NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Jeep Compass Safety Ratings
The 2020 Jeep Compass scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 135 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Jeep Compass achieved a 5-star rating for side-crash protection, a notable performance in federal tests. However, its overall safety assessment is tempered by a 3-star rollover rating and a low score for avoidance technology. These factors contribute to its NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, positioning the vehicle within the Average safety band.
The 2020 Jeep Compass received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Jeep Compass ranks 94 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 135 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 94 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Jeep Compass?
The 2020 Jeep Compass earns a 3-star rollover rating from NHTSA, a figure that demands attention. This rating comes with a 21 percent rollover risk, a metric safety-conscious consumers should consider. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 76 places it in the Average band, a two-point rise from the 2019 model's 74. Crash protection remains a strength for the 2020 Compass. It achieved 57 out of a possible 70 points in this subcategory, bolstered by a 5-out-of-5-star rating for side impact protection. This specific result stands as one of the strongest individual ratings within its segment. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 indicates a significant area for improvement. Lane departure warning is not available on the 2020 Compass. Forward collision warning is offered only as optional equipment, meaning many examples on the secondary market may lack this critical safety feature. A single recall has been issued for the 2020 model year. This recall addresses a wiper linkage failure, a targeted issue rather than a broad structural defect. Nevertheless, the direct impact on driver visibility during adverse weather conditions makes confirming this remedy a practical step for any potential owner.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Jeep Compass perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Jeep Compass earns an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash performance stands out with a 5-star rating. Frontal crash testing returned 4 stars, matching the vehicle's overall score. Rollover risk presents the weakest result, rated at 3 out of 5 stars with a 21 percent risk. It should be noted, however, that NHTSA's dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14274
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
The 2020 Jeep Compass carries one recall campaign for this model year, covering windshield wiper arm linkages. Filed jointly with certain 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic vehicles, the concern is that one or both wiper arms may fail, reducing visibility in adverse conditions. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data for this campaign.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES20V208000
Risk: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W25.
Reported 2020-04-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has received 135 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Compass. The Engine component leads with 79 alleged reports, followed by the Electrical System at 62. Unverified allegations also include 3 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, and 3 reported injuries. All figures are consumer-reported and have not been independently established.
135 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Jeep Compass?
The 2020 Jeep Compass carries an open recall for wiper linkage, a safety-critical component. Owners should verify remedy completion through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Additionally, while forward collision warning is a significant safety feature, it was not standard equipment on the 2020 Compass; buyers should confirm its presence on any specific unit.
- The 2020 Compass improved two index points over the 2019 model, moving from 74 to 76, but both years remain in the Average band with no tier change.
- The 5-star side-crash rating is the single strongest data point for this model year, while the 3-star rollover rating with a 21 percent risk figure is the most significant crash-test concern.
- Forward collision warning was only optional on the 2020 Compass, meaning used-market buyers should confirm whether a specific unit actually has the feature before assuming it is present.
- One active recall covering windshield wiper linkages affects this model year and should be verified as completed via VIN lookup before purchase, given its direct impact on visibility.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Jeep Compass places
The 2020 Jeep Compass qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Jeep Compass safety questions
Was the 2020 Jeep Compass crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Jeep Compass, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Jeep Compass crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Jeep Compass earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Compass have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Jeep Compass. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Jeep Compass?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 135 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Jeep Compass. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Compass years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14274), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Compass 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 94 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.