Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear strut assembly was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
While driving about 40mph the car violently changed lanes with no warning. Luckily no cars were near and i was able to bring the car back under control. I have experienced loose steering before but never to this extreme. I am scared to drive car fearing for safety of myself and passengers. I have read up about these cars and all the problems they have of which I have experienced quite a few myself. I was told the car needed extensive repair to the front end and that there was extensive corrosion to many parts on the under carriage.
Front engine cradle/sub frame broke in half while driving on a city street causing loss of control and damage to additional parts including rack and pinion, control arms, etc. After examination of the engine cradle/sub frame by a mechanic and myself it was discovered that the engine cradle/sub frame had rusted so severely that broke in half under the normal weight and driving stresses of the vehicle. Examination of the rear sub frame shows the same signs of rust which include numerous holes approximately 1/2" +/- in diameter. The uni-body of the vehicle has no surface rust or more severe rust located on any area on the vehicle. The rust is solely isolated on the front engine cradle/sub frame and rear sub frame. This is a very dangerous and premature failure of a vehicle.
My 2007 Jeep Compass was just sitting in the yard not being driven was not hot and it just caught on fire by itself the fire department had to come and assist with put in the fire out the fire chief stated from his investigation that it was electrical problem from the lights and as I said the vehicle was not being operated and the lights was not on
The vehicle with approx 120000 miles on it in 11/2015 had the passenger side and drivers side ball joints replaced. In 4/2016 the passenger side ball joint failed and pulled out of the steering knuckle as I backed out of my driveway, I had it replaced. Two weeks later the driver side ball joint pulled out as I made a right hand turn into a walmart parking lot. The failure caused my strut to be bent, the inner and outer tie rods to be twisted around the half shaft drive axle, and the drive axle to be pulled out of the transmission. My lower control arm needed to be replaced as well. Luckily most of the damage was covered under my insurance. If it had happened on the highway I'd have needed a casket and an undertaker as well! …
My daughter was driving and the left front cross member that had rusted and was completely corroded failed and fell on to the front driver side tire.luckily she was going slow enough and was able to control vehicle to safe stop. If she was on the highway and this happened it could have killed her as well as others.I had just purchased this vehicle on November 2016 from a auto sales company. After the fail I learned that there was a extended (10) warranty (ie x58) that warned of this problem and a fix provided by company. I was never told this information when I purchased this car that it was unsafe to drive and should has been repair before being sold to anyone or at least inspected. I was told by Chrysler rep that the vehicle is still registered in Canada and they had no idea this car was in united states so the information never followed the car. …
While coming to a stop, at a light in heavy rush hour traffic, upon applying the brakes felt sharp jerk in steering with a loud snap noise. Not knowing what it was when light changed and I proceeded forward aprox. 2-3ft when car came to a sudden stop jerking to the left. Immeadiately placed car in park and looked out driver side window to see front left wheel angled back aprox 35 degrees and jamed into fender well. Called tow company and police arrived to direct and divert traffic, no police report made by police because no injuries or other vehicles involved. Tow truck driver & police both stated I was fortunate, because had I been going down the road when it happend it could been very serious and/or fatal to not only me but others as well. …
Started hearing clunking noise underneath the front. Took to mechanic immediately and he said my front crossmember was rusted out. He told me Jeep Compass had issued a extended warranty on the problem. T.s.b 23-012-14 is the service bulletin number. My mechanic advised me that it was not safe to drive and I was lucky to even get it there. I called my local Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealer to get problem fixed. They told me it was under warranty and I arranged a tow to get it there. However about 10 minutes later the dealer said it would not be covered because it was not purchased in one of the salt belt states but was built in the time frame under warranty. It was bought in v.a. And was not covered, but west virginia is covered and that is only 62 miles or about a 50 minutes. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Jeep Compass. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle experienced acceleration failure. The vehicle accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed. It was also difficult to view the odometer. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to find a failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. In addition, on September 15, 2013, the power steering failed and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle stalled, but was able to restart. The contact stated that this was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the control arm and bushing failed. The vehicle was repaired. …
Suspension complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2007 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 163 complaints about the suspension of the 2007 Jeep Compass, 37% of the model year's 435 complaints. The component named most often is front (46 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Jeep Compass suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.