How Many Miles Can A Jeep Compass Last (And Are They Reliable?)
If you’re in the market for a reliable car, Jeep is a name that is practically synonymous for longevity and rugged durability. So if you’re interested in their SUV, the Jeep Compass, can you expect the same level of reliability? And how long do they tend to last?
The Jeep Compass should prove to be just as reliable as other vehicles manufactured by Jeep. The Compass should hold strong for many years, and this SUV is commonly reported to last for around 200,000 miles!
Interested in learning more about this practical and comfortable Jeep SUV? Stick with us further below and we will give you the run-down.
Table of Contents
- Jeep Compass Background & Trim Levels
- Max Mileage For Jeep Compass
- Is The Jeep Compass Reliable?
- Jeep Compass Top Problems
- Jeep Compass Engine Issues
- Jeep Compass Trouble Turning On
- Grinding Brakes
- 2014 Jeep Compass Leaky Sunroof
- How To Get The Most Miles Out Of A Jeep Compass
- Conclusion
Jeep Compass Background & Trim Levels
The Compass is Jeep’s compact crossover SUV. This model was first introduced in 2007 and was one of Jeep’s very first crossover SUVs put into production. This vehicle currently is in its second generation, which was first unveiled in 2016. The second-generation models share a platform with the Jeep Renegade and are comparable in size to smaller models.
The Jeep Compass comes available in various trims, each of which is adjusted with specific add-ons to better tackle specific needs. These include:
- Compass Sport
- Compass Latitude
- Compass Latitude Lux
- Compass Limited
- Compass Trailhawk
- Compass (RED)
- Compass High Altitude
The “Sport” and “Latitude” trims will come with the selection of either all-wheel drive, or just front-wheel drive. Selecting an all-wheel drive for either of these will bump up the price by around $2k. Alternatively, the Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, (RED), and High Altitude trim all come stocked with four-wheel drive.
If you want to check out some of the specs included with each trim you can find a description of each one here.
Max Mileage For Jeep Compass
So how many miles can you expect a Jeep Compass to run? The answer to this question will always vary depending on how well the owner maintains and cares for the vehicle. Practicing regular maintenance including oil changes, engine fluids, and all of the other small things can add up over time, potentially increasing the lifespan of the Jeep. More on this later.
When it comes to the Jeep Compass, you can expect to get somewhere around 200,000 miles of use. This is an approximation, and depending on how the vehicle is cared for, along with many other factors, the vehicle could last for additional miles, or fewer.
While the Compass may have the reputation for being a bit less rugged than some of Jeep’s other models, a quick look around reveals a number of Jeep Compasses for sale at, or over 200k miles. While it remains true that the Compass is not built for the same severe conditions as some other Jeep vehicles, for a commuting vehicle, the numbers definitely aren’t bad.
Is The Jeep Compass Reliable?
If you look around online for some reviews, opinions on reliability are admittedly mixed. Some users rate the compass as possessing above-average reliability, and Repairpal has it rated at a 4 out of 5, suggesting that the Compass performs better than most of its competition. In addition to that, yearly repair costs are lower than average, which is always a relief to hear.
While there is plenty to love, the record of the Jeep Compass isn’t without its own downsides, and unfortunately quality varies depending on the model year. Some older models seem to score lower on reliability, but the overall results are still generally positive.
Jeep Compass Top Problems
It’s true that most vehicles will run into some trouble during their service, and the Jeep Compass is no exception. And with things up for debate in regards to its reputation for reliability, it’s understandable if you are wondering what sort of problems users might expect.
To help you out, we’ve included some of the top problems that Jeep Compass owners tend to run into! Here we show you how to identify some of these issues so you can come prepared to the mechanic, or if you have the skill, to fix it yourself.
Jeep Compass Engine Issues
One problematic issue that has been reported by some drivers is the presence of engine issues. This can cause your engine to be prone to issues like excessive oil burning, or operation errors like engine stalls. Another issue that you might hear reported is excessive engine vibration while the car is moving.
Jeep Compass Trouble Turning On
A fairly common issue for the Jeep Compass is that some may have occasional troubles turning the engine on, and unfortunately, this is an issue that can occur even in a Compass with low mileage. The main reason why this issue tends to occur seems to have to do with the car’s battery.
Often when this problem is reported the response to solve it is to replace the car battery, but if the other parts of the car’s electrical system have become compromised, then a number of other specific points could be the cause for the car’s trouble turning on. Spark plugs, ignition, and all of the other electronic parts used to turn the car on could be affected, making these worth investigating.
Grinding Brakes
Some owners have reported that their Jeep Compasses have overly loud/grinding brakes. What makes this one particularly troublesome for certain owners is the fact that sometimes even with a brake replacement, the sound will refuse to go away!
The Transportation Safety Board actually recommends that owners who experience grinding brakes install an anti-vibration device on the rear caliper to prevent the low grinding sound from happening.
2014 Jeep Compass Leaky Sunroof
The 2014 model can sometimes come with an especially undesirable feature: a leaky sunroof. Moisture inside a car can wreak havoc on the upholstery, creating a damp mildew smell, and possibly even causing the driver or their guests to get wet on the road…definitely not a good look.
The leaking results from poor sealing on the sunroof. The compromised spot is unlikely to be visible, so you will be unlikely to be able to identify the source of the problem. This can be a huge downside, as nobody wants to worry while driving, or leaving their car out in the rain.
This is one of the key problems that some unlucky 2014 Jeep Compass owners might have. While this is not an assured defect that you will have to deal with by default, it is worth mentioning this as a possibility in case you have been considering picking up a 2014 model.
How To Get The Most Miles Out Of A Jeep Compass
If you want to ensure that your Jeep Compass provides you with many miles of service, you’ll be happy to know that with the right care it will stay by your side for many thousands of miles. Even better is that often this requires little more than keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule.
There is a relatively short list of things you need to keep up with, and practicing regular maintenance on these things can actually benefit the lifespan of any vehicle! Keep your Jeep compass reliable and full of life by keeping up with:
- Oil changes every 10,000 miles
- Tire rotation and replacement (reduces wear on alignment and maintains safety through traction)
- Replace engine air filters every 50,000 miles
- Flush and replace the coolant every 8 years or every 150,000 miles
- Swap out old spark plugs every 50,000 miles
- Inspect brake linings regularly
If you can regularly perform the tasks above, your Jeep Compass will have a higher chance of making it to the 200k mark, and with a little love, maybe it’ll make it even further!
Conclusion
The Jeep Compass may not be as rough and tumble as some of Jeep’s other options, but manages to hold its own in the eyes of many when it comes to overall reliability and ease of ownership. Surely the Jeep Compass doesn’t come without some possible issues, but if you practice careful ownership the Compass is likely to serve you well, and hopefully for many miles.
