2021 Jeep Compass: Is it Legendary or just a Lemon?

The latest 2021 Jeep Compass models are legendary — or so its advertising tells us — but unfortunately, it’s for all the wrong reasons.

Top complaints about the compact crossover SUV include its defective powertrain and shoddy structure. Not what you would expect for a product manufactured by an iconic American brand. Indeed, this 80-year-old Jeep brand became somewhat of a “hero to thousands of Allied soldiers around the world” during World War II, according to Jeep.

Fast forward to 2021, where Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Jeep Compass an overall score of just 39 out of 100 based on a number of issues including low reliability, lack of safety features and underperforming four-cylinder engine.

On the bright side, the smaller SUV can handle off-road drives better than most its size, it has some innovative technology and it’s generally a good-looking vehicle and has that unmistakable seven-slot grille. However, the interior materials are low-grade and reliability ratings due to the powertrain take away from this.

US News ranks the Jeep Compass as No. 15 on its list of compact SUVs. It points out it has “below-average fuel economy ratings, one of the smallest cargo capacities in the class, and fewer standard safety features than many rivals.”

Indeed, some owners of the SUV also complain it is not reliable or dependable because the transmission doesn’t work as expected. Fixing or replacing a transmission is one of the most expensive repairs a vehicle can have if it’s not covered by a warranty.

Ultimately, these experiences will drag down the owner’s experience with the Compass.

Structural Problems with the 2021 Jeep Compass

Car and Driver describes the Compass as one of the “least desirable compact crossovers.” The automotive publication explains that the ride and interior quality are “less refined than many of its direct rivals.”

The 2021 Jeep Compass is a smaller SUV that has some off-road capabilities. It offers four different trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. There is also an Altitude and 80th Anniversary Edition version of the Latitude trim, which leaves many options for buyers.

2021 Jeep Compass Sales

Indeed, sales of the 2021 Jeep Compass are down to just 34,154 this year are roughly one-third of 2020 sales (107, 968) and down from 171,167 in 2018.

The first Compass hit the road in late 2006 with the 2007 model, along with its “rebadged variant” the Patriot. Later, a second generation was launched in November 2016 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The later model shares a modified or stretched platform with the Jeep Renegade. It also replaced the Jeep Patriot and the first generation Compass models.

In the United States, the Compass comes equipped with a 2.4 L Tigershark four-cylinder engine.

The automaker made some changes to the 2022 model. Over-the-air updates, collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keep assist, pedestrian/cycle detection, active lane management, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. There is also a new semi-autonomous assist system called Highway Assist.

J.D. Power was more generous with the 2021 Jeep Compass providing a score of 78 out of 100. This is up from their 2.5 out of five rating for last year’s 2020 Jeep Compass. The rank is considered a below-average predicted reliability rating.

Indeed, with a starting price at $25,990, the 2021 Jeep Compass is a great starter SUV for many drivers, but it’s best to be aware of potential problems that could arise. .

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson

If you purchased a defective Jeep Compass and have repeated problems, it may be time to call for help.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.

We recommend that you obtain an invoice for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 800-558-1087.