RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Jeep/ 18V279
Campaign 18V279 Posted May 1, 2018 2,761 units

2018 Jeep Compass Recall 18V279: Control Arm Weld Defect

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 18V279 affects 2,761 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles for incorrectly welded front lower control arms. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.

Jeep is recalling 2,761 2018 Compass SUVs because incorrect front lower control arm welds can lead to control arm separation. If a lower control arm separates, the driver can lose vehicle control, increasing crash risk; 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 NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The front lower control arm on the 2018 Jeep Compass is a steel suspension link that helps hold each front wheel in the correct position. It connects the wheel hub area to the vehicle body, letting the suspension move up and down while keeping the tire aligned with the road.

On affected Compass vehicles, the welds on the front lower control arms were out of specification. A weld is the joined metal area that keeps the control arm together under driving loads. If that weld fractures, the control arm can separate instead of holding the wheel in place as designed.

There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing describes no driver-noticeable symptom before the control arm separates, so owners should not wait for noise, vibration, or a dashboard warning before checking whether their VIN is included.

Who's affected?

2018 Jeep Compass lower control arm
Units affected2,761
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.

What's the safety risk?

A separating front lower control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before separation, so schedule the recall repair promptly and avoid hard driving until a dealer inspects the vehicle. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Jeep Compass is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free inspection and front lower control arm replacement if the incorrect weld is found.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V279 when you call.
  4. Drive only as needed until the dealer completes the inspection and any required repair.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Jeep technician inspects the front lower control arms and replaces any control arm that is covered by the recall and needs replacement. The inspection, parts, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related lower control arm repair before the owner letter, FCA US asks owners to send the original receipt or other proof of payment to confirm the expense under its reimbursement practice.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

May 1, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
May 31, 2018 Owner notification mailed
June 20, 2018 Dealer notification began
June 20, 2018 Dealer notification ended
June 20, 2018 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
June 20, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V279?

Recall 18V279 covers 2,761 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles with front lower control arms that were incorrectly welded. If a lower control arm separates, the driver can lose vehicle control, increasing crash risk. Jeep dealers inspect the control arms and replace them if needed for free.

What should I do if my 2018 Jeep Compass is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific Compass is included in recall 18V279. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the front lower control arm inspection. The dealer replaces the control arms if needed. Reference recall 18V279 or Jeep recall number U42 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 inspect and replace the affected front lower control arms free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.

Is it safe to drive my 2018 Jeep Compass before the recall repair?

The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects vehicle control. If your VIN is included and you notice unusual suspension noise, pulling, or a change in steering feel, stop driving and ask the Jeep dealer about towing before the inspection.

What if I bought my Jeep Compass used?

The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner letter mailed after the recall began May 31, 2018, check your VIN and call a franchised Jeep dealer with recall 18V279 or Jeep recall number U42.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V279000
Jeep customer service1-800-853-1403
NHTSA recall #18V279
NHTSA recall # (full)18V279000

Source documents

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 →