2018 Jeep Compass · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 42owner reports
- 16,800median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Aug 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
480 of the 943 complaints on this car are about the engine. 42 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 42 reports
Engine failure on other Compass years
No other Compass model year has enough reports of engine failure for a sheet of its own. See every Compass year.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (38 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
All 6 recalls on the 2018 Jeep Compass, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Compass
False overheat leading to loss of motive power. Closed dec 10, 2023.
Stall from crankshaft\camshaft failure. Closed jun 16, 2025.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 7,749 and 44,000 miles, from the 32 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I Changed Both Batteries On My Truck And A Blown Fuse & It Still Wont Start. Cant Figure Out Why The Fuse & Replacement One Keeps Blowing Out. Only Signs Come On The Dashboard After Changing Both Batteries Are The Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light & Engine Check Light.”
Filed Sep 18, 2025
“Was driving home on the highway and the dash board lights all flashed red then the car would no longer accelerate and the check engine light stayed on. We had a baby in the car and had to pull over using the cars momentum to exit the highway as safely as we could in a dangerous situation. I have just had the entire long block engine replaced in January.”
Filed Jun 9, 2023
“What the dealer told me when I brought there for a recall! The my car need a new engine after they did that now they are saying is the transmission”
Filed Apr 6, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 42 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 376 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 160 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 144 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 103 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 74 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 68 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 62 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 44 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 39 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 34 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 30 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 30 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 29 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 26 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 26 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 25 reports