Recall 13V233 affects 254,396 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles for an airbag and seatbelt software error. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 254,396 2010-2012 Compass and Patriot vehicles because a software error can delay or prevent deployment of the side curtain airbags or seatbelt pretensioners. In a rollover crash, that error can leave occupants with less protection and increase injury risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The restraint system software in 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles is supposed to coordinate parts that protect occupants during a crash. Seatbelt pre-tensioners tighten the belt at the start of a collision, helping hold the occupant in position. Side airbags deploy from the side of the vehicle to add protection in a side impact.
On affected Jeep SUVs, a software error can delay the command to those parts or prevent the command from reaching them. The filing points to the control software, not a torn airbag or a broken seatbelt. In a crash that calls for these restraints, the pre-tensioners or side airbags can deploy late or fail to deploy.
There is no warning sign before failure. The system is meant to act during a crash, so an owner is not expected to feel, hear, or see a problem during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers Compass and Patriot across 2010-2012, with electrical system software, seat belt, and side air bag components listed for each model year.
| 2010 Jeep Compass | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2010 Jeep Compass | seat belt |
| 2010 Jeep Compass | side air bag |
| 2011 Jeep Patriot | electrical system software |
| 2011 Jeep Patriot | seat belt |
| 2011 Jeep Patriot | side air bag |
| 2012 Jeep Compass | electrical system software |
| 2012 Jeep Compass | seat belt |
| 2012 Jeep Compass | side air bag |
| 2011 Jeep Compass | electrical system software |
| 2011 Jeep Compass | seat belt |
| 2011 Jeep Compass | side air bag |
| 2010 Jeep Patriot | electrical system software |
| 2010 Jeep Patriot | seat belt |
| 2010 Jeep Patriot | side air bag |
| 2012 Jeep Patriot | electrical system software |
| 2012 Jeep Patriot | seat belt |
| 2012 Jeep Patriot | side air bag |
| Units affected | 254,396 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a rollover crash, the software error can delay deployment or prevent deployment of the side curtain airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioners. That leaves occupants with less protection and increases the risk of injury in a crash. Confirm your VIN and contact a Jeep dealer about the software correction. Repair will be free at any franchised Jeep dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 Jeep Compass or Patriot is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Jeep recall notice before scheduling the free software correction.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer and ask about the software correction that fixes delayed or missing deployment of the side air bags and seatbelt pretensioners.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V233 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the repair is complete, since the air bags and seatbelt pretensioners can deploy late or fail to deploy in a rollover crash.
What happens at the repair
The listed dealer remedy is a software correction for the system that controls side airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner deployment. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a Jeep technician will update the software at no charge. Parts are not the focus here: the fix is the control software. Ask the Jeep service desk to confirm the campaign is open for your vehicle before the appointment.
Timeline
| June 4, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 21, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V233?
Recall 13V233 covers 254,396 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles with a software error that can delay or prevent seatbelt pre-tensioner or side-curtain airbag deployment in a rollover crash. Jeep dealers correct the software for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 Jeep Compass or Patriot is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V233. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the software correction. Reference recall number 13V233 or Jeep recall number N01 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Jeep dealers correct this software issue free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included 2010-2012 Compass and Patriot vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced occupant protection in a rollover crash. The software error can delay or prevent side-curtain airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner deployment when those systems are needed, increasing the risk of injury for people inside the vehicle.
When did Jeep start this recall repair?
Jeep began the recall repair on June 21, 2013. If your VIN is included and the software update has not been completed, a franchised Jeep dealer can perform the correction at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V233000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-247-9753 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V233 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V233000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →