IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017–2019 Jeep Compass (MP)

UK debut of the second-generation Compass on FCA Small Wide 4x4 platform. Offers 1.4 MultiAir II turbo petrol and 1.6/2.0 MultiJet II diesels with front-wheel drive or ZF 9-speed AWD.

What changed for 2017–2019

  • •Introduction of modern unibody styling strongly echoing the Grand Cherokee, riding on the FCA Small Wide 4x4 platform shared with the Jeep Renegade
  • •Engine range comprises 1.4-litre MultiAir II turbo petrol (140PS 2WD manual or 170PS AWD 9-speed auto) and MultiJet II diesels (1.6 120PS 2WD and 2.0 140PS/170PS AWD)
  • •Class-leading off-road capability in Trailhawk trim with 216mm ground clearance, skid plates, 20:1 crawl ratio, and Selec-Terrain Rock mode
  • •Uconnect touchscreen infotainment systems (5.0, 7.0, or 8.4-inch) featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links wearing out on rough roads
  • !Rear brake pads seizing in caliper carrier sliders due to moisture and road salt ingress
  • !Diesel particulate filter (DPF) soot accumulation causing high smoke opacity test failures on urban 1.6/2.0 MultiJet diesels
  • !Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve carbon fouling leading to illuminated engine management lamps
2
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

9-Speed Auto Transmission (ZF 9HP) Glitches

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The 9-speed automatic can be jerky and hesitant, particularly in the lower gears. Early models suffered from poor software calibration.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£600 (Software/Fluid)
Warning Signs:

Jerky downshifts into 2nd gear, Hesitation when accelerating from a standstill, Hunting for gears at motorway speeds

What to Inspect:
  • Check for TCM software update history
  • Test drive at low speeds and check for smooth shifts
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Electrical System "Phantoms"

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Random warning lights for airbags, ABS, or ESP that disappear and reappear without a clear mechanical fault, often caused by sensitive voltage thresholds.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£800 (Diagnosis/Wiring)
Warning Signs:

Intermittent warning lights, Stop/Start unavailable message, Infotainment screen blackouts

What to Inspect:
  • Check the health of the 12V battery; many issues are voltage-related
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2017–2019 Jeep Compass (MP)

  • Test the ZF 9-speed automatic transmission rigorously on test drive; early software calibration causes jerky 2nd-to-3rd shifts and sluggish downshifts
  • Inspect the boot floor and tailgate seals for signs of water ingress, which can corrode underlying audio and trailer wiring harnesses
  • On MultiAir petrol models, inspect service history for proper 0W-30 synthetic oil adhering to Fiat 9.55535-GS1 specification to avoid hydraulic actuator failure
  • Check that all electronic 4x4 drive selector modes cycle smoothly without throwing 4WD system unavailable warnings on the instrument cluster
Check a 2017–2019 Jeep Compass (MP) by Registration