Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking noise present while making right and left turns. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe of the vehicle was faulty due to severe rust and corrosion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed the diagnoses. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated the vehicle was serviced in 2014 under a Manufacturers Service Campaign. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The frame Infront where the motor and steering attach rotted completely threw, separated at the weld. It is a safety hazard where steering is affected. The dash lights for the traction, abs, and even the cruise control are on and those items are no longer functional. This car was purchased in 2017, Holiday automotive in Fondulac, Wi with this condition apparent. The mechanic who changed my oil reported it to me in the spring of 2018. And as of this spring the car is undrivable as it is broken. If this were to break while someone were driving it, an accident would happen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that there was liquid on both front floorboards of the vehicle. In addition, while driving at 30 MPH, another vehicle attempted to merge into the lane and crashed into the driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained minor neck inquiries that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed, but was taken to a collision center for repairs. The vehicle was repaired for body damages. In addition, while approaching a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but there was an abnormal noise coming from the brake pedal. As the contact attempted to move forward, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The air bag warning light illuminated. The failure with the brakes recurred on numerous occasions. …
2 weeks ago purchased a 2007 Jeep Compass. Some rattling under neath when driving so took it to a mechanic. They had it hoisted up and found a minor issue. But the mechanic pointed out the front crossmember/subframe was rusted out. He said it needs to be replaced because it is a serious safety issue. Looked online and this is a common problem with Jeep Compass and patriots from 2007 and on. I was quoted $1600 for replacement. I called Chrysler/Jeep headquarters and said they were aware of the issue and had an extended warranty but my vehicle is not covered!!!!! I told them it should be covered no matter what because they used cheap and weak steel which corrodes faster in northern climates due to salt use on roads and it is a huge safety issue!. The engine could fall out, the suspension could give out while driving and cause an accident. They kept repeating "past extended warranty". …
Dec 2015- my car mechanic found rotted out front end sub-frame/ cross member'. He knew about a recall for this issue so I was able to get it fixed. ( impt pls note: Chrysler had never reached out to let me know about this- even though when I look up the recall for corrosion it's clearly listed ). Nor did Chrysler tell me the rear cross member was also on recall and would likely be needed and should get it done before the sept 2017 end of warranty. Forward to April 2018 - I discover rear cross member sub frame is badly rusted out. Called Chrysler customer sx they tell me that it's recall warranty ran out sept 2017- so they will not cover the repair this time. I feel Chrysler is responsible for this repair as they did not tell me about rear end problem when I could have had it fixed before the unbeknownst to me end of the extended warranty in sept 2017! …
Tl* the contact filed a complaint for the vehicle owner of a 2007 Jeep Compass. The contact, a mechanic, noticed that the front subframe was completely rusted and corroded and could fracture. The mechanic removed the rusted front subframe. The mechanic contacted a local dealer to have the vehicle owner schedule a repair. The dealer had a high call volume and the contact was unable to reach the service department after several attempts. The contact was to call the manufacturer regarding the vehicle owner scheduling a repair with the dealer. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I drove for several hours when my car started sliding to the side. I stopped to check and both my back tires were angled inward and completely ruined. I took the car to a mechanic for alignment, but he could not move the parts due to an excessive amount of rust. He mentioned that the whole subframe and arms had heavy corrosion and whole and the pieces could break anytime soon and I should not be driving the car. An extended warranty is applicable to the k frame for the model of my car but Jeep will not honor the warranty on my particular vehicle. I haven't drove the car since.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle swayed without warning. The contact noticed the front and rear cross members were rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the cross member was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to anderson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (5711 e state st, rockford, il 61108, [phone]) but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Purchased a 2007 Jeep Compass 2nd hand and found rear subframe and suspension parts is severely rusted . The vehicle clunks and hopps with every bump in the road. If you run over the reflectors while changing lanes vehicle will abruptly jerk in the direction you are going. Took it to Jeep there was a recall for this problem that expired in 2017 I don't think there should be an expiration date for a safety hazard that thousands of jeeps and or dodges have they told me they cant help me.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal clunking noise and discovered that the subframe and cross member were rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact called a local dealer (hillview motors, 5309 us 30, greensburg, pa 15501), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called a manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Body complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2007 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the body & structure of the 2007 Jeep Compass, 12% of the model year's 435 complaints. The component named most often is body (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Jeep Compass body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2007 Jeep Compass, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Jeep Compass body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.