2021 Jeep Compass Safety Report

The 2021 Jeep Compass presents a mixed safety profile based on NHTSA data. While it achieved respectable crash test ratings, including a 4-star overall rating, 4 stars for frontal impact, and a strong 5 stars for side impact, its rollover rating is a lower 3 stars. The vehicle has accumulated 73 total complaints, with 5 reported crashes and 2 fires, but notably, zero injuries or deaths. A significant concern arises from the high number of complaints related to the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (11 complaints) and 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (11 complaints), often involving critical components like the infotainment screen, backup camera, and engine. There are no open recalls for this specific model year, which is positive, but the complaint data suggests several recurring issues that could impact safety. Common complaint patterns reveal significant problems with the electrical system, particularly the infotainment screen and backup camera, which can glitch, black out, or display incorrectly, directly affecting driver visibility and access to critical vehicle information. Several complaints also detail sudden vehicle shutdowns or loss of power while driving, often accompanied by erroneous 'Coolant Temperature High' warnings, which is a severe safety hazard. Other concerning issues include unexpected acceleration, brake and steering control loss, and even a gas pedal breaking off. These issues, while not leading to reported injuries or deaths in the provided data, represent serious potential safety risks. Despite the lack of recalls, the nature and frequency of certain complaints, especially those involving sudden loss of power, unexpected acceleration, and critical display failures, warrant attention. The 2021 Jeep Compass's crash test performance is generally good, but the operational reliability and potential for sudden component failures, as indicated by the complaint data, suggest that real-world safety could be compromised by these recurring issues. Prospective buyers should be aware of these documented problems.

Our recommendation: While the 2021 Jeep Compass has decent crash ratings, the high number of complaints regarding critical electrical, engine, and powertrain failures suggests potential reliability and safety concerns; proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.