The second-generation Compass is a compact SUV built on the FCA Small Wide platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X. The 1.4 MultiAir II turbo petrol is available as a 140 hp FWD with 6-speed manual or a 170 hp AWD with ZF 9-speed automatic. Jeep introduced the 1.3 GSE T4 in the European Compass in June 2020, which is when this engine was replaced.· more· less
Genuine 4x4 capability (170 hp)Distinctive styling, good equipment
ZF 9-speed auto can be troublesomeUconnect infotainment unreliable
Buy if: You want an affordable compact SUV with available AWD and can find one with the 6-speed manual and complete service history.
Avoid if: You prioritize reliability over character, or you need an automatic gearbox and want hassle-free ownership.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€15,900
median asking price, typically 75,000 km
Typical range€14,000 – €17,700
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€850 – €1,600/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
ZF 9-speed automatic harsh shifting and failure (170 hp only)
€800 - 4,5001 of 7
The ZF 9HP48 transmission suffers from delayed engagement, harsh shifts, and internal wear · more· less
The ZF 9-speed automatic used in the 170 hp AWD variant is one of the most problematic components. Approximately 15% of owners report harsh shifting or gear slipping within the first 80,000 km. Symptoms include delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive, jerky downshifts, gear hunting on hills, and warning lights. Root causes include contaminated or degraded fluid, worn clutch packs, and software calibration issues. A transmission fluid change with correct ZF LifeGuard ATF costs around €300-400 and should be done every 60,000-80,000 km despite the manufacturer claiming lifetime fill. Solenoid replacement runs €200-600, clutch pack replacement €800-1,500, and a complete rebuild €2,500-4,500. Software updates from Jeep can improve shift quality significantly. The 140 hp manual variant avoids this issue entirely.
MultiAir actuator / solenoid failure
€800 - 2,0002 of 7
The hydraulic MultiAir valve control unit degrades with age and poor oil maintenance · more· less
The MultiAir system uses electrohydraulic valve actuation, which is more complex than conventional designs. The actuator unit (sometimes called the MultiAir brick) can fail due to contaminated oil, clogged solenoid filters, or internal seal degradation. Symptoms include rough idle, loss of power, misfires, and engine warning lights. The problem is strongly linked to oil change intervals: engines serviced every 10,000-12,000 km with quality synthetic oil rarely develop this issue, while those on extended intervals are significantly more prone. Replacement of the MultiAir actuator unit costs approximately €800-1,200 at an independent specialist or €1,500-2,000 at a Jeep dealer. The solenoid alone can sometimes be replaced for €300-500 if caught early.
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking
€400 - 1,5003 of 7
Wastegate actuator sticks or malfunctions, causing power loss and limp mode · more· less
The turbocharger wastegate actuator on the 1.4 MultiAir can stick or malfunction, particularly on cars driven gently or predominantly on short trips. Symptoms include a noticeable dead spot around 2,750-4,000 rpm, clicking or bubbling sounds from the turbo area, and intermittent limp mode with engine warning lights. The wastegate can pass electronic tests at the dealer while still not functioning correctly, making diagnosis frustrating. Jeep has acknowledged the issue and released software updates, but these do not always resolve the problem. Aftermarket wastegate actuators from companies like Forge Motorsport (approximately €250-350) have proven effective where OEM replacements fail. If the turbo itself is damaged, full replacement costs €1,000-1,500 with a remanufactured unit.
Uconnect infotainment freezing and black screen
€200 - 1,2004 of 7
Touchscreen freezes, goes black, or reboots randomly during driving · more· less
The Uconnect infotainment system in the Compass is widely reported as problematic. Owners describe screens freezing completely, going black while audio continues playing, and random reboots. When frozen, climate controls and navigation become inaccessible. A hard reset (holding volume and tuner knobs for 10 seconds) provides temporary relief but the issue recurs. FCA has released software updates (version 39.6 and later) that improve stability, but many units remain problematic. The 8.4-inch display also suffers from a delamination defect where bubbles form under the screen surface. Screen repair services cost €200-400, while a full head unit replacement runs €800-1,200. Check that the latest software version is installed before purchase.
Oil leak from valve cover and oil pan gaskets
€300 - 9005 of 7
Gasket seals degrade from heat cycling, causing visible oil seepage after 60,000 km · more· less
The 1.4 MultiAir engine develops oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil pan area, typically after 60,000-80,000 km. Oil can pool in the valve cover bolt recesses or seep down the engine block. The issue is accelerated by heat cycling and the engine's operating temperatures. Valve cover gasket replacement costs approximately €200-400 including gasket and labor. Oil pan gasket replacement is more labor-intensive at €400-900 depending on whether the subframe needs to be lowered for access. Regular visual inspection can catch leaks early before they become serious.
Power window regulator failure
€250 - 4506 of 7
Window regulators fail, particularly rear windows, after 40,000-60,000 km · more· less
Power window regulators are a known weak point, with rear windows being the most commonly affected. Failures typically occur between 40,000 and 60,000 km. The window may stop moving, make grinding noises, or drop into the door panel. The regulator motor assembly costs approximately €100-150 for aftermarket parts or €200-300 for OEM. Including labor of approximately €100-150 per window, total repair runs €250-450. Some owners report multiple window failures on the same vehicle.
Start-stop system malfunction
€100 - 5007 of 7
Persistent warning messages and system deactivation, often battery or sensor related · more· less
Many Compass owners report persistent start-stop system warnings and failures. Common causes include a degraded AGM battery (the system requires a specific battery type to function), corroded relay connections, faulty hood switch sensors, and brake pedal position sensor issues. The dashboard displays messages like 'Stop/Start Not Ready' or 'Service Stop/Start System.' A new AGM battery costs €150-250 installed. Sensor replacements run €100-200. While the system can be disabled in the settings menu, the underlying cause should still be investigated to avoid related electrical issues.
Below-average reliability with several known weak points
The Jeep Compass 1.4 MultiAir requires careful pre-purchase inspection and diligent maintenance. The 140 hp manual variant is notably more reliable than the 170 hp automatic, as it avoids the problematic ZF 9-speed transmission. The MultiAir engine can reach high mileages with strict oil change intervals, but the turbo wastegate, Uconnect system, and various electrical components add to ownership costs. Service and parts are more expensive than comparable European competitors, and the dealer network in Europe is smaller.
Service history
Complete Jeep dealer or specialist records essential. Oil changes every 12,000 km maximum are critical for MultiAir longevity.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. AWD models wear tires faster and mismatched tires can damage the drivetrain.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattling or knocking in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including varied speeds and stop-start traffic to assess gearbox behavior.
Specific for this vehicle
Test all Uconnect functions thoroughly
Navigate through menus, switch sources, use climate controls via screen. Watch for freezing, lag, or black screen episodes during the test drive.
Check transmission behavior on automatic models
On the 170 hp 9-speed auto, shift from park to drive and reverse. Feel for delayed engagement, harsh shifts, or gear hunting on hills.
Inspect for oil leaks around valve cover and oil pan
Look under the engine for fresh oil, check around valve cover bolt areas for pooled oil. Common after 60,000 km.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Test all power windows individually
Operate each window up and down from both the driver switch and individual door switches. Listen for grinding or hesitation.
Listen for turbo wastegate clicking at mid-range RPM
During acceleration, listen for clicking or bubbling sounds around 2,750-4,000 rpm. This indicates wastegate actuator issues.
Check start-stop system operation
Verify the system engages and disengages properly. Warning messages like 'Service Stop/Start' indicate battery or sensor problems.
Verify timing belt replacement status
Jeep's maintenance schedule gives a maximum of 120,000 km or 6 years for the timing belt under normal conditions, dropping to 60,000 km or 4 years under severe conditions. Confirm the replacement date in the service records and ask how the car was used.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front lower control arm welding defect - campaign U42 for Compass MX vehicles built 12-21 January 2018Critical - verify completed
Rear brake caliper piston coating insufficient - campaign U86 for production 17 March - 21 June 2018Verify completed
Passenger airbag inflator mounting nut loose - European campaign for production 30 August - 17 November 2017Critical - verify completed
Windscreen wipers may fail - European campaign W25 for Compass MX and MP vehicles built 28 April 2019 - 3 March 2020; 1.4 cars inside that window have to be checked by VINVerify applicability with the VIN
The Jeep Compass has had multiple recalls across model years, and each of these is defined by a narrow build window rather than by model year, so let the VIN decide. The control arm and airbag campaigns are the safety-critical ones. The campaigns below are sometimes attached to this car but do not reach it: T70 was a US compliance campaign about instrument cluster backlighting, T26 covered the North American six-speed Aisin automatic, which this European car does not have, and KBA 14433R / B7B covers 2023-2024 hybrid and plug-in hybrid Compass models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all pre-2024 models
Rust perforation warranty (8 years)May still apply on 2018+ models
Extended warranty availabilityAvailable through Mopar / Jeep dealers
All 2017-2020 Compass 1.4 MultiAir models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. Extended warranties are available through Jeep/Mopar dealers but tend to be expensive. Given the car's known issues, an extended warranty may be worth considering, particularly for the 170 hp automatic variant.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
