RoadVitals

2008 Jeep Compass FWD

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Apr 10, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Sep 3, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Jeep Compass FWD, most frequently naming the suspension, steering and body & structure categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 33 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Suspension1534.1%
  • Steering613.6%
  • Body & structure613.6%
  • Brakes36.8%
  • Interior & seats24.5%
  • Other / unspecified24.5%
  • Electrical24.5%
  • Exterior lighting24.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10E043000

EQUIPMENT

Sep 3, 2010
294 units potentially affected
The defect: MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The risk: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
The remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
MARATHON SEAT COVERS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 32
Body & structure
Filed Apr 10, 2019

OUR 2008 JEEP COMPASS HAS A CLUNKING NOISE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE FRONT WHEEL WHEN DRIVING AND TURNING THE WHEEL. WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THE SUBFRAME IS HEAVILY CORRODED AND IS RUSTING OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL AND WAS COVERED UNDER AN 'EXTENDED WARRANTY' BULLETIN THAT WE WERE NOT TOLD ABOUT AND NOW THAT HAS EXPIRED AND IT IS NOT COVERED ANYMORE. I WAS TOLD THE BULLETIN EXPIRED 9/2017 SO NOW 1 YEAR AND 7 MONTHS LATER MY VEHICLE WITH ONLY 112K MILES IS GOING TO NEED AN EXPENSIVE FIX OR BASICALLY BE JUNKED. THE 2007 VEHICLES HAD A RECALL AND EVEN THOUGH MINE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2007 THERE IS NO RECOURSE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11195476
Incident
Apr 9, 2018
Mileage
112,000 mi
Filed Feb 26, 2019

I RECENTLY DISCOVERED WHEN BRINGING MY 2008 JEEP COMPASS TO A MECHANIC THAT MY ENTIRE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT. THE SUBFRAME IS SO ROTTED OUT THAT HE SUGGESTED GETTING IT TOWED HOME BECAUSE THE WHEEL MIGHT COMPLETELY FALL OFF IF I HIT A POT HOLE HARD ENOUGH. THE BODY ON MY JEEP IS NEARLY FLAWLESS AND THE ENGINE ONLY HAS 70,000 ORIGINAL MILES. IS SEE ON OTHER SITES THERE IS A RECALL ON ALL THE COMPASS MODELS LEADING UP TO THE 2007 MODEL DUE TO THE SUBFRAME ROTTING OUT. I HAVE ALSO SEEN THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD WITH THE 2008 MODEL LEAVING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY WORTHLESS BEING THAT IT'S TOTALLED. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SUBFRAME TO BE COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT BUT MY ACTUAL FRAME IS COMPLETELY FINE? I'D REALLY LIKE SOME ANSWERS.

NHTSA ID
11182674
Incident
Feb 12, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSuspension
Filed Nov 15, 2018

IN AUGUST 2018, I WAS INFORMED BY A REPUTABLE AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT ANOTHER AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT DID WORK ON MY VEHICLE LESS THAN A MONTH PRIOR, "TURNED OFF" THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I WENT BACK TO THAT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO SO, BECAUSE ITS ALL IN ONE PANEL. ON 11/11/18, ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE TO GET REPLACEMENT BULBS, BUT THEY ADVISED THAT THIS WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND I SHOULD GO TO A MECHANIC. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS ON A 2008 JEEP COMPASS INCLUDING SUSPENSION WORK AND OTHER MAINTENANCE. I WAS JUST INFORMED ON 11/15/18 THAT THE TIPM IS OUT CAUSING THE ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS TO NOT WORK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THIS IS A DEALER ONLY PROBLEM AND COULD COST ME UP TO $2000. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I FIND THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST CHRYSLER IN 2015. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN. IN FACT, ALL RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2008 JEEP COMPASS, HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN ALL LAWSUITS. I WAS NOT CONTACTED BY ANYONE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOW THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE SAFETY ISSUE HAS BEEN ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ID
11151865
Incident
Nov 15, 2018
Mileage
95,240 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 26, 2018

MY FRONT/REAR CROSSMEMBERS ARE RUSTED BADLY AND SWAY BAR RUSTED OFF. I BOUGHT THIS FROM A PRIVATE SELLER IN END OF 2016,I WAS JUST INFORMED FROM MIENIEKE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THAT THERE IS A 10 YEAR RECALL ON THIS. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID RECALL WARRANTY EXP MAY 2018. I WAS NEVER INFORMED IN A TIMELY MANNER ABOUT THE RECALL TO GET IT FIXED. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR FROM MY TWO CHILDREN AND MYSELF. I NEED THIS FIXED,I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR AS I'M DISABLED AND CANT WORK ANYMORE. PLEASE HELP ME. PLEASE THIS ISN'T FAIR I WANT INFORMED ABOUT THIS. I SHOULD'VE GOT THE RECALL AS THE NEW OWNER. MY NAME IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11142855
Incident
Oct 24, 2018
Body & structureSteering
Filed Sep 5, 2018

I WAS DRIVING ALONG. HIT MY BRAKES. AND THEN MY DRIVER FRONT WHEEL SCREECHED AND WENT INTO THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER I HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP THEY SAID IT WAS A ROTTED OUT SUB FRAME. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE WRECKED AND POSSIBLY NOT BE ALIVE NOW. I WAS LUCKILY ON A BACK ROAD SO THERE WAS NOT ANY INJURIES.

NHTSA ID
11124658
Incident
Sep 4, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 27, 2017

EVERYTHING I FILL THE GAS TANK AS SOON AS I LEAVE THE STATION THE CAR SPITS ANS SPUTTERS AND JERKS THEN STALLS THIS IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR STALLS THE STEERING STOPS WORKING PROPERLY WHILE THE CAR IN IN MOTION

NHTSA ID
10957329
Incident
Feb 27, 2017
Mileage
109,000 mi
Filed Nov 15, 2016

FRONT SUB FRAME ROTTED THRU FRONT END OF CAR FELL APART. NO WARNING. DRIVING THRU PARKING LOT, THANK GOD NOT ON HIGHWAY. SHOULD NOT HAVE ROTTED LIKE THAT ON 9 YEAR OLD CAR SOMEONE COULD'VE BEEN KILLED. CALLED JEEP THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR NEW SUBFRAME EVEN THOUGH THEY COVER 2007 SUBFRAMES ROTTING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED. COSTING US $1800.00, COULD'VE BEEN MUCH WORSE. DISGUSTED.

NHTSA ID
10926172
Incident
Nov 15, 2016
Mileage
105,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 17, 2016

I TOOK MY CAR TO A LICENSED AUTO REPAIR SHOP DUE TO A RATTLE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 84000 MILES ON IT AND NOW I DONT FEEL SAFE. SINCE PURCHASING IT I HAVE HAD TO PUT A WATER PUMP, POWER STEERING PUMP ON NEW BEARINGS IN THE FRONT AND. FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE OIL CHANGES AND SUCH. THE CAR WAS BUILT IN 12/ 2007 . I NOTICED A RECALL ON 2007 JEEP COMPASS DUE TO BAD STEEL SO I BELIEVE MY 2008 COMPASS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO FAULTY PARTS.

NHTSA ID
10907396
Incident
Sep 16, 2016
Mileage
84,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

103954

ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER

104087

ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER

9100226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

9100226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Jeep Compass FWD by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2010101030.8
2009510—
2008Viewing321032.4
2007201034.6

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.