NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Jeep Compass Safety Ratings
The 2021 Jeep Compass scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 76 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Jeep Compass shows strong side-crash protection in federal tests, contributing to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, which places it in the Average band. This model year also presents a clean recall record, indicating no safety-related defects requiring manufacturer action. However, the Compass's 3-star rollover rating and a modest contribution from its avoidance technology suite prevent it from achieving a higher safety standing.
The 2021 Jeep Compass received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Jeep Compass ranks 88 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.6% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 76 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 88 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The 2021 Jeep Compass earns an Average Safety Index of 77 out of 100. This single point gain over the 2020 model's 76 reflects continuity in its safety profile. A zero-recall standing is the clearest positive differentiator for 2021, setting this year apart from model years that carry open campaigns and contributing significantly to its defect-record sub-score. The vehicle's crash protection sub-score is 57 out of 70, driven most visibly by a 5-star side impact result. Frontal crash tests yielded a solid 4-star rating. However, a 3-star rollover rating, with a 21-percent risk probability, pulls down the overall score and warrants attention for buyers prioritizing rollover safety. The avoidance technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 indicates a gap in active safety features. While electronic stability control is standard, forward collision warning is only optional for this model year, and lane departure warning is entirely absent. The optional-only status for a now-common active safety feature distinguishes this specific year's configuration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Jeep Compass perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Jeep Compass earned a perfect 5-star rating for side-impact protection from NHTSA. Its overall safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal crash protection also rated at 4 stars. The lowest assessment for the 2021 Compass is its rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars, reflecting a 21-percent rollover risk probability. Notably, the dynamic tip test did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15500
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
The 2021 Jeep Compass carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no components flagged, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. That clean recall record contributes directly to the defect-record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 in the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has logged 76 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Compass. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (31 reports), Unknown Or Other (27), Engine (16), Power Train (8), Steering (6), and Service Brakes (6). Five alleged crashes and two alleged fire incidents are among those unverified reports.
76 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Jeep Compass?
The 2021 Compass has no recalls on record, a notable point for potential owners. This absence of recall campaigns means the vehicle has not been subject to manufacturer-issued safety corrections since its introduction. While this zero-recall status is positive, prospective buyers should still verify a specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's database. This step confirms the ongoing status and ensures any future campaigns that may arise have been addressed.
- The 2021 Compass holds zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that contributes 15.5 out of 20 points to its Safety Index sub-score.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating is the strongest individual result in the 2021 model's test profile, while the 3-star rollover rating with a 21-percent risk probability is the weakest.
- Forward collision warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2021 Compass, and lane departure warning is not available, limiting the avoidance-tech sub-score to 4.5 out of 10.
- NHTSA has received 76 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System accounting for 31 of those alleged reports, making it the most frequently cited component area.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Jeep Compass places
The 2021 Jeep Compass qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Jeep Compass safety questions
Was the 2021 Jeep Compass crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Jeep Compass, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 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 2021 Jeep Compass crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Jeep Compass have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Jeep Compass as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Jeep Compass?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 76 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15500), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Compass 2021.
- 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 88 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.