Basically agree. My only problem has been in winter when moisture gets in there and makes it challenging to open it. I can't just pry it, and pressing harder doesn't always do the trick. Usually if I pound on it a few times it will loosen. Next possibility is to park it with that side in the sun -- presuming it's a sunny day. I don't have a heated garage.

 

In cases where time is critical, I could see the flap advantage. But this isn't NASCAR and I'm not even always only turning left LoL. Think the flap is just a cost cutting measure. Apparently an annoying and inconvenient one at times, eh.

The first time I fueled up in the Compass, I didn't follow the recommendation to leave the nozzle in a few seconds after the flow stopped (10sec recommended I think the diagram on the cover indicates). After immediately pulling the nozzle out, some fuel unceremoniously drained down the side of the Jeep. D'OH

Not only might water and moisture intrusion be an issue as @Jasmine mentioned, and which I hadn't considered, but dust and grit that finds its way behind the cover could also end up in the tank.

Maybe I'm overthinking it but a simple gas cap would make more sense to me.

 

I made mine into a locking fuel door. Replaced the Push open/push close latch in the fuel filler compartment with a locking type from an EU market Compass and added wiring and a DPDT momentary switch to the overhead console. Push the center button forward for a second to unlock the fuel door, push rearward for a second to lock. Makes it much harder for someone to pour something (water, sugar, etc.) into the tank.

 

Part numbers or links for the items you purchased.

 

Definitely don't disagree, but so far I've no problems with the filler on my 2019, and I've not heard of anyone else having problems either... yet

 

You could always get one of these if you are concerned. Not Locking, just a plastic cap that slides over the filler. Can be found on amazon or ebay.

 

Thanks @WisHawk !!! Found it on Amazon and just ordered one.
Bonus: Reviews indicate it could help with any possible engine codes resulting from a flap with faulty seal.
@Jasmine .... this thing might help mitigate some winter issues although I didn't see any reviews mentioning that aspect.

 

Link to Amazon for the product you purchased.

 

... so then I found Amazon offers a tethered cap and I have one of those on the way too. I'll use one and keep the other as a backup.

This is the tethered one. The image isn't a Compass of course, but the description is said to fit ...

 

Link to Amazon for the product you purchased.

 

First one purchased and currently using because it's bright colored and no tether necessary. When removed, I just place it right beside the filler neck. Kind of wedges there neatly until finished refueling ...
Cap & Shield 2.5inch ID, Capless Gas Cap Dirt, Water & Dust Cover Compatible With Jeep

One I ordered before the first one arrived, just in case I needed a tethered backup ...
Cap & Shield Tethered 2.5inch ID, Capless Gas Cap Dirt, Water & Dust Cover Compatible With Jeep

 

First one purchased and currently using because it's bright colored and no tether necessary. When removed, I just place it right beside the filler neck. Kind of wedges there neatly until finished refueling ...
Cap & Shield 2.5inch ID, Capless Gas Cap Dirt, Water & Dust Cover Compatible With Jeep

One I ordered before the first one arrived, just in case I needed a tethered backup ...
Cap & Shield Tethered 2.5inch ID, Capless Gas Cap Dirt, Water & Dust Cover Compatible With Jeep

Thank you. Just ordered a tethered one for my '24 Compass.

 

The flap opening is based on Nascar fillers had one in an explorer I had worked well. It's wctally a double seal system opened when you insert the filler nozzle.

 

Two things here, the original question is about the actual filler where you put fuel nozzle but some have commented about the outside push to open flap, which my Compass does not have.

My Compass has a pressurised tank which is opened with a button on the centre console. Once the button is pressed the flap to the filler pops open after about 10s. I did not realise there were differences.

 

It sounds like the same idea. Just electrically activated door. Is there a rubber seal on back of door ? Or filler cover?

 

Watch a Nascar race in the pits. When a car refuels the pit crew comes with a canister with a long neck and a built in adapter, he just inserts it past the flapper valves that give an automatic seal no cap. Nascar has been using it successfully for years

 

A lot more goes into it than "he just inserts it past the flapper valves and Nascar has been using it successfully for years." Several good points concerning , inspection, maintenance and safety concerns in this video ...

Remember too that Nascar is run on a paved, closed, track. Don't think accumulation of sand, grit and debris around the filler flapper during a few hour race are a huge concern. On the other hand, even if it is a concern, the inspections, maintenance and safety issues would be found and mitigated.

Don't recall seeing any such cautions or maintenance requirements for the Jeep Compass fuel flap in the owner's manual. Guess that means the risks don't exist even through years of daily use and service on various roads and surface conditions and environments eh 🤷‍♂️

 

The exposed fuel filler flap may just be fine ... for an undetermined amount of time and in various conditions and environments. But I'd rather be proactive rather than reactive in the case of compromise, so that's why I purchased and use a cover there.

There's still the issue of being way too exposed to nefarious activities because there is no EASY lockable alternative that a locking cap would provide. So I'll keep my fingers crossed and stay in safe neighborhoods best I can. ... well that's one thing Nascar doesn't have to worry about eh.