Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (19.6% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Engine complaints here are 1.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 36 · 19.6% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 34 · 18.5% | Recalled | Recall 13V120000 · Recall 12V142000 |
| Air Bags | 28 · 15.2% | Recalled | Recall 13V233000 |
| Power Train | 26 · 14.1% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 23 · 12.5% | No official action | — |
| Seat Belts | 22 · 12% | Recalled | Recall 16V668000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 184 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 2016 · reported 09/15/2016
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V120000 · 2013 · reported 04/03/2013
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 12V142000 · 2012 · reported 04/03/2012
IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 2013 · reported 06/04/2013
In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE VEHICLE JERKS ON ACCELERATION OR LOSES POWER AND THE ENGINE BUCKS AND SPUTTERS WHILE IN MOTION. WHEN ROLLING UP WINDOWS WHILE STATIONARY THE LIGHTS…”NHTSA complaint 11124000 — filed 09/02/2018 · ENGINE
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR…”NHTSA complaint 11120422 — filed 08/16/2018 · ENGINE
“WHILE DRIVING MY JEEP IT JUST STALLED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY ROAD WITH NO WARNING AT ALL THE CAR DOESN'T TURN…”NHTSA complaint 11114230 — filed 07/27/2018 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 36 of 184 NHTSA complaints (19.6%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (34), air bags (28), power train (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
184 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 3 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 2 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V668000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
