2012 Jeep Compass — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Jeep Compass is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–30 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Jeep Compass workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Jeep Compass: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 30 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4404 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 28 urban / 35 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 23 city / 29 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 221 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 6 configurations for the 2012 Jeep Compass across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 25 mpg (US), or 28 to 30 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (23/27) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/29) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/25) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (21/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/27) | 230 | $2,800 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/28) | 221 | $2,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Jeep Compass
Running Costs: 2012 Jeep Compass
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Jeep Compass at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Jeep Compass Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Jeep Compass (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (2), Seat belts (1), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 16V668000, reported 15 September 2016. Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of…
- Air bags — campaign 13V233000, reported 4 June 2013. Risk: In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle…
- Fuel system — campaign 13V120000, reported 3 April 2013. Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 12V142000, reported 3 April 2012. Risk: IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT OR ROLL-OVER, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Owners have filed 184 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Jeep Compass. The most-reported areas are Engine (36), Fuel/propulsion system (34), Air bags (28). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 5 reported fires, 2 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is close to the median of 141 complaints across the 17 Jeep Compass model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Jeep Compass
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns · 34 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 28 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (36 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (26 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Jeep Compass compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 30 mpg figure is 3 mpg better than that average. Its 221 g/km CO₂ figure is 32 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Jeep models in our database average about 27 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Jeep Compass's 30 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 221 g/km CO₂ figure is 33 g/km lower than the 254 g/km Jeep average.
Of the 17 Jeep Compass model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined, against a high of 32 mpg). See every Jeep Compass year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Jeep Compass
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Jeep Compass have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2012 Jeep Compass: 2L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a manual 5-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Jeep Compass?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 30 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Jeep Compass cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Jeep Compass (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (2), Seat belts (1), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Jeep Compass?
Among the 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (36 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (34 complaints), Air bags (28 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Jeep Compass's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.