2020 Jeep Compass: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Jeep Compass first registered in 2020: we looked at the 1,657 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Jeep Compass?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Jeep Compass than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Wipers1.9× usualJeep Compass5.5% All 2020 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.8% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £15–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Engine oil leaks4.5× usualJeep Compass2.7% All 2020 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usualJeep Compass4% All 2020 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Common 2020 Jeep Compass MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Jeep Compass MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes19% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension8% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics5% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Jeep Compass
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2020 Jeep Compass as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2020 Jeep Compass as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2020 Jeep Compass as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Jeep Compass?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Jeep Compass compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 235 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 1,272 | Tyres 26% |
| 2021 | 1,658 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 3,169 | Tyres 34% |
| 2018 | 2,409 | Tyres 36% |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 388 | Suspension 47% |
| 2013 | 501 | Suspension 54% |
| 2012 | 541 | Suspension 53% |
| 2011 | 482 | Suspension 62% |
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
| 2008 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Jeep Compass cars first registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score