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Jeep Compass MK problems (2007–2016)

All 2 engines and 1 gearbox of the Jeep Compass MK that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the OM651, the CVT Jatco JF011E gearbox and the 2.0 TDI. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2]

Outside the engine: Beyond the engine, we have found no European reliability statistics (ITV, TÜV, ADAC) for the first-generation Compass (2007-2016). What is documented are safety recalls: the control unit that fires the airbags and pretensioners (2009-2014), the power steering return hose (2015 cars), the steering column (2011) and, of lesser severity, headlight levelling and daytime running lights.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

02468103.9out of 10

Jeep Compass MK rating: low reliability

Calculated using only 19 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine3.3From 1.1 to 5.5 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox4.65 faults
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes10.0No documented faults
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.32 faults
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights8.42 faults
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
  • Airbags and safety7.11 fault

Ranked 78 of 78 among the Compact SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Jeep Compass MK

  1. 1Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureOM651 engine · repair €2,000–€3,500
  2. 2High severity: Delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)OM651 engine · repair €3,600–€5,900
  3. 3High severity: EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesOM651 engine · repair €800–€2,500
  4. 4High severity: Variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuatorOM651 engine · repair €500–€3,000
  5. 5High severity: Pressure loss from pump and valve wearCVT Jatco JF011E gearbox

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

7 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Safety Gate alert A12/1387/17 (RAPEX 41/2017): occupant protection controller. See the campaigns for the Jeep Compass MK

31 sourcesHow we work

OM651

Mercedes-Benz OM651 (2.2/2.1 CDI and 1.8 CDI) · Diesel

In the Compass MK
2011–2015[10][11][12][13]
Names
2.2 CRD 136 · 2.2 CRD 163
Faults that affect it
6 · 4 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
89
Very high risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • OM651 2.2 CDI 120-190 hp (200/220 CDI, 114-119 CDI)2008–2019 · 120–190 hp · OM651.911, OM651.924, OM651.930, OM651.940

    With caution

    It is the best-documented variant and, overall, reasonably reliable, but units built before 2011 (220 CDI) may still have piezo injectors, and those built before 2014 do not have the revised chain tensioner. Check whether the manufacturer's campaigns have been carried out, and the condition of the chain, before buying.[14][15][16]

Faults that affect the Compass MK

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
  2. High severityFrequency: Very frequentInjectionDelphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)Yes: 220 and 250 CDI models built between 2008 and 2011 had Delphi piezo injectors that were prone to failing and seizing in the cylinder head. Mercedes-Benz replaced them under warranty in 2009 and switched the 220 CDI to solenoid injectors from 2010-2011, but the 250 CDI kept them.Repair (garage): €3,600–€5,900
  3. High severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
  4. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboVariable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuatorThe OM651's variable-geometry turbo tends to fail at the pneumatic actuator (cracks, loss of calibration) before the turbo itself. Symptoms range from a gradual loss of power to permanent limp mode, with whistling or smoke if the problem progresses.Repair (garage): €500–€3,000
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingCoolant leak from the thermostat connector and heat exchangerYes: the thermostat connector or housing on the cylinder head, and the oil-water heat exchanger, are common coolant leak points on the OM651. Mercedes-Benz even had a specific service action for the cylinder head connector.
  6. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionInjector seal leak and carbon build-up around the seat ("black death")The copper washer that seals each injector can start letting combustion gases past and form a crust of carbon around the injector, known as "black death". Caught in time, it is fixed with a new washer; if left, the injector can end up seized in the cylinder head.

Compass MK OM651 pageAll versions and faults of the OM651

CVT Jatco JF011E gearbox

Jatco JF011E / CVT2 (RE0F10A; Xtronic de Nissan, X-Tronic de Renault, INVECS-III de Mitsubishi)

In the Compass MK
2007–2010[10][12][17]
Name
2.4 CVT
Faults that affect it
5 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
54
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • Jatco JF011E / CVT2 (CVT with torque converter)since 2002 · JF011E, RE0F10A, CVT2

    With caution

    Workshops and the technical press describe repeated weak points (pump and valves, bearings, belt), and Renault and Nissan only ask for the oil to be checked during the warranty. Check the gearbox history and do a long test drive before buying.[17][18][19]

Faults that affect the Compass MK

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionPressure loss from pump and valve wearWith use, the valve that regulates oil pressure in the pump wears; pressure falls and the gearbox slips, judders or is slow to engage D and R. Workshops and the technical press identify it as the main cause of faults in this type of CVT.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionHum from worn CVT bearingsA characteristic hum that changes with speed usually points to worn bearings on the gearbox shafts; zr.ru cites it as the most common fault of the JF011E, and GEARS Magazine warns that a broken bearing can lock the pulleys.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionWear of the metal belt and pulleysAuto.ru places the main weak point of the JF011E in the metal belt: it stretches at around 100,000 km and rarely passes 150,000 km; zr.ru adds that the sideways wear of the belt damages the pulleys. GEARS Magazine, by contrast, says many belts can be reused.Appears at around 100,000 km
  4. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionNissan 2013 campaign for possible belt slip (Qashqai and X-Trail)In November 2013 Nissan launched a service campaign for the Qashqai (2006-2012) and X-Trail (2006-2011) with CVT: under high load and on a slippery or poor surface the belt could slip for an instant and, if it repeated, wear. The fix was to reprogramme the gearbox control unit.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalTransmissionCVT overheating and gearbox oil coolerIf the gearbox’s auxiliary radiator clogs with dirt, or the Qashqai I’s oil cooler starts to leak, the CVT overheats: zr.ru describes a warning on the dashboard and a switch to limp mode, and a German guide warns that the leak can end in gearbox failure.

Compass MK CVT Jatco JF011E gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the CVT Jatco JF011E

2.0 TDI

Safest option

Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA189, EA288 and EA288 evo) · Diesel

In the Compass MK
2007–2011[10][11][13]
Name
2.0 CRD 140
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
45
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.0 TDI pumpe-düse unit injector (EA188, 2003-2010)2003–2010 · 136–170 hp · AZV, BKD, BLB, BRE, BKP, BMN, BMR, BMA, BMM

    With caution

    Caradisiac points to numerous cases of a weak oil pump on the 140 hp 2.0 TDI, and MotorReviewer attributes to a defect in the pump shaft failures that start with the turbo. Check the oil pressure and the history.[1][2]

Faults that affect the Compass MK

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 2.0 TDI has 8 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDIOn the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI (2003-2010), especially the 140 hp, there are numerous cases of an oil pump that does not provide enough pressure. If lubrication fails, the first thing to break is usually the turbo.
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 2.0 TDI's EGR valve often fills with carbon, especially with short journeys, and causes smoke and loss of power. On the EA189, the EGR cooler can also lose coolant.Repair (garage): €100–€300

Compass MK 2.0 TDI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 TDI

Faults of the Jeep Compass MK outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Checklist for buying a used Jeep Compass MK

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the OM651 (2011–2015)

Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure

Critical severity

Delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)

High severity

EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates

High severity

Variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuator

High severity

Coolant leak from the thermostat connector and heat exchanger

Medium severity

Injector seal leak and carbon build-up around the seat ("black death")

Medium severity

If it has the CVT Jatco JF011E gearbox (2007–2010)

Pressure loss from pump and valve wear

High severity

Hum from worn CVT bearings

High severity

Wear of the metal belt and pulleys

High severity

Nissan 2013 campaign for possible belt slip (Qashqai and X-Trail)

Medium severity

CVT overheating and gearbox oil cooler

Medium severity

If it has the 2.0 TDI (2007–2011)

Oil pump failure on the pumpe-düse 2.0 TDI

Critical severity

Turbo with seized vanes or premature failure

High severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Jeep Compass MK

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Jeep Compass MK reliable?

All 2 engines and 1 gearbox of the Jeep Compass MK that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the OM651, the CVT Jatco JF011E gearbox and the 2.0 TDI. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «With caution» verdict. Beyond the engine, we have found no European reliability statistics (ITV, TÜV, ADAC) for the first-generation Compass (2007-2016). What is documented are safety recalls: the control unit that fires the airbags and pretensioners (2009-2014), the power steering return hose (2015 cars), the steering column (2011) and, of lesser severity, headlight levelling and daytime running lights.

Which Jeep Compass MK engine is the most reliable?

Among the 2 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 TDI, with a «With caution» verdict. Caradisiac points to numerous cases of a weak oil pump on the 140 hp 2.0 TDI, and MotorReviewer attributes to a defect in the pump shaft failures that start with the turbo. Check the oil pressure and the history.[1][2]

What problems does the Jeep Compass MK have apart from the engine?

Beyond the engine, we have found no European reliability statistics (ITV, TÜV, ADAC) for the first-generation Compass (2007-2016). What is documented are safety recalls: the control unit that fires the airbags and pretensioners (2009-2014), the power steering return hose (2015 cars), the steering column (2011) and, of lesser severity, headlight levelling and daytime running lights. The most important documented faults are: occupant restraint controller (ORC) that can prevent airbags and pretensioners from deploying (airbags and safety, critical severity), badly fitted clamp on the power steering return hose (2015 cars) (steering, high severity), headlight levelling that does not work properly because of a misconfigured TIPM module (headlights and lights, medium severity) and missing or badly placed rivet in the steering column (2011 cars) (steering, high severity).[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

What faults does the Jeep Compass MK have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (OM651, critical severity), delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI) (OM651, high severity), EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updates (OM651, high severity), variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuator (OM651, high severity) and pressure loss from pump and valve wear (CVT Jatco JF011E, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Jeep Compass MK?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2016 (8.6/10); the worst rated is 2012 (3.7/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Jeep Compass MK have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 7 campaigns for the Jeep Compass MK, such as safety Gate alert A12/1387/17 (RAPEX 41/2017): occupant protection controller (2017). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[3]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi A6 III (2004-2011) : la fiche express fiabilité de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 4 July 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. VW/Audi 2.0 TDI PD EA188 Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability, Oil, InfoMotorReviewer · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  3. Jeep Compass (2009-2014): alerta A12/1387/17 (centralita de protección de ocupantes)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 13 October 2017 · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Chrysler UK Ltd: Jeep Compass – The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) May Not Operate As Intended (R/2017/256)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 6 October 2017 · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Jeep Compass: Side Airbag May Not Deploy (R/2013/084)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 9 September 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. Jeep Compass (2015): alerta A12/0569/16 (manguera de retorno de la dirección asistida)Car-Recalls.eu (reproduce Safety Gate) · Other source · published 12 May 2016 · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. Chrysler UK Ltd: Jeep Compass – Steering Column Performance During An Impact May Be Compromised (R/2011/081)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 6 August 2011 · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. Chrysler UK Ltd: Jeep Compass – Headlights May Not Self Level Correctly (R/2007/185)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 21 April 2008 · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Jeep Compass: Daytime Running Lamp Functions Incorrectly When Indicator Is Activated (R/2014/033)Car-Recalls.co.uk (reproduce DVSA) · Other source · published 11 May 2014 · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Jeep CompassWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  11. Jeep CompassWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  12. Jeep CompassWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Jeep PatriotWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  14. Mercedes OM651: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  15. Mercedes-Rückruf: Wieder Probleme mit dem OM651-DieselmotorAutoservicepraxis · Motoring press · published 12 January 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  16. Mercedes OM651 : injecteurs, chaîne, fiabilitéAutoCopilot · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  17. Пояс долговечности: чем болеют вариаторы Jatco и как их лечитьЗа рулем (zr.ru) · Motoring press · published 2 November 2015 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  18. The JF011E to the JF015EFenderBender · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  19. The Jatco CVT: obstacles to the overhaul, with insight from Robert BatemanGEARS Magazine · Motoring press · published 2021 · consulted 2 November 2026
  20. Mercedes W447: Vito & V-Klasse – Motoren und ProblemeKFZ Dietrich · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  21. Rückruf November 2009 - Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse, jeweils als 220 CDI oder 250 CDI (mit Dieselmotor OM 651)Autoservicepraxis · Motoring press · published November 2009 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  22. Mercedes OM 651-Motor: Diesel-Rückrufe, betroffene Fahrzeuge, SchadensersatzRechtecheck · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  23. Mercedes OM651 Turbocharger Guide: Sprinter 2.1L CDI Failure Symptoms & ReplacementPT Turbo · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  24. Sprinter Injector Problems (OM651, OM642 & CDI)Sprinterpedia · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  25. Пять вариаторов, которые подкинут проблему владельцуAuto.ru · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  26. Nissan Qashqai, Murano, X-Trail: ServiceaktionAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 14 November 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  27. Nissan Qashqai I: typische Probleme und KrankheitenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  28. Un Volkswagen Tiguan en occasion : les meilleures versions par budget, et la fiabilitéCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 1 April 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  29. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  30. Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · published 4 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  31. Fiabilité du Volkswagen Touran 2 : la maxi-fiche occasion de CaradisiacCaradisiac · Motoring press · published 3 May 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French