Jeep Compass Air Bags Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 273 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA about air bags problems on the Jeep Compass across 19 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (91). The words owners use most often: “seat belts” (22% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Seat belts: mentioned in 61 of 273 complaints (22%)
  • Chrysler dodge: mentioned in 18 of 273 complaints (7%)
  • Medical attention: mentioned in 14 of 273 complaints (5%)
  • Failed deploy: mentioned in 14 of 273 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do air bags problems happen?

Based on 103 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles18 · 17%
10k–25k miles9 · 9%
25k–50k miles32 · 31%
50k–75k miles14 · 14%
75k–100k miles14 · 14%
100k–150k miles12 · 12%
150k+ miles4 · 4%

How serious are the reports?

Of 273 complaints, 66 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 48 an injury.

Jeep Compass air bags complaints by model year

Peak: 2014, with 91 complaints
2007: 6200762008: 442009: 4200942010: 18182011: 172011172012: 28282013: 162013162014: 91912015: 162015162016: 13132017: 102017102018: 22222019: 102019102020: 222021: 2202122022: 552023: 2202322024: 442025: 320253

n = 273 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearAir Bags complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Compass311%27,218
2024 Compass48%—
2023 Compass24%14,269
2022 Compass52%9,953
2021 Compass22%72,972
2020 Compass21%35,000
2019 Compass103%9,300
2018 Compass222%37,000
2017 Compass104%30,000
2016 Compass134%32,900
2015 Compass1614%70,260
2014 Compass9130%43,828
2013 Compass1620%28,000
2012 Compass2815%84,500
2011 Compass179%48,608
2010 Compass1825%74,000
2009 Compass49%116,900
2008 Compass44%80,000
2007 Compass62%75,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2017, with 100 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 222013: 3201332014: 10102015: 9201592016: 19192017: 10020171002018: 18182019: 152019152020: 23232021: 8202182022: 10102023: 7202372024: 15152025: 202025202026: 1313

n = 273 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleNov 21, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V732000 · 27,210 vehicles

Model years: 2018

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The passenger side air bag assembly may have inflator mounting nuts loose within the module assembly.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, unsecured inflator mounting nuts outside of the cushion assembly are potential projectiles that may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T73.

Air bags; seat belts:pretensioner; air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactiveSep 15, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles

Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Electrical system:software; seat belts; air bags:side/windowJun 4, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V233000 · 254,396 vehicles

Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

In July 2026, I began receiving two warnings in sequence: (a) the airbags were not operating properly, and (b) the SOS call function was unavailable. Screenshots of both warnings are attached. It took several visits to a nearby dealership before the service department correctly identified and…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770027

I was rear ended at a high rate of speed airbags didn’t deploy

Received Jul 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11753535

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side side-curtain air bag deployed unexpectedly. There was no injury reported. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…

Received Jul 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752494

I was involved in an auto accident on May 18, 2026. I was hit by a person driving a Honda Accord on the side of my vehicle. The impact made all of the passenger side airbags deploy, but only the driver’s side steering wheel airbag and knee airbag deployed on the driver’s side of my vehicle…

Received May 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11738883

i rearended someone around 30 miles an hour going around a turn and my airbags did not deploy and my seat was so uncomfortable my hips are a little fucked up

Received May 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11736234
Jeep Compass
Jeep_Compass_(J4U) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Jeep Compasss have air bags problems?

No. NHTSA has 273 owner complaints about air bags for the Jeep Compass. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Jeep Compass air bags?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list air bags. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about air bags problems on the Jeep Compass?

The most frequent phrase is “seat belts”, in 61 of 273 complaints, followed by “chrysler dodge” (18).

Other Jeep Compass problems

See all Jeep Compass problems.