2014 Jeep Compass Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 306 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 2 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2014 Jeep Compass receives a 3.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 306 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 2 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 39,000 miles (IQR: 33,000 – 75,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
40.8 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
2 Active / Free Remedies
2014 Compass Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after ap...”
“Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.”
“The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic wh...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest...”
“Headrest airbag went off randomly with no reason while driving. It broke when it went off and cannot be put back or reset.”
“The 2014 Jeep Compass was in a parking lot and the driver side head restraint opened up as though there was an accident, but there was no accident and no warning system, message, or other symptoms. There is broken plastic inside the headrest, so it cannot be reassembled. It is...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the in...”
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and, while releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to a stop, shift into park(P), and restart the vehicle to continue...”
“Thermostat keeps going to hot or stops working and drops to cold. Replaced thermostat coolant sensor since that’s what the code popped up. Didn’t work it continues to out. Radiator cap is collecting engine oil and not coolant. Engine oil is getting into my radiator hose. I had...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“Car would turn on all lights in car while driving and shut off, recently the car will not start at all and is having engine issues.”
“The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator,...”
“The harness has come loose on two inconsistent occasions. Once in our neighborhood and the other time when I arrived at my destination my child’s body weight was able to loosen the harness. Nuna is rejecting returns or replacements for these $600 car seats.”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and, while releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to a stop, shift into park(P), and restart the vehicle to continue...”
“My safety and the safety of others is at risk due to the primary control module of the ABS system malfunctioning. The ABS indicator light was on prior to seeking support from an independent service center. The service center's report is below: "ABS Module Internal Malfunction:...”
“MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT INDICATOR, STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE (WITH EXCLAMATION POINT) INDICATOR ARE ON WHEN ENGINE STARTS. WITHIN 15 SECONDS OF ME DRIVING, ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS BRIEFLY TURN OFF. THAT IS FOLLOWED BY A ~5 SECONDS OF MY CAR STALLING WI...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the center of the steering wheel was protruding outwards, and while attempting to sound the horn, the horn failed to operate. While entering the vehicle, the headrest on the driver's side was bumped and the headrest...”
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the RPM went to zero. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after ap...”
“am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2014 Jeep Compass. While driving, the vehicle feels as though the passenger-side front wheel is going to snap off at any moment. The sensation and noise appear to come from the wheel or axle area, and the in...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. Several Unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to a t...”
“The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator,...”
“MY 2014 COMPASS HAS CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH THE THROTTLE/THROTTLE BODY AND OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. 3/2019 HAD A USED CC PUT ON WITH LOCAL MECHANIC (OUT OF POCKET $)- 5/2019 NEW THROTTLE BODY COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRANTY/ 9/2019 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS REPLACED (OUT OF POCKET $)...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (2)
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Summary: 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.
ENGINE
Summary: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2014 Jeep Compass
Before purchasing a used 2014 Jeep Compass, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2014 Jeep Compass
Is the 2014 Jeep Compass a reliable used car?
The 2014 Jeep Compass earns a 3.8/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 306 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2014 Jeep Compass?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 39,000 miles (IQR: 33,000 – 75,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2014 Jeep Compass?
Yes, the NHTSA records 2 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.

