Model year guide

2012 Jeep Compass

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Jeep Compass is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 141 on record.

2012 Jeep Compass — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Jeep Compass at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints183
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$11,990

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Jeep Compass recalls 4

Seat Belts:pretensioner NHTSA Campaign #16V668000 · 15/09/2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbe…

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #13V120000 · 03/04/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 30, 2013. Owners were notified by Chrysler on July 19, 2013, that parts are now available. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's re…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #12V142000 · 03/04/2012

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 JEEP PATRIOT AND COMPASS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 17, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY CONTAINING A DAMAGED ROLL-OVER VALVE.

Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 25, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #13V233000 · 04/06/2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Jeep Compass common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 183 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2012 Jeep Compass safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Jeep Compass SUV 4WD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Jeep Compass MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,607

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Jeep Compass worth?

Low
$8,800
Typical price
$11,990
High
$14,900

From 141 comparable 2012 Jeep Compass listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Jeep Compass costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,035
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,350
Total$20,385
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($11,990) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,657), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Jeep Compass trims & engines on record

Trims
Sport · Latitude · Limited
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.0L 4-cyl

2012 Jeep Compass vehicles on record

Other Jeep Compass model years

2012 Jeep Compass — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Jeep Compass. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Jeep Compass?

Based on 183 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, gasoline.

What is the 2012 Jeep Compass safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Jeep Compass crash-test ratings of rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Jeep Compass get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Jeep Compass at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2012 Jeep Compass worth?

Comparable 2012 Jeep Compass listings run roughly $8,800–$14,900, typically around $11,990 (from 141 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.