# Jeep Compass check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 285 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (118) - **Related recalls:** 3 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 285 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Jeep Compass (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (118). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Jeep Compass check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 28 | 113 | 25% | | 2016 | 59 | 293 | 20% | | 2017 | 12 | 229 | 5% | | 2018 | 118 | 948 | 12% | | 2019 | 28 | 332 | 8% | | 2020 | 16 | 143 | 11% | | 2021 | 9 | 82 | 11% | | 2022 | 6 | 226 | 3% | | 2023 | 4 | 49 | 8% | | 2024 | 4 | 55 | 7% | | 2025 | 1 | 30 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Jeep Compass recalls related to the check engine light **[17V670000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V670000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-10-24): If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. **[17V301000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V301000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-05-09): If the left front halfshaft disengages or breaks, the vehicle will have a loss of drive. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without using the parking brake, the vehicle may roll, despite being in 'Park.' Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will inspect the left front halfshaft for engagement and replace any that are not properly engaged in the transmission, free of charge. The recall began on June 12, 2017. **[16V907000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V907000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-12-16): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Jeep Compass owners report - "The contact stated that her son observed that the check engine and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her son stopped and turned it off and restarted the vehicle, but after shifting to drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond..." -- owner of a 2025 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2025 - "Then the first day when I bought it the engine light turns on and on the dashboard said "transmission service" so I tried to return it to them but they said "isn't possible" so they took the car to supposedly fix it but after one day that they gave me the car back the engine light turns on again, so I had to..." -- owner of a 2024 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2025 - "At 2900 miles, my check engine light came on while I was on vacation out of state. Within a couple of seconds, my car started to choke and jerk so bad that the passenger could feel it. It did this intermittently, to the point I knew it needed to be seen before driving 900 miles home. Several times since then, my..." -- owner of a 2023 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Jeep Compass check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (17V670000, 17V301000, 16V907000) covering 2016-2018 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Jeep Compass years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2018 Compass model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 118 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Compass with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Jeep Compass has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Jeep Compass warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-compass): 23 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-compass): 38 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-compass): 75 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-compass): 112 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-compass): 53 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-compass): 55 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Jeep Compass - [Jeep Compass specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-compass) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-compass Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.