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2008 Jeep Compass Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 93 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Compass, most often about the body and structure (32% of complaints, typically around 89,500 miles). It is 12th of 20 Compass model years by number of complaints.

Complaints93
Recalls0
Crashes reported3
Fires reported0
Injuries reported2

Most common 2008 Jeep Compass problems

  1. Body and structure

    30 complaints · 32%

    Half of these problems showed up before 89,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.

    The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While at an independent mechanic for repair, the mechanic diagnosed that the front cross member was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 89,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 89,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine service, the technician noticed that the undercarriage was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 90,000 miles

  2. Suspension

    26 complaints · 28%

    Half of these problems showed up before 96,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.

    The k frame is rusted to the point that the vehicle's steering wheel shakes when going around a curve. Our mechanic was able to stabilize this, but states the frame is so rusted that he can push a screwdriver through with very little effort. It needs replaced. We contacted our dealer, and were told that only the 2007…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 96,000 miles
    Rear subframe rusted to the point of needing replaced. Car has only 97000 miles on it. There is no reason that the car should be this rusted, there needs to be a recall on the rear subframes, and add additional support to ensure the safety of the vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 97,000 miles

  3. Fuel system

    13 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles.

    Ever time after you fill the car up with gas, the engine will stall and hesitate when pulling out of the gas station. For a mile or two. After that it will run fine until next fill up.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 98,000 miles
    After driving and it sets for about 45 min or 1 hour it is hard to start when it does start the is a smell of fuel coming out of the vents, when it is cold starts fine or if you gone for a shorter time it starts fine but still has the fuel smell out of the vents.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 95,000 miles

  4. Engine

    13 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 125,000 miles.

    The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While parked, the vehicle leaked fuel and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. The VIN was not available.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 125,000 miles
    Whining noise coming from engine over 65 MPH. Had no problems with transmission before. Did regular maintenance on the Jeep Compass. Driving on the freeway and noticed transmission oil light came on. Couldn't move in the gears. Had to pull over for a 1 hr to let car cool off. Later drove to my mechanic. No code found.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 127,000 miles

  5. Transmission

    12 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,500 miles.

    The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While driving various speeds, the transmission overheat warning indicator illuminated suddenly. Also, the vehicle decelerated and failed to accelerate when depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 85,000 miles
    I just got gas and was about to pull into traffic when out of the blue my engine just stopped running. The radio and lights were still working but when I put my foot on the gas pedal I never moved. I had to restart the engine just to get going again. There was not even any warning lights on the dashboard and still…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 96,316 miles

  6. Other or unspecified

    12 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles.

    Corrosion involving the back braces, wheelhubs, axles, brackets at 113094 miles. Found when a sensor went bad on the back right wheel, lights came on while traveling. Also some found on bearing. Only a very small amount at the front. Currently staying in myrtle beach, sc.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 112,734 miles
    I just got gas and was about to pull into traffic when out of the blue my engine just stopped running. The radio and lights were still working but when I put my foot on the gas pedal I never moved. I had to restart the engine just to get going again. There was not even any warning lights on the dashboard and still…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 96,316 miles

  7. Steering

    9 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles.

    While driving the car started pulling to the left and right. Pulled the wheel to check tie rod ends, cv shaft, control arm and found that the k-frame had rusted so bad that the control arm was loose.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 105,000 miles
    Stopped for an oil change,was told that the sub frame was very rusted,mechanic suggested I call chrysler,he said this shouldn"t be that rusted. Said that the 2007 models were being fixed by chrysler under the warranty. When I called chrysler the checked the VIN # and said it wasn't on the list. They didn't really have…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 126,000 miles

  8. Electrical

    4 complaints · 4%

    The brake light switch shorted out causing the brake lights to fail, transmission to shift incorrectly (stuck in wrong gear), and melt electrical wires inside the dashboard. The first symptom was the vehicle would not shift out of park. This can be overridden with a release switch. While driving the vehicle to the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 40,155 miles
    I pulled into a parking lot and noticed a muffled humming noise, located it under the hood near the steering wheel. It was coming from the t.I.p.m. Then my vehicle instrument panel lit up, interior overhead lights went out, door locks and security system stopped working, headlights went out, A/C stopped cooling…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 85,490 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 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

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Compass?
By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (30 complaints, typically around 89,500 miles); suspension (26 complaints, typically around 96,000 miles); fuel system (13 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Compass have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Jeep Compass. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2008 a bad year for the Jeep Compass?
It is 12th of 20 Compass model years by number of complaints, with 93 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 years

Jeep Compass problems by year