Problem with reborn Jeep Compass could render it undriveable or turn it into a crash risk.
When it comes to all-new vehicles, recalls are nothing…well…new. Just take a look at the 2017 Jeep Compass.
Jeep completely redid its small SUV, giving it a new body, new gearboxes, and even a new Trailhawk variant. None of those changes have made it immune to recalls, though.
Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall for 1,178 2017 model year Jeep Compasses. The problem? A halfshaft – the left front halfshaft on Compasses with the six-speed automatic, to be exact. There’s a chance it isn’t properly seated which means it could disengage from the gearbox or break completely. In either case, the Compass will suffer a “loss of drive.”
Also, if one of the affected Compasses is parked and the parking brake is not engaged, the Compass could suffer the exact opposite problem and become the world’s worst self-driving vehicle. It could roll away on its own and crash into something or, even worse, someone. Luckily, according to Allpar, that hasn’t happened so far. The site said there are no known accidents or injuries related to this issue.
FCA won’t officially start the recall until June 23. Then it will notify the owners of the affected vehicles. Jeep dealers will check those Compasses to see if the left front halfshaft is engaging with the six-speed auto. If it isn’t, the dealer will replace the halfshaft for free.
If you think you or someone you know may have one of these Compasses, you can contact customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Let a representative know you’re calling in regards to FCA recall T26 or NHTSA Campaign Number 17V301000.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
