers of the compact SUV have reported the front headrests deploying inadvertently. This has happened without any impact on the vehicle and has resulted in injuries in one case.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of the engine: The 2016 Jeep Compass stalling problems make up more than 50% of the complaints registered on NHTSA. In all cases, buyers have reported the vehicle’s loss of power, which has resulted in the engine stalling. Consequently, complainants have noticed the illumination of all warning lights, including the check engine light. Where a diagnosis was conducted, most buyers had been told that the crankshaft sensor had failed, while in some other cases the problem had arisen due to a faltering throttle body actuator. There is currently one recall present, referenced by NHTSA ID: 16V907000, however, the VINs of some affected units have not been included by Jeep as mentioned by the owners.
- Transmission failure: The 2016 Jeep Compass transmission problems have resulted in the engine stalling in a handful of cases. Buyers have reported that the transmission unit slips and does not shift into the right gears in time, which affects performance. For two buyers, the transmission unit had failed prematurely and needed to be replaced.
Interior Complaints
- Issues with the seat belts: Buyers of the 2016 Compass have reported that the front and rear seat belts unlock relatively easily, indicating they do not engage properly. This can result in the inability of the belt to restrain the occupant in case of a crash.
2016 Jeep Compass Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
16th Dec 2016 |
16V907000 |
Possible engine stall |
Due to the intermittent functioning of the camshaft or crankshaft sensors, the engine of the Jeep Compass might stall unexpectedly. |
Dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensors, free of cost. The recall began on 8th February 2017. |
Should you buy the 2016 Jeep Compass?
Absolutely! The Jeep Compass is like your handyman, it excels in all defined parameters. It is capaciously built, has several powertrain options, and builds its reputation with its finely crafted interior. It is one of the more off-road focused offerings available in the segment today and by combining all these strengths with its impressive reliability statistics, the 2016 Compass receives a thumbs up from our side. It provides ample value for the money spent by upholding a hassle-free ownership experience, but if you find yourself in a dilemma because of its engine problems, the 2016 Nissan Juke has the most dignified statistics in comparison.
