First generation (MK)

2016 Jeep Compass

The most reported problem on the 2016 Jeep Compass is stalling, with 130 complaints, usually around 60,000 miles.

293owner complaints
1recalls
9involved a crash
57,000median miles at failure

Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026

Your odometer

miles

2016 Jeep Compass — Photo: OSX, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

What is your Compass doing?

Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.

Is the 2016 Jeep Compass reliable?

The 2016 Jeep Compass has 293 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Compass model years since 2014, it has the 3rd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.

At a glance

Next to the 2017: At 27 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (23). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
Top problem: One problem takes up much of the file: stalling, named in 130 of the 293 complaints (44%). A quarter of the 91 owners who gave a mileage for stalling saw it by about 46,000 miles, and half by about 60,000.
Crash, fire and injury reports: 15 of the 293 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 9 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 15 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 4 of 9, fall under airbag.
Recalls behind the top problems: stalling and misfire all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 16V-907. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
When owners filed: Filings peaked in 2019 at 56 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 15. So far in 2026, 23 more have come in.

When each problem shows up

Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 130 complaints.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150kyou

Every complaint with a mileage177 of 293

Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on16 reports

Engine stalls or loses power while driving130 reportsrecall

Multiple warning lights come on at once10 reports

Seat belt or seat problems20 reports1 crash

Check engine light or misfire47 reportsrecall

middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.

Behind you

Around your mileage

Ahead of you

How this compares

2016 Jeep Compass293

Median 2016 model here (106 vehicles)253

Median 2016 SUV here (48)248

293 complaints is 1.2 times the median 2016 model on this site and 1.2 times the median 2016 SUV. Among the 8 Compass model years here it ranks 3rd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.

Service bulletins for the 2016 Jeep Compass

Jeep filed 145 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Jeep Compass. 15 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.

Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.

Check engine light or misfire 3 bulletins · 47 complaints

Service bulletin1804823Apr 15, 2023
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
Service bulletin9003694Mar 15, 2017
Oil Pump Assembly If error code P06DD present on any Pentastar V6 application, please inspect oil pump for relief valve failure. See photo attached.

1 more on this problem

Service bulletin18-048-16Apr 21, 2016
SYMPTOM/CONDITION: A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM memory: · P0335 - Crankshaft ...

Seat belt or seat problems 1 bulletin · 20 complaints

Service bulletin2302920Nov 6, 2020
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X86 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed.

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 9 complaints

Service bulletin09-002-21Feb 4, 2021
2.0L or 2.4L Engine Replacement This bulletin involves replacing the long block due to a crankshaft imbalance condition. These vehicles may exhibit a vibration in the engine.

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 9 complaints

Service bulletin0500316Aug 20, 2016
Low Frequency Moan Heard During First Brake Apply This bulletin involves installing an anti-vibration bracket to the rear brake caliper.

A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 1 bulletin · 8 complaints

Service bulletin9004022Dec 11, 2019
Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system.

Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 7 complaints

Service bulletinS1821000001Apr 16, 2021
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders

Battery dies or the car will not start 6 bulletins · 6 complaints

Service bulletinS1408000384Jan 10, 2024
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
Service bulletinS2108000163Jul 9, 2021
No Start, Cannot Complete Module Replace, Proxi Or Module Proxi Configuration

4 more on this problem

Service bulletin18-058-19 REV. BDec 19, 2019
No Start After Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement and/or Reprogramming
Service bulletin68232878AAug 17, 2016
MODULE, Totally Integrated Power (TIPM) For MK vehicles ONLY; If the customer experiences a no start due to dead battery; If the battery is dead due to radiator cooling fan stuck on (Fan runs during battery charging with key off).
Service bulletin68066351AJun 22, 2016
Keyfob 2016 Vehicle Keyfobs with Passive Entry Keyless Go Feature - Engineering is investigating a keyfob unable to program or no function or low keyfob coin battery condition.~ Prior to replacing keyfob on MY16 vehicles, please contact Raja Charabuddi on ...
Service bulletin0804316Apr 15, 2016
Flash: Wireless Control Module (WCM) Diagnostic And System Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the Wireless Control Module (WCM) with new software.

Suspension noise, struts or alignment 1 bulletin · 6 complaints

Service bulletin0900221Feb 4, 2021
2.0L or 2.4L Engine Replacement This bulletin involves replacing the long block due to a crankshaft imbalance condition. These vehicles may exhibit a vibration in the engine.

Complaints filed by year

56 complaints came in 2019. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.

NHTSA investigations

RQ22-002opened Jul 22, 2022

Engine · model years 2015 to 2016

Stall from crankshaft\camshaft failure. Closed jun 16, 2025.

NHTSA summary

On December 13, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received recall 16V-907 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that identified a safety defect involving crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Model Year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. The failure of the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may lead to a loss of motive power (LOMP) in the recalled vehicles. Following the receipt of recall 16V-907, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 127 vehicle owner’s questionnaires (VOQ), in which consumers allege experiencing crankshaft or camshaft failures on similar vehicles not included in the recall. On July 22, 2022, this Recall Query was opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect described in the recall. During this investigation, ODI sent two information request (IR) letters to FCA. The first letter was sent on August 15, 2022, and the second on July 12, 2024. Responses to these IR letters, that included manufacturer claim data related to the alleged defect, were received on September 26, 2022, and September 6, 2024, respectively. Analysis of ODI and FCA claim data identified two failure modes relating to intermittent crankshaft and camshaft sensor loss of signal. The first failure mode involves a faulty crankshaft or camshaft electrical connector, as identified in recall 16V-907. The second failure mode involves a faulty crankshaft and/or camsh

EA21-002opened Sep 17, 2021

Airbags · model years 2011 to 2016

Desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Open.

NHTSA summary

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been n

PE19-014opened Sep 9, 2019

Seats · model years 2010 to 2017

Active head rest inadvertent deployment. Closed feb 25, 2026.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that in

EA19-001opened Apr 19, 2019

Airbags · model years 2015 to 2017

Electrical overstress. Closed sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V-024.

NHTSA summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles

Recalls that include the 2016 Jeep Compass

Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

16V-907Dec 16, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.

The recall on the 2016 Jeep Compass, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean

Questions

What is the most common problem on the 2016 Jeep Compass?

Stalling, with 130 of the 293 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 60,000 miles.

At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Compass problems start?

Of the 177 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 40,000 miles and half by about 57,000.

Is the 2016 Jeep Compass better or worse than the 2017?

Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 27 a year against 23.

How many 2016 Jeep Compass complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?

15 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.

Is there a recall for stalling on the 2016 Jeep Compass?

Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 16V-907. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.

Other model years

2014282 2015113 2016293 2017229 2018943 2019329 2020140 2022222