KNOWN FAULTS · Jeep

Jeep Compass (II) 1.4 MultiAir common problems.

2017–2025 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

5 known faults with sources

MultiAir actuator starved of oil pressureValvetrain (MultiAir actuator)

Engine / equipment: 1.4 MultiAir (naturally aspirated and turbo) and the 0.9 TwinAir, which uses the same system: Fiat 500, Punto, Tipo, 500X; Alfa MiTo and Giulietta; Jeep Renegade and Compass; Abarth
Period mentioned: 2009–2024
Symptoms: Hard or rough cold starts, hesitation, stalling and an engine light with P1523 (low oil pressure in the MultiAir system).
Possible cause described: The intake valves are operated by oil pressure through an electro-hydraulic block. Degraded oil, a low level or a dirty secondary filter starve the system of pressure, and over time the actuator fails internally.
Check for the garage: Change the oil and filter with the correct specification, inspect the MultiAir mesh filter and measure oil pressure before replacing the actuator.
Cost cited in the source: Oil change: the cheapest step and often enough; MultiAir actuator: approx. €650–1,400 (converted from dollars)A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only cars built up to 4/3/2018 without a drain hole in the silencer.

Won't start in frost because of frozen water in the silencer (500X, Renegade and Compass)Exhaust and emissions

Engine / equipment: Fiat 500X (2016–2020), Jeep Renegade (2015–2020) and Jeep Compass (2017–2018) built without a drain hole in the silencer
Period mentioned: 2015–2020
Symptoms: Below freezing the starter turns but the engine does not start; on days without frost it starts fine. More likely after short trips.
Possible cause described: Condensation water collects in the rear silencer and freezes, blocking the exhaust. FCA bulletin 09-004-20 (also valid in Europe) says to drill a 3 mm drain hole in the silencer.
Check for the garage: Ask the garage about bulletin 09-004-20 and whether the silencer already has the drain hole; until then, avoid leaving the car outside in frost right after a very short trip.
Cost cited in the source: Short garage job: drilling a drain hole; ask for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: US bulletin for cars built from 25/8 to 9/9/2017.

Loss of steering assist caused by water in the steering columnSteering

Engine / equipment: Compass (II)
Period mentioned: 2017–2018
Symptoms: After heavy rain, the steering loses its assistance and becomes very heavy, with the steering and engine warning lights on; codes C1593 or C1592.
Possible cause described: Water gets into the electric power steering column and damages its components. FCA has the column replaced (bulletin 19-002-17, November 2017) on Compass cars built from 25/8 to 9/9/2017 for the US.
Check for the garage: Without assistance the steering is dangerous: do not drive on and call for assistance. At the garage, have them read codes C1593 and C1592 and check whether water has got into the column.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Bulletin for Latin America, cars built up to 31/7/2019.

ABS and stability warning lights caused by oxidised or wet wheel speed sensorsBrakes / electronics

Engine / equipment: Renegade and Compass (II)
Period mentioned: 2018–2019
Symptoms: The ABS, stability control and engine warning lights come on together, especially after washing the car or in rain, and sometimes go off by themselves; codes C0031, C0034, C0037 or C003A.
Possible cause described: The wheel speed sensors oxidise or let water in. FCA has all four replaced (bulletin 05-001-20, October 2020) on Renegade and Compass cars built up to 31/7/2019 for Latin America.
Check for the garage: With the ABS light on the brakes work, but without ABS or stability control: drive carefully and go to the garage soon, where they can read the wheel sensor codes.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Oil dilution, 9-speed gearbox and campaigns on the Compass IIKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Jeep Compass II (petrol, diesel and 4xe)
Period mentioned: 2016 onwards
Symptoms: Oil dilution on the 1.4 MultiAir with short trips; carbon on the petrols; a ZF 9-speed (4x4) with jolts and humming between 4th and 5th in town; rust on door edges on early cars, worn track rods at the roadworthiness test and interior rattles before the 2020 facelift.
Possible cause described: The shift jolt comes from decoupling the rear axle; the software update only moves it to another speed. Recalls: light sensor (2016–2017), fire extinguisher (up to 2018), cruise control (up to 2019), rear calipers (17/3–21/6/2018) and the wiper ball joint (28/4/2019–3/3/2020).
Check for the garage: Check every campaign by VIN; watch the oil level; test the gearbox in town.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.