At a Glance
The Jeep Compass has 11 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the MK49 (2007-2011) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 59K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Jeep Compass common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Jeep Compass generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Jeep Compass owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Jeep Compass Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Jeep Compass MOT Failures
Every reason Jeep Compass vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 20.27% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 9.64% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.82% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 7.20% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.71% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.08% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.00% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 3.84% |
| 9 | Ball joint dust cover split | 3.48% |
| 10 | Track rod end worn | 3.12% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.88% |
| 12 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.84% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 1.78% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 1.73% |
| 15 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 1.71% |
| 16 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.60% |
| 17 | Stop lamp not working | 1.55% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.44% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.40% |
| 20 | ABS fault | 1.23% |
| 21 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.11% |
| 22 | Driveshaft fault | 1.06% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.04% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.94% |
| 25 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.81% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.77% |
| 27 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.70% |
| 28 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.64% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.56% |
| 30 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.55% |
| 31 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.54% |
| 32 | Airbag warning light on | 0.47% |
| 33 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.44% |
| 34 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.38% |
| 35 | Fog lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 37 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.28% |
| 38 | Brake lever fault | 0.24% |
| 39 | Exhaust system fault | 0.23% |
| 40 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.21% |
| 41 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.19% |
| 42 | Parking brake condition | 0.17% |
| 43 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.16% |
| 44 | Steering rack fault | 0.16% |
| 45 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 46 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.15% |
| 47 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 48 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 49 | Engine oil leak | 0.14% |
| 50 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.13% |
| 51 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.12% |
| 52 | Horn not working | 0.12% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 54 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 55 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 56 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.10% |
| 57 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 59 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.08% |
| 60 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 61 | Rear lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 62 | Front passenger door fault | 0.07% |
| 63 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 64 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.06% |
| 65 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Front suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 73 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 74 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 75 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 78 | Rear suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 80 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 81 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.03% |
| 82 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 83 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 84 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 86 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 87 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 94 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 95 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.02% |
| 96 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.01% |
| 99 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.01% |
| 100 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 102 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 103 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 104 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 106 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 108 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 111 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 113 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 114 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 123 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 124 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 130 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 131 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Jeep Compass MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Jeep Compass, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Jeep Compass problems?
Based on analysis of 59K Jeep Compass MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Headlamp fault". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Jeep Compass generation has the most problems?
The Jeep Compass MK49 (2007-2011) (2007–2016) has the highest number of identified common problems (9). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Jeep Compass?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Jeep Compass owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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