What Are The Best Years For The Jeep Compass? (Full Details!)

The Jeep Compass came out in 2007 as a compact crossover SUV. It is in its second generation, and it has improved greatly over the years.

Although the Compass had several issues when it debuted, Jeep has improved the performance and the styling of the Compass over time to make it one of the top models in its category. 

But which are some of the best years for the Jeep Compass?

What Are The Best Years For The Jeep Compass? 

The 2009 and the 2010 Jeep Compass models stood out from the rest. These models had fewer problems compared to the earlier models. The 2013 model also had fewer problems although the 2014 model that followed had a few issues. 

When Jeep launched the 2015 model, they had addressed most of the issues that affected the earlier models, and they were ready to give motorists the power of the Jeep. 

In 2016, the second generation of the model came out, and it was one of the top model years for the Compass. 

Even for the models with issues, motorists will start to experience problems after the SUV gains several miles on it. 

If you realize that a model has issues, from motorists’ complaints online, or there have been recalled of the said models, you need to ensure that you avoid it unless the necessary repairs were done. 

Why Are 2009 and 2010 The Best Jeep Compass Years?

The 2009 and 2010 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that motorists will love for its fuel economy. Jeep did a full interior overhaul to ensure that the SUV feels more comfortable on and off the road. 

For the 2009 model, Jeep introduced better dash materials to make the cabin look smooth in textures and in style and shape. With the new interior, the Compass is able to compete with other models in its class. 

Better still, the Compass now gets the latest entertainment options from Chrysler, including the hard drive digital music storage, touchscreen interface, and a USB port. 

There are so many attributes of the 2009 Compass that make it appeal to the small SUV market, including its car-like handling, decent size, and a long list of standard features. 

Some of the standard features offered in the 2009 Compass include air conditioning, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, a four-speaker stereo, and a tilt steering wheel. 

If you want more features in the base model, you can go for the E package, which adds full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, and driver-seat height adjustment among others. 

The Sport Trim offers a longer list of standard features, but both offer a host of packages to offer comfort, convenience, and safety while driving. 

For instance, the security and cargo group of packages adds heated cloth seats, cargo cover, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

The Compass sports a 2.4L four cylinder engine that makes 172 horses and 165 pound feet of torque. 

This engine mates with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available continuously variable transmission. It is not a fast vehicle, but it gives you an impressive combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. 

The model also offers a host of safety features, such as front-seat side airbags, stability control, rollover sensor, and traction control among others. 

The 2010 Jeep Compass did not change much. Although the two models may not match up to some midsize crossover SUVs, they are less problematic.

The Second Generation Jeep Compass

The newer models of the Jeep Compass are highly advanced to compete with other models in its class. Jeep performed several upgrades on its Compass to ensure that it can compete with the competition. 

If you want a compact crossover SUV that goes off the beaten path, you can rely on the Compass. 

It has the looks of a smaller Grand Cherokee, and it carries the Jeep name, making it a steady seller. The Compass is in competition with models, such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5. 

The Compass beats these models in price, but its features are limited. 

The 2016 model is available in two trims; Sport and Latitude. There are also two sub-trims, the Sport SE and the High Altitude Edition. These sub-trims add features to the two trims respectively. 

Each Compass comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, but the larger 2.4L engine features 17-inch alloy wheels. Some of the standard features include fog lights, air conditioning, roof rails, cruise control, tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth, four-speaker sound system, satellite radio, CD Player, and an auxiliary audio jack. 

You can add several other features to your Compass through packages and feature groups. Since 2016, Jeep has upgraded the Compass to offer a longer list of standard features without increasing the MSRP significantly. 

Jeep produced the 2016 model for 2017 but realized it had a couple of performance issues. 

They then produced a fully redesigned model of the Jeep Compass so that there are two 2017 Compass models. 

All the 2017 models feature a 2.4L four cylinder engine that generates 180 horses and 175 pound feet of torque. 

The redesigned 2017 model continued to 2018, offering the same features. The model has a roomy interior, advanced tech interface, which is attractive and easy to use, and there is a Trailhawk version that you can take off the road. 

The 2018 model goes into 2019 unchanged. You will get a long list of standard equipment and a Trailhawk version that allows you to drive beyond the pavement. 

If you want a more advanced model, you can go for a 2020 or later model. These newer models will be less problematic, but they will be more expensive for you. 

Jeep did not upgrade many of the features from the 2019 model, but there are even fewer issues with the model. 

Jeep added smart safety features to make the compass feel safer. The Compass is already a good model for off-road driving, and with the new features, it is now better for city driving. 

There are optional smart safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. 

Which are the Worst Years for the Jeep Compass? 

The 2007 Jeep Compass had the most number of complaints. This was the first year of production and the first attempt wasn’t perfect. There were many problems with the model and some of the problems continued to the following model years. 

One of the main issues with this model was with the control arm, which cost owners about $700 to fix. 

The electronics also had issues where the Totally Integrated Power Module would fail most days. Owners need to replace the TIPM, which would cost $1,700. 

Motorists complained that the engine of the 2007 Compass would stall when topped off. 

It was not known what caused the problem and there was no fix. You only need to ensure you do not top off the Compass. 

Is The Jeep Compass Reliable?

Most of the models from the first generation, before 2009, had several issues that needed to be addressed. The 2009 redesign addressed most of the problems in the first generation of the Compass. 

The second generation and some models from the first generation brought so many features and reliability. 

Jeep Compass may not compare to its competitors in terms of features, but it drives better off the road, and it is relatively affordable. 

According to Edmunds, most of the Jeep Compass models are lacking in advanced features that you see in other midsize crossover models. If you are looking for the latest technology, you may not get that.

Earlier models had a bland interior that may not impress many. 

The 2009 model had some cabin improvements, but it still falls short when compared to the competition. If you need an affordable midsize crossover SUV and one that can take you off the road, the Jeep Compass will meet your needs. 

Closing Thoughts 

The new models of the Jeep Compass will impress you if you need something simple that doesn’t break your bank.

If you have to go for the used models, you can go for the 2009, 2010, 2013, or any model from 2016. These models have fewer problems and will meet most of your needs. 

The Jeep Compass has had a number of recalls over the years. One of the problems includes an insufficient coating on their rear brake caliper pistons in the 2018 and 2019 models that made the brakes not function properly. 

This issue was addressed and the models were back on the road. 

The 2018 model also had passenger airbags, which had loose nuts in the inflator mounting. These airbags would turn into projectiles if they were deployed at the wrong time. 

There was an ABS failure in about 50,000 2007 units. This problem could cause a loss of vehicle control, but it was addressed. 

The 2010 model had a delayed airbag deployment that affected more than 250,000 units. 

Other issues included power steering hose clamps, crankshaft sensor failure, instrument brightness, and fire extinguisher issue. Overall, the Jeep Compass is a good model if you need a simple midsize crossover model.