2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Jeep Compass 4X4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension525.0%
- Electrical315.0%
- Body & structure315.0%
- Powertrain (other)210.0%
- Other / unspecified15.0%
- Steering15.0%
- Tires & wheels15.0%
- Transmission15.0%
- Engine15.0%
- Fuel system15.0%
- Exterior lighting15.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRONT SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED HOME BECAUSE THE FRONT WHEELS LOOK LIKE A BOW-LEGGED COWBOY BECAUSE THE SUBFRAME BASICALLY SNAPPED AS WE WERE DRIVING. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND JEEP REFUSES TO RECALL THIS. 2007 HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND THEY EXTENDED A "WARRANTY" TO GET THIS FIXED. 2009 IS MADE, OBVIOUSLY WITH THE SAME JUNK METAL, AND YET THEY REFUSE TO FIX THEIR INCOMPETENCE. WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED DUE TO THIS NEGLIGENCE. NOT HAPPY JEEP.
WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A VERY ROUGH ROAD SURFACE, A LOUD CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WAS HEARD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED RIGHT TO GO STRAIGHT, ALONG WITH A LOUD TIRE SQUEAL. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO FIND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS CONTACTING THE REAR OF THE WHEEL WELL. INSPECTION UNDERNEATH REVEALED A ROTTED OUT SUBFRAME/CROSSMEMBER WHICH IS SPLIT ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE BACK. IT ALSO HAS SOME LEAKING FLUID COMING DOWN FROM ABOVE THE CROSSMEMBER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THIS IS SATURDAY AND THE INCIDENT WAS FOLLOWED BY A $135 FLATBED TRIP TO A DEALERSHIP FOR WHAT SHOULD BE AN INTERESTING MONDAY MORNING CONVERSATION ABOUT THE HORRIFIC POSSIBILITIES IF THIS SUSPENSION HAD COLLAPSED AT SPEED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR WILL NOT START. GET IN THE CAR, TURN THE KEY, NO SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO CLICKING, NOTHING. THE RADIO WORKS, THE FAN WORKS, THE LIGHTS WORK. HAVE CHECKED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, STARTER, NONE OF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH JEEPS BASED ON INTERNET SEARCH. HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. DOES NOT PUT OUT A CODE FOR A CODE READER TO SCAN AND REPORT.
1) WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (NEAR SUNROOF PANEL). WATERSPOTS ALSO ON ROOF. I AM WORRIED THAT I'LL GET AN ELECTROCUTION AT SOME POINT IF I USE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS AFTER IT HAS RAINED/SNOWED. ALL OPTIONS ARE FACTORY. 2) CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION/ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 49,000. THIS IS A MANUAL, AND SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON. WHEN YOU REMOVE THE OIL CAP, THERE IS COMPRESSION IN THE TANK. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY WAY TO DO THIS IS GET A NEW ENGINE (OR REBUILD EXISTING.) THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UNWARRANTED FOR A VEHICLE SO "NEW". DUE TO BEING A SUBSEQUENT OWNER, THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CHRYSLER/JEEP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 JEEP LIMITED 4 X 4. WHEN CLEANING THE GARAGE, I NOTICED THE HEAD FROM A VERY LARGE BOLT ON THE FLOOR. UPON CRAWLING UNDER THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT A BOLT HAD ROTTED OFF WHERE THE REAR FRAME RIGHT SIDE BY THE SHOCK TOWER ATTACHES TO THE BODY. I HAVE HAD NOISES COMING FROM THE AREA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITH THIS BOLT MISSING THERE IS SOME CHANCE THERE IS EXCESS BOUNCE BETWEEN THE UPPER SHOCK TOWER AND THE FRAME. MY LOCAL BODY SHOP TOLD ME THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS WOULD BE TO DROP THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE AND GET THE BROKEN BOLT OUT TO REPLACE. VERY EXPENSIVE. THERE IS NO WAY A BOLT LIKE THIS SHOULD ROT OFF, UNLESS THE BOLTS WERE BAD TO START WITH. IF THIS HAPPENS TO A FEW MORE I COULD HIT A BUMP AND HAVE THE BODY FALL OFF THE FRAME WHILE DRIVING.
1) WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (NEAR SUNROOF PANEL). WATERSPOTS ALSO ON ROOF. I AM WORRIED THAT I'LL GET AN ELECTROCUTION AT SOME POINT IF I USE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS AFTER IT HAS RAINED/SNOWED. ALL OPTIONS ARE FACTORY. 2) CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION/ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 49,000. THIS IS A MANUAL, AND SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON. WHEN YOU REMOVE THE OIL CAP, THERE IS COMPRESSION IN THE TANK. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY WAY TO DO THIS IS GET A NEW ENGINE (OR REBUILD EXISTING.) THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UNWARRANTED FOR A VEHICLE SO "NEW". DUE TO BEING A SUBSEQUENT OWNER, THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CHRYSLER/JEEP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS 4X4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH UP AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIGOROUSLY JERK AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
1) WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (NEAR SUNROOF PANEL). WATERSPOTS ALSO ON ROOF. I AM WORRIED THAT I'LL GET AN ELECTROCUTION AT SOME POINT IF I USE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS AFTER IT HAS RAINED/SNOWED. ALL OPTIONS ARE FACTORY. 2) CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION/ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 49,000. THIS IS A MANUAL, AND SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON. WHEN YOU REMOVE THE OIL CAP, THERE IS COMPRESSION IN THE TANK. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY WAY TO DO THIS IS GET A NEW ENGINE (OR REBUILD EXISTING.) THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UNWARRANTED FOR A VEHICLE SO "NEW". DUE TO BEING A SUBSEQUENT OWNER, THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CHRYSLER/JEEP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON CONTINUALLY ON THIS VEHICLE; EVEN WHEN ALL FOUR TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED. AS AN EXAMPLE, I JUST HAD NEW TIRES INSTALLED, ALL WERE SET TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE, AND WITHIN HOURS OF LEAVING THE TIRE SHOP, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON. IT COMES ON CONTINUALLY. THERE WILL BE PERIODS WHEN IT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE AND OTHER PERIODS WHEN IT ILLUMINATES EVERY FEW MINUTES. THIS IS NOT ONLY AGGRAVATING BUT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN A RED WARNING LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATES ON THE DASH, YOUR ATTENTION IS CONSTANTLY DRAWN AWAY FROM THE ROAD TO THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. THIS IS A NON-FUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHT AND CHRYSLER NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
OUTER TIE-ROD ASSEMBLY DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES - 2.4M5 4X4. PREMATURE WEAR AND DETERIORATION. OWNED VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN 2009, HAVE DRIVEN 41K OF WHICH 90% IS HIGHWAY, ALTHOUGH THE CONDITION OF PAVED ROADS IS NOT IDEAL VERY SURPRISED THAT OUTER TIE ROD DRIVERS SIDE LOOSE AT 30K ( REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ) NOW PASSENGER SIDE LOOSE AT 41K. DEALER SEEMS TO BE QUITE FAMILIAR WITH ISSUE ( PARTS ALWAYS IN INVENTORY FOR SMALL DEALERSHIP ) AND DOES TIE-ROD CHECKS FOR EACH OIL CHANGE HOWEVER DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE TIE-RODS CLAIMING WARRANTY NO LONGER COVERS DAMAGE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON CONTINUALLY ON THIS VEHICLE; EVEN WHEN ALL FOUR TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED. AS AN EXAMPLE, I JUST HAD NEW TIRES INSTALLED, ALL WERE SET TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE, AND WITHIN HOURS OF LEAVING THE TIRE SHOP, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON. IT COMES ON CONTINUALLY. THERE WILL BE PERIODS WHEN IT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE AND OTHER PERIODS WHEN IT ILLUMINATES EVERY FEW MINUTES. THIS IS NOT ONLY AGGRAVATING BUT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN A RED WARNING LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATES ON THE DASH, YOUR ATTENTION IS CONSTANTLY DRAWN AWAY FROM THE ROAD TO THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. THIS IS A NON-FUNCTIONING WARNING LIGHT AND CHRYSLER NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
CVT TRANSMISSION SHUDDER/VIBRATION IN THE LAST SECONDS BEFORE COMING TO A FULL STOP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (NEAR SUNROOF PANEL). WATERSPOTS ALSO ON ROOF. I AM WORRIED THAT I'LL GET AN ELECTROCUTION AT SOME POINT IF I USE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS AFTER IT HAS RAINED/SNOWED. ALL OPTIONS ARE FACTORY. 2) CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION/ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 49,000. THIS IS A MANUAL, AND SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON. WHEN YOU REMOVE THE OIL CAP, THERE IS COMPRESSION IN THE TANK. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY WAY TO DO THIS IS GET A NEW ENGINE (OR REBUILD EXISTING.) THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UNWARRANTED FOR A VEHICLE SO "NEW". DUE TO BEING A SUBSEQUENT OWNER, THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CHRYSLER/JEEP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN FILLING THE FUEL TANK, THE CAR WILL STALL AFTER THE GAS NOZZLE HAS CLICKED OFF THAT THE TANK IS FULL. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE (AFTER A FEW TRIES) AND BEGINNING TO DRIVE, THE CAR WILL LURCH AND SPUTTER WITHIN A FEW SECONDS TO MINUTES OF LEAVING THE GAS STATION. WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF GETTING FUEL, ALL PROBLEMS SEEM TO STOP AND CAR OPERATES FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME YOU FILL THE FUEL TANK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) WATER LEAKS THROUGH THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (NEAR SUNROOF PANEL). WATERSPOTS ALSO ON ROOF. I AM WORRIED THAT I'LL GET AN ELECTROCUTION AT SOME POINT IF I USE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS AFTER IT HAS RAINED/SNOWED. ALL OPTIONS ARE FACTORY. 2) CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION/ENGINE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 49,000. THIS IS A MANUAL, AND SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS SOON. WHEN YOU REMOVE THE OIL CAP, THERE IS COMPRESSION IN THE TANK. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. UNFORTUNATELY, THE ONLY WAY TO DO THIS IS GET A NEW ENGINE (OR REBUILD EXISTING.) THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND UNWARRANTED FOR A VEHICLE SO "NEW". DUE TO BEING A SUBSEQUENT OWNER, THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY PROVIDED BY CHRYSLER/JEEP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .