Jeep Compass MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 10,082 MOT tests on the Jeep Compass carried out in 2023. 23% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Compasses passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2007 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (72% passed, +0.1 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2009 models fared worst (47%, −12.0 points). Tested cars had covered 44,964 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 7.2% of tests (slightly below the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "does not clear the windscreen effectively", on 3.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,082
- First-time pass rate
- 77%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +5.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 44,964
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Compass?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Compass MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,627 | 87% | 88% | −1.1 points | 22,701 |
| 2019 | 3,124 | 83% | 86% | −3.4 points | 29,938 |
| 2018 | 2,365 | 80% | 84% | −3.9 points | 37,144 |
| 2014 | 428 | 72% | 72% | +0.1 points | 68,116 |
| 2013 | 556 | 66% | 68% | −2.4 points | 74,489 |
| 2012 | 825 | 62% | 66% | −3.5 points | 78,242 |
| 2011 | 821 | 56% | 63% | −7.4 points | 87,273 |
| 2009 | 83 | 47% | 59% | −12.0 points | 94,649 |
| 2008 | 99 | 55% | 57% | −2.8 points | 103,032 |
| 2007 | 71 | 51% | 57% | −6.3 points | 109,224 |
Why the Jeep Compass fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Compass | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7.2% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 6.7% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 6.6% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.8% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 3.6% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.7% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.5% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
- 2ball joint excessively worn3.2%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
- 4not working2.4%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn2.0%
- 7has ply or cords exposed1.6%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
- 9ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
- 10has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
Common Compass MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Compass, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.2% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.3% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.1% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.6% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 2.5% |
Tips to help your Compass pass
Based on where Compasses most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.7% of Compass tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 5.8% of Compass tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Compass ULEZ compliant? See the Jeep Compass ULEZ check, or view all Jeep models.
Other Jeep models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 10,082 first MOT tests of the Jeep Compass carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 10,082 first MOT tests of the Jeep Compass.
What is the Jeep Compass MOT failure rate?
In our data, 23% of 10,082 first MOT attempts on the Jeep Compass ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Jeep Compass fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (7.2% of tests), lights and electrics (6.7% of tests), tyres (6.6% of tests).
Which Compass year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 72% passed first time, +0.1 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2009, at 47% (−12.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Jeep Compass covered at its MOT?
The average was 44,964 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 22,701 miles and 2007 cars 109,224.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Jeep Compass?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.6% of Compasses failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Compass's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 10,082 Compasses in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 87% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
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