# Jeep Compass power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 53 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (14) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 53 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Jeep Compass (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (14). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Jeep Compass power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 6 | 113 | 5% | | 2016 | 10 | 293 | 3% | | 2017 | 5 | 229 | 2% | | 2018 | 14 | 948 | 1% | | 2019 | 10 | 332 | 3% | | 2020 | 2 | 143 | 1% | | 2022 | 2 | 226 | 1% | | 2023 | 1 | 49 | 2% | | 2024 | 1 | 55 | 2% | | 2025 | 2 | 30 | 7% | 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 power steering warning light **[15V878000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=15V878000)** (2015 models, reported 2015-12-23): If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. 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 - "There's no braking system, no power steering, no cruise control, no nothing, the seat moves without her adjusting it, the automatic dimmer switch turns on without user intervention - the JEEP is a complete lemon. It is UNSAFE to drive. It's like an octopus without a head. They said they'd buy it back from her for..." -- owner of a 2025 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2024 - "Multiple critical safety systems fail intermittently: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) disables itself randomly while driving, Lane Steering Assist becomes unavailable, frequent 'Service 4WD' warnings, and 'Power Steering System Hot - Performance May Be Limited' warning. Issues worsened after transfer case..." -- owner of a 2024 Jeep Compass, complaint filed 2026 - "all of it stopped working after i stopped for gas for over 150 miles of my trip as did the cruise control and and lane departure system and steering assist. thankfully i have only drive the Keep 2200 miles and am not used to relying critical safety features." -- owner of a 2022 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 power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Jeep Compass power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (15V878000) covering 2015 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 power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2018 and 2019 Compass model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 14 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 power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### 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 - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-compass): 285 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 - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-compass): 55 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Jeep Compass - [Jeep Compass specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-compass) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-compass Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.