NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Jeep Compass Safety Ratings
The 2026 Jeep Compass scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 1 owner complaint on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Jeep Compass, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, secures a position in the Strong safety band. This model year exhibits a robust federal safety profile. Its avoidance-tech suite scored perfectly, complementing a clean record of zero open recalls and no reported owner defects. These factors collectively indicate a solid offering for consumers prioritizing crash protection and advanced active-safety features.
The 2026 Jeep Compass holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based entirely on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Jeep Compass ranks 90 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 1 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 90 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Jeep Compass?
The 2026 Jeep Compass moves the NHTSA Safety Index two points forward, from 85 to 87 out of 100, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is modest but meaningful, and the index breakdown reveals where this year earns its score. The crash-protection sub-score of 57 out of 70 reflects the mixed star picture: a best-in-class 5-star side result pulls the average up, while the 3-star rollover rating and a 20-percent rollover risk probability apply downward pressure. The avoidance-tech sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment rather than optional add-ons. The defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20 is equally notable: zero recall campaigns on file for this model year means no unresolved safety-defect actions are hanging over current buyers. The single owner complaint on file is too small a sample to draw conclusions, but the components alleged, electrical system, service brakes, and forward collision avoidance, are worth monitoring as the model year matures and more vehicles accumulate miles.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Jeep Compass perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Jeep Compass achieved a 5-star side-crash rating from NHTSA, a standout result. Its overall safety score is 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal protection also rated at 4 stars. The vehicle's weakest area is rollover resistance, earning 3 out of 5 stars. NHTSA data indicate a 20-percent rollover risk probability, though dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20923
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
The 2026 Jeep Compass has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order have been issued for this model year. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, shoppers should check their specific VIN at NHTSA.gov periodically, as campaigns can be added after initial sale.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA26V531000
Risk: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 78D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov on August 20, 2026.
Reported 2026-08-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has received one owner complaint for the 2026 Jeep Compass. The unverified allegation touches three components: the electrical system, service brakes, and forward collision avoidance. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in that report. One complaint on a current-year model represents a very limited dataset.
1 owner complaint on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Jeep Compass?
Even at zero years old, a VIN-specific recall check at NHTSA.gov is essential before purchase or delivery. Confirm any remedy has been completed at the dealership level. No open campaigns exist today, but new ones can be filed at any point during a vehicle's life.
- The 2026 model year records a two-point Safety Index improvement over the 2025 Compass, rising from 85 to 87 out of 100, driven by a perfect 20-out-of-20 defect-record sub-score tied to zero active recalls.
- NHTSA's side-crash test produced a 5-star result for this model year, the highest single-category score in the 2026 Compass crash-test profile, while the rollover rating of 3 stars and a 20-percent rollover risk probability represent the most notable safety trade-off.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2026 Compass, contributing a full 10-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Only one unverified owner complaint has been submitted to NHTSA for this model year, alleging concerns across the electrical system, service brakes, and forward collision avoidance system, a dataset too limited for conclusions but worth revisiting as fleet mileage grows.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Jeep Compass places
The 2026 Jeep Compass qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Jeep Compass safety questions
Was the 2026 Jeep Compass crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Jeep Compass, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Jeep Compass crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Jeep Compass have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Jeep Compass. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Jeep Compass?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1 owner complaint is on file for the 2026 Jeep Compass. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Compass years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20923), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Compass 2026.
- 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 90 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.