The 2018 Jeep Compass lasts around 150,000 miles with engine failures and computer system issues. At $15,475 to $19,300, it’s way too expensive for an SUV with this many expensive problems.
Is the 2018 Jeep Compass a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the Jeep Compass since there are some expensive problems, making it one to avoid out of warranty. Owner reviews complain about poor build quality, frequent breakdowns, as well as poor customer service.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for a compact SUV, the seats are reasonably comfortable, however, cargo space is lower than the competition.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are a lot of engine problems reported on the 2018 Compass. Avoid models from 2017–2018 which have mechanical issues, while 2019–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the relatively weak 4-cylinder engine, which has a low towing capacity at 2,000 pounds.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Compass is reasonably safe, earning a 4-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, as well as automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 351 miles of range from the 13.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $23 cheaper than average, at $161 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2018 Jeep Compass is cheaper than other compact SUVs, although repair costs get very expensive as it ages, giving it a low overall score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Compass?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Jeep Compass is a small SUV buyers should avoid with very low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Compass at 2.8/5, praising the high-tech entertainment system, but doesn’t like the limited storage capacity.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Compass a 3.7/5, enjoying the quiet cabin, but owners don’t like the relatively underpowered engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Jeep Compass Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Jeep Compass include excessive oil consumption, the engine shutting off while driving, along with the electronic parking brake turning on while in motion. Overall, these problems are worse than many other small SUVs, leading to expensive repair bills.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint from Compass owners at around 25,000 miles. There are a lot of seals in the engine which fail, leading to the engine burning oil. In some cases it will burn roughly one quart of oil per thousand miles, which is well above average. Some owners add oil regularly, while others have had to replace the engine when too many seals fail, costing around $6,000.
Shutting off while driving is another issue mentioned by Compass owners in the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons the engine may shut down, including computer issues, electrical problems, as well as spark plug failures. Updating the computer is the cheapest solution since most dealers will fix it for around $100. Replacing the alternator costs around $600. Replacing spark plugs is roughly $400.
The electronic parking brake turning on while in motion has also shown up on some Compass models at 30,000 miles. The ABS module is known to fail early in these SUVs, leading to a lot of strange brake system issues. Replacing the ABS module costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.
There are six recalls on the 2018 Jeep Compass, which is worse than many other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers the engine oil pump, which can fail and destroy the engine. Jeep will replace the oil pump on affected models for free. Other important recalls cover the lower control arms separating as well as the voltage regulator failing. Jeep will replace both of those for free as well.
How Long Will the 2018 Jeep Compass Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Jeep Compass can last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $392 per year.
It is reliable. There have been a few glitches with the touch screen but it was fixed immediately after an update was made.
It is very reliable. The only complaint I have is that it appears to take an inordinate amount of time for the engine to warm up enough to produce heat in the winter, and the ac is not as cold as I prefer it to be in the summer.
Very reliable. I haven't had any issues with the 2018 jeep compass. I would recommend it to many people.
It is reliable. In the year that I have owned it I have only had to replace the sway bar, which was an easy fix. I work home hospice and drive a lot and have never had a problem.
Its reliability is good. I drove it in the wintertime last year and was completely satisfied with the results.
Yes it is reliable. Haven't experienced any issues so far. Have it serviced regular. Take it on road trips and has been. Great.
Yes it is reliable. There is a small glitch with the gas efficient feature. Sometime when the jeep shuts down at a complete stop it will not come back on automatically. I have to restart it all the way.
Yes it has been very reliable for me. I have not had any problem so far. One thing that could be better has to do with the rear bumper and lift gate area.. It needs to have a rubber piece to protect the tailgate area on the bumper. That area scratches very easy.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay with a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8.5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety technology is good for an SUV in its price range with a standard rearview camera. Available advanced safety features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing, windshield wipers, hill descent control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning. lane keep assist, as well as rear parking sensors.
Is the 2018 Jeep Compass a Good Value?
No, the 2018 Jeep Compass is not a good value since there are a lot of mechanical problems. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,475 to $19,300, making it cheaper than a Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $21,095 to $29,195. Depreciation is worse than other small SUVs, losing about 14% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Compass?
There are four models of the 2018 Jeep Compass offered, from the base Sport model all the way up to the more off-road focused Trailhawk model. The Compass is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the model.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Cloth Seating
- 5-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- USB Port
- Six-Speaker Sound System
Latitude is a popular choice, adding:
- Upgraded Cloth Seating
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
Limited is the most luxurious which has:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Remote Start
- Leather Seats
- Satellite Radio
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power Driver Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- 5-Inch Uconnect Touchscreen
Trailhawk is the off-road model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- Off-Road Oriented Tires
- Raised Suspension
- Unique Front Bumper
- Skid Pans
- Tow Hooks
What Engines Come In the Jeep Compass?
The 2018 Jeep Compass comes with a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. There’s a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. On the 4WD models there is a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is slow, taking 8.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, and the towing capacity is low at up to 2,000 pounds.
What Colors Does the Jeep Compass Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Compass?
The 2018 Jeep Compass is a comfortable SUV, particularly for short trips and daily commuting. It has a smooth ride and good visibility, and the seats are generally comfortable, with enough head- and legroom for most adults.
Some drivers may find the front seats a bit firm, but others may find them to be just right. The rear seats also have plenty of head- and legroom, making them comfortable for passengers, even on longer trips. The 2018 Jeep Compass also has a lot of features designed to enhance comfort, such as automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and available heated front seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Compass Have?
Cargo space is lower than many other small SUVs, with only enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats, or 10-12 with the back seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Jeep Compass came out in 2017.
2015: Smaller wheels on the High Altitude model, Altitude & High Altitude available with all-wheel drive.
2016: Limited model removed from the lineup, standard Bluetooth & satellite radio on Sport models.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2018: No changes from the previous year.
2019: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android auto on all models.
2020: Minor feature changes across the lineup.
2021: More standard driver safety features, manual transmission discontinued.
How Does the Jeep Compass Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Jeep Compass is a very bad small SUV since there are a lot of engine failures and brake system issues reported, making it one buyers should stay away from.
The Jeep Cherokee is another SUV offered by Jeep which costs about $500 more. Passenger room and reliability ratings are better in the Jeep Cherokee, while the Jeep Compass has lower fuel costs. We recommend the Jeep Cherokee since they are more reliable long-term.
The Chevy Equinox is a small SUV which costs roughly $1,000 more. There’s more passenger room in the Chevy Equinox, while the all-wheel drive system works better in the Jeep Compass. We recommend avoiding both SUVs for the 2018 model year since they have some mechanical issues.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Compass?
Yes. The vehicle is comfortable, luxurious, and a great size. It is spacious and does not consume as much gasoline as other jeep models.
Yes. It is comfortable and reliable. It can hold a fair amount of packages. Passengers in the rear have sufficient leg room, and I love the backup camera.
Yes, it is a good vehicle. Very trustworthy, never had any problems with it. Never gets stuck in snow, drives well in the rain and far distances.
Yes it is. It is a reliable car that is very good in many weather conditions. It is a comfortable vehicle as well. Although a smaller SUV I am able to put a lot in it.
Yes it is very good on gas with nice features and enough room for my family of 4. I drive it every day.
Yes it is a great vehicle. Good ride. Ok on gas mileage. Great for my granddaughter and myself. Drive everyday.
Yes it is a good car. As long as I take good care of it my car is yet to fail me. The gas mileage is pretty good and there is not much maintenance required.
Yes I like it very much. It drives nice and handles well. Mine is 4 wheel drive and it goes right through snow with no problem. Easy to put into the 4 wheel mode too!