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2008 Jeep Compass Fwd Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd, most often about the suspension (47% of complaints, typically around 43,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Compass Fwd model year since 2000.

Complaints32
Recalls0
Crashes reported0
Fires reported0
Injuries reported0

Most common 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd problems

  1. Suspension

    15 complaints · 47%

    Half of these problems showed up before 43,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.

    The lower ball joints were loose and the lower control arm bushing were worn out. The mechanic replaced right and left lower control arms and installed new pinch bolts, nuts and washers. My vehicle had only 43,000 miles when the issue was detected. I do not drive on dirt roads and/or do any off roading. Jeep does not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 43,000 miles
    Normal driving conditions. Live in ohio. I was told today that the left lower control arm and control arm pivot bolts need replaced. Apparently, the ball joint bearing inside the lower control arm is already bad. Chrysler Jeep has not greased the bearing when packing the ball joint into the control arm; therefore by…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 46,900 miles

  2. Body and structure

    6 complaints · 19%

    Parts named most often: body, frame and members.

    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 120,000 miles
    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'…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 112,000 miles

  3. Steering

    6 complaints · 19%

    Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages.

    My 2008 Jeep compass began making a loud noise a few months ago. I recently brought it in and had the control arms replaced, ball joints, rear brakes and had an alignment. After I left the car began shaking on the highway and while braking, I brought it back and was told that I now needed tie rods, which should have…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 54,000 miles
    Normal driving conditions. Live in ohio. I was told today that the left lower control arm and control arm pivot bolts need replaced. Apparently, the ball joint bearing inside the lower control arm is already bad. Chrysler Jeep has not greased the bearing when packing the ball joint into the control arm; therefore by…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 46,900 miles

  4. Lights

    4 complaints · 13%

    After any rain storm, the map lights become filled with water and leak. Repeated occurrence, has been to the dealer to be "repaired" three times (and counting). Water will spill out unexpectedly, even while driving. Have often been surprised by sudden "gush" of water, which is a major distraction and a potential…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 16,379 miles
    When I rains very heavily or snows, water will start to leak out of the front dome light. Sometimes it drips, sometimes it is a steady stream that comes out. I talk to the dealership and they are not sure why it is doing it. When it happens, it is very distracting as the water spills all over my dash, radio, and gear…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 82,400 miles

  5. Brakes

    3 complaints · 9%

    The rotors on my Jeep compass were manufactured too soft, so they are warping now. Dealer said that I have 40% brake pad left, but the reason the rotors are bad is because the rotors were manufactured to soft, and now there is a service bulletin out to put more durable rotors on the vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 46,900 miles
    When the car pulls up to a stop light the entire vehicle shakes, and the idle drops. It drops from an normal idle 500-600 to below 500. Then shakes like a tractor.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 57,500 miles

  6. Wheels and tires

    3 complaints · 9%

    My 2008 Jeep compass began making a loud noise a few months ago. I recently brought it in and had the control arms replaced, ball joints, rear brakes and had an alignment. After I left the car began shaking on the highway and while braking, I brought it back and was told that I now needed tie rods, which should have…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 54,000 miles
    The part is front and wheel hub bearings. Took my car in for repairs and they found that the front and rear hub bearings are deteriorated but no other part was. Was advised to take it to a Jeep dealership. I took it imperial Jeep in mendon, ma and they check it and could not explain why these parts are deteriorated.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 87,000 miles

  7. Other or unspecified

    3 complaints · 9%

    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 105,000 miles
    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 120,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2008 Jeep Compass Fwd recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd?
By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (15 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles); body and structure (6 complaints); steering (6 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2008 a bad year for the Jeep Compass Fwd?
It is the most complained-about Compass Fwd model year since 2000, with 32 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Jeep Compass Fwd years

Jeep Compass Fwd problems by year