2018 Jeep Compass maintenance schedule

The 2018 Compass is part of the MP generation (2017-2026), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 Compass needs, and when

8 of these 12 items come from Jeep's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Jeep's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

10k or when Oil Life Monitor indicates

10,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter

Replace more frequently if driving in dusty environments

30,000 mi / 3 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

Vital for interior air quality

20,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Tire rotation

Rotate at each oil change

10,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Brake fluid

Replace every two years

2 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant

OAT coolant

150,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Inspect; severe duty requires replacement

60,000 miIndependent
Spark plugs (2.4L)

Iridium plugs (60k for 2.0L Turbo)

100,000 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect condition and tension (approx. 75,000 mi / 72 mo benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid (4WD)

Inspect at 30k; replace severe

60,000 miManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect and replace if needed (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V battery

Visual test and electrical load test

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20 (2.4L) / 5W-30 (2.0L Turbo), 5.5 qt
Coolant
Mopar OAT
Transmission fluid
ZF 9HP ATF / 8-speed ATF

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.4L 4-cyl (2.4L Tigershark), 180 hp, 9-speed Auto (ZF) / 6-speed Auto, FWD / 4WD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl (2.0L Turbo), 200 hp, 8-speed Auto, 4WD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2018 Compass owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

2.4L Oil Consumption

high severity

20,000-80,000 mi · $3,000-$5,000 to fix

High oil burn rate

Source: apextechnation.com

HVAC Blend Door Actuator

medium severity

40,000-80,000 mi · $165-$217 to fix

Heat only comes from top vents, mode failure

Source: repairpal.com

Thermostat Failure

medium severity

50,000-90,000 mi · $489-$573 to fix

Overheating or failure to reach operating temp

Source: repairpal.com

Wheel Hub Assembly

medium severity

60,000-100,000 mi · $531-$630 to fix

Humming/grinding from wheels while driving

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA recalls for the 2018 Jeep Compass

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Jeep dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA 18V523000

August 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

Electrical system

NHTSA 18V524000

August 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Suspension

NHTSA 18V279000

May 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

November 2017

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.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical system

NHTSA 17V740000

November 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The brightness of the backlighting for the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) cannot be adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update IPC software, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T70.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA 17V670000

October 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$526

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Compass model years

Shopping new? The Jeep Compass guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-19. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Compass for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 Compass earns before you buy it.

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