2009 Jeep Compass 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, 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
- Suspension1527.3%
- Body & structure712.7%
- Electrical59.1%
- Engine59.1%
- Driver assistance47.3%
- Airbags47.3%
- Steering35.5%
- Transmission23.6%
- Brakes23.6%
- Fuel system23.6%
- Powertrain (other)23.6%
- Tires & wheels23.6%
- Other / unspecified11.8%
- Seat belts11.8%
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 contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact initially became aware that the rear passenger’s side tire was resting at an angle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the rear struts replaced; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear suspension was extremely corroded. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
front and rearsubframe extremely rusted, making it dangerous to drive. fuse box under front hood in front of driver side rusting out wiring. Not main fuse box but the one with relays.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY FERRARIO AUTO TEAM OF SAYRE (102 SPRING ST, SAYRE, PA 18840, (570) 888-2367) THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRONT CROSS MEMBER BAR WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE PART; HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
FRONT SUBFRAME ROTTED OUT ON 2009 WITH ONLY 90,000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF DRIVING AND BRAKES, WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR DEATH TO MYSELF OR OTHERS. MY MECHANIC SAID THIS SHOULD NOT BE THIS ROTTED FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE. I BROUGHT IT TO MECHANIC FOR LEAKING OIL, AND WHEN HE LIFTED IT HE SAW RUST. THE OIL PAIN IS NOW GETTING REPLACED FOR CORROSION.
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
front and rearsubframe extremely rusted, making it dangerous to drive. fuse box under front hood in front of driver side rusting out wiring. Not main fuse box but the one with relays.
2009 JEEP COMPASS MANUAL TRANSMISSION ENGINE STALLING INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND ALSO AT IDLING. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT USUALLY STARTS BACK UP AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO, VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY NOT START, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIGHT UP, BATTERY IS GOOD, NOTHING WRONG WITH STARTER. SOMETIMES IT WILL START WITHIN MINUTES, OTHER TIMES IT STARTS AFTER A DAY OR TWO... RANDOM. BREAK PEDAL USUALLY VERY STIFF. HAVE HAS IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ONLY HAVE IT START AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
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
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with several warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would overheat with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the electronic stability control module was defective. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure immediately returned and the brake failure worsened. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
2009 JEEP COMPASS MANUAL TRANSMISSION ENGINE STALLING INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND ALSO AT IDLING. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT USUALLY STARTS BACK UP AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO, VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY NOT START, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIGHT UP, BATTERY IS GOOD, NOTHING WRONG WITH STARTER. SOMETIMES IT WILL START WITHIN MINUTES, OTHER TIMES IT STARTS AFTER A DAY OR TWO... RANDOM. BREAK PEDAL USUALLY VERY STIFF. HAVE HAS IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ONLY HAVE IT START AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with several warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would overheat with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the electronic stability control module was defective. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure immediately returned and the brake failure worsened. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE THROUGHOUT CHRYSLER VEHICLES. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE ENGINE CUT DOWN TO 30 MPH AND INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON, ENGINE LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL AND "RED LIGHTNING BOLT" (ETC ELECTRONIC THROTTLEBODY CONTROL). WHAT IS HAPPENING IS YOUR COMPUTER HAS DETECTED SOMETHING WRONG AND HAS GONE INTO LIMP MODE WHICH IS ALLOWING THE VEHICLE ONLY ENOUGH POWER TO GET OFF THE ROAD (LIMP OFF THE ROAD). IT APPEARS DEALERS AND MECHANICS DON'T KNOW OR AREN'T TELLING. DON'T TELL THEM I HAVE THE SOLUTION, THEY ARE IN BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF YOU, DON'T GIVE THEM A HAND UP. THEY MAY WANT TO REPLACE YOUR THROTTLE BODY WHICH THEY CHARGE OVER $1,000 FOR AND IT DOESN'T FIX THE ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS CALIBRATION BETWEEN YOUR ACCELERATOR (GAS PEDDLE) POSITION SENSOR, COMPUTER AND ETC (THROTTLE) SENSOR. IT WILL COST YOU $0 AND 10 SECONDS TO SOLVE. GET IN, TURN THE KEY TO "ACCESSORY" POSITION JUST BEFORE TURNING THE ENGINE ON. LET ALL THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ON THE DASH RESET. ENGINE, "RED LIGHTNING BOLT" AND (IF EBRAKE IS ENGAGED) BRAKE LIGHTS SHOULD BE ON. NOW PUSH THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE TO THE FLOOR AND COUNT TO TEN. THE "RED BOLT" LIGHT SHOULD NOW TURN OFF AND YOU HAVE JUST RETEACHED OR CALIBRATED YOUR POSITION SENSOR. TURN THE KEY BACK OFF AND THEN TURN ON YOUR VEHICLE AND ENJOY THE RIDE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS MAINTAINED ITSELF ON APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS, AND EVERY 10-15 MINUTES IT SENDS ME AN ALARM, WARNING ME THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG, AND THAT THE AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING ACCORDINGLY.THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS BEING IN USE AND IN MARCH.
TAKATA RECALL...AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THERES NOTHING/ NOBODY IN PASSENGER SEAT.
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
NEW TIRES AT 36000, AND BREAKS AND WAS TOLD FRONT TIE ROD NEED REPLACEMENT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RATTLING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT FAILURE CODE: CU10001 FOR THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS NOT RECEIVING CONNECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLED OR ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITHOUT WARNING SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V528000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE -TCM, PCM). THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 42,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000. UDATED 4/18/11 *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with several warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would overheat with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the electronic stability control module was defective. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure immediately returned and the brake failure worsened. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES SQUEAKED DURING THE WINTER AND WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE FRONT AND REAR CALIPERS WERE LUBRICATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,858.
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
2009 JEEP COMPASS MANUAL TRANSMISSION ENGINE STALLING INTERMITTENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND ALSO AT IDLING. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT USUALLY STARTS BACK UP AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO, VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY NOT START, ALL LIGHTS ON DASH LIGHT UP, BATTERY IS GOOD, NOTHING WRONG WITH STARTER. SOMETIMES IT WILL START WITHIN MINUTES, OTHER TIMES IT STARTS AFTER A DAY OR TWO... RANDOM. BREAK PEDAL USUALLY VERY STIFF. HAVE HAS IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO ONLY HAVE IT START AND THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
VEHICLE STATIONARY-ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON EVERY TIME I PUT GAS IN VEHICLE DUE TO SMALL LEAK IN EMISSION SYSTEM AT GAS FILL NECK AND GAS CAP. APPEARS TO BE DUE TO FORMATION OF BROWN SUBSTANCE ON METAL GAS NECK. NEW GAS CAP HELPS FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 FILL-UPS BEFORE IT BECOMES CONTAMINATED WITH THE BROWN SUBSTANCE.
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
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND VEHICLE LOST POWER,ALWAYS REPLACING ROTORS,BEARINGS, AND HAD TO HAVE MAJOR WORK AT EVERY INSPECTION MY MECHANIC SUGGESTED I GET RID OF THE VEHICLE RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE OF HOW CHEAPLY THE FRAME WORK IS VERY UNSAFE!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V528000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,852 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
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
WHILE WE WERE SERVICING THE CUSTOMER'S VEHICLE THE TIRES WERE CHECKED. DURING THE CHECK THE VALVE STEM BROKE FROM THE TPMS SENSOR CAUSING ALL AIR TO ESCAPE FROM THE TIRE. A NEW TPMS SENSOR WAS REQUIRED TO BE PURCHASED AND THE TIRE WAS DISMOUNTED, RE-MOUNTED AND INFLATED BEFORE BEING FIT TO TRAVEL. *TR
FIRESTONE AFFINITY S3 TOURING P215/60R17 FACTORY INSTALLED, TIRES ROTATED EVERY 5,000 KM, STILL GREAT DEAL OF TREAD REMAINING WHEN THE SERVICE STAFF CHECKED THE DEPTH DURING THE 50,000 KM SERVICE CONTRACT CHECK. LEAVING THE SERVICE CENTRE, I BELIEVED THE TIRES WOULD BE ROTATED WITH THE OTHER WORK THAT IS DONE WITH 50,000 KM CHECKS. HOWEVER, SERVICE ADVISED THE TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED AS SPLITTING IN THE CENTRE. PROBABLE CAUSE: EXCESS CARGO WEIGHT OR OVERFILLING OF THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE HASN'T HAD EXCESS CARGO WEIGHT EVER (PURCHASED NEW IN 2009 AND ONLY CARRIED TWO ADULTS AND A COUPLE DUFFLE BAGS DURING THIS TIME FRAME). THE TIRES ARE FILLED AT THE DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTRE WHEN THE SERVICE CONTRACT WORK IS COMPLETED EVERY OIL CHANGE OR MILESTONE KM CHECK. TO REPLACE THE TIRES WITH THE SAME FIRESTONE AFFINITY IS $950.00. THE QUALITY OF THESE TIRES DO NOT WARRANT THE PRICE. OBVIOUSLY THESE ARE NOT DEFECTIVE TIRES; OTHERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FIRESTONE TIRES. *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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM, AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. HIT THREE HARD OBJECTS,KNOCKING DOWN A TREE. THE AIRBAG SAFETY AND SEATBELT SYSTEM FAILED TO WORK, STRANGE THING, THE DRIVER SEAT DID NOT WORK AND THE PASSENGER EMPTY SEAT DID. THE JEEP WAS TOTAL. THE ROOTS OF THE TREE GOT INTO THE CABIN AN. BROKE MY FACE ALSO HURT MY SPINE. THE JEEP COMPASS WAS SOLD BY INSURANCE AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM EXCEPT THE SIDE CURTAIN (THAT NEVER CAME OUT) WERE NOT SOLD. THE INSURANCE CLAIMS THAT THE SOLD THE CAR BECAUSE THEY HAD IT AND I ASKED WHY IF IT WAS TOTAL(?) AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS OBVIOUSLY NOT WORKING. CHRYSLER CLAIMS THAT I DESTROYED THE EVIDENCE AND THEY COULD NOT EXAMINED THE JEEP COMPASS. I HAD A SPECIALIST DO A COSTLY EXAMINATION WHICH DECLARED THE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM. IF THEY SOLD IT IN THE THREE DAYS AT THE JUNK YARD THEN THERE IS A PERSON OUT THERE WITH THEIR LIFE AT RISK. CHRYSLER HAS BEEN CRUEL TO ME AND ITS' LAWYERS. *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 .