Recall 17V740 affects 25,823 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles for instrument-cluster backlighting that stays too bright. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 25,823 2017-2018 Compass SUVs because the instrument panel cluster backlighting cannot be dimmed. An overly bright cluster can make it harder for the driver to see at night and increase crash risk, and Jeep dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The instrument panel cluster on the 2017-2018 Jeep Compass is the display area behind the steering wheel. It shows key driving information and uses backlighting so the gauges and indicators stay readable in daylight and at night. A photo sensor helps the cluster decide when to shift from day-mode lighting to night-mode lighting.
On recalled Compass vehicles, the cluster uses photo sensor calibration values that do not handle the day-to-night transition correctly. The backlighting for the cluster, radio, Integrated Center Stack, and USB port can stay at the wrong brightness. The dimmer switch also does not give the driver varying brightness levels, so the driver cannot override the setting from the switch.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners do not get a separate alert before the panel stays too bright or fails to shift into night-mode backlighting.
Who's affected?
Both Compass model years share the same instrument-panel scope, so the VIN is the deciding detail.
| 2018 Jeep Compass | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Compass | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 25,823 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An instrument cluster that stays too bright can reduce the driver's ability to see at night and increase crash risk. There is no separate warning sign, so use extra caution after dark and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Jeep Compass is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free IPC software update that fixes instrument panel backlighting that cannot be dimmed.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 17V740 and Jeep recall T70 when you call.
- Avoid nighttime driving when the instrument cluster is too bright until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the Jeep dealer, a Jeep technician checks the Instrument Panel Cluster software and updates it as needed so the backlighting brightness control works correctly. The software update and related labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid for a repair tied to this issue, FCA US's reimbursement program lets owners send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense review. Bring that paperwork to the service desk or follow the instructions in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 21, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 10, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 10, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 10, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 10, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V740?
Recall 17V740 covers 25,823 2017-2018 Jeep Compass vehicles with instrument panel cluster backlighting that cannot be dimmed. A cluster that stays too bright can reduce nighttime visibility and increase crash risk. Jeep dealers will update the IPC software for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Jeep Compass is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Compass is included in recall 17V740. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the instrument panel cluster software update. Reference recall number 17V740 or Jeep recall number T70 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Jeep dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software free of charge. The recall repair has been available since December 8, 2018.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced nighttime visibility. If the instrument panel cluster stays too bright and cannot be dimmed, it can make it harder for the driver to see at night, increasing crash risk. The dealer software update fixes the backlighting control issue.
What if I bought my Jeep Compass used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017-2018 Compass is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall 17V740 or Jeep recall T70.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V740000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V740 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V740000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →