Jeep Compass common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Jeep Compass?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2023–2026 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

Common Jeep Compass MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 3.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 29.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 18× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Ball joint dust cover

  up to 4.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Ball joint

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Jeep Compass MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2013 Jeep Compass did best (64% passed first time, 2 points below all 2013 cars) and the 2019 did worst (77%, 7 points below all 2019 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Jeep Compass

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the Jeep Compass as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 29.5× as often on the Jeep Compass as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 18× as often on the Jeep Compass as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?