Most common 2008 Jeep Compass problems
Share of the 172 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Compass complaints by model year
Best Compass years: 2013, 2015, 2021. Years to avoid: 2018, 2022, 2019, 2014, 2016. Compare all years →
What 2008 Jeep Compass owners say
Suspension all 63 →
I bought this vehicle in nov of 2021 took it to local mechanic who quoted me 1000 to fix it completely so I did a little at a time the suspension control arms and rockers completely bad! Now the vehicle only has130000 miles on it and the CVT worst transmission ever is going out which is 5000 to fix I can't believe there is no recall knowing these vehicles have and are know for bad transmissions so now I am not only out a vehicle I am out the money I spent on buying this vehicle not to mention what I have spent to fix it!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass 4x4. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked to the right. Sparks and flames appeared from the rear of the vehicle. The flames extinguished themselves and the contact parked the vehicle at her residence. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake assembly, four wheel drive, and bearing seized. The front axle failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
Body & structure all 42 →
Front and Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) - 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber & Jeep Compass/Patriot- NHTSA ID # 10140027 My Daughter was recently given a 2008 Jeep Compass by a family member for her 16th birthday. We took it to our local Auto serviceman who checked the car out, and made us aware of the Warranty Extension b/c the Font Crossmembers are rusted out. We live in Ohio and would qualify for the Warranty, yet the car is past the 10 year timeframe. Other than this issue, the car is in great shape, only 85K miles. I contacted the dealership and Chrysler about the issue, and both said they would not honor the warranty. My questions are, is there anything else I can do, and if this is done as an extended warranty, are all customers formally notified? …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While driving approximately 5 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe and alignment needed to be repaired. The mechanic refused to service the vehicle because the frame was badly rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that an inspector would be sent out. The contact called ryan auto mall (Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram) at [phone] (1000 highway 55 east, buffalo, mn 55313) where an appointment was scheduled for an inspection. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Steering all 26 →
When filling the gas tank all the way up. The car locked up steering was uncontralloble brakes were locking on and off like jumping and almost hit an oncoming car. Car shutoff and went turn back on until 5 minutes in was in full motion going 55mph on a city street. Scariest time I've ever been driving. Now that I have researched there is numerous complaints of the same instance happening to others. Having to do with when the fuel tank is all the way full. Literally could have died. Someone will get badly injured or death if this is not corrected.
During my annual inspection it was found that both my front and rear cross frame members were so severely rusted that it to dangerous to drive till they are replaced. I call the dealer who the Jeep was bought from and was told that only the 2007 models have an extended frame protection warrantee that covers this problem. My Jeep was built on 8/14/07 less than three weeks after jeeps cutoff date. After investigating I found that there are several hundred cases like mine that Jeep refuses to cover. The frame should not be failing this fast and as bad. I feel there is a material design flaw that Jeep is trying to cover. More people need to be aware of the problem. My Jeep has no visual rust it looks brand new. Unless the owner or mechanic crawls underneath this can go un noticed until there is a major failure.
2008 Jeep Compass engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 21 / 25 / 23 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 24 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Jeep Compass a good car?
Based on 172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Compass rates average: 21% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Compass at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Jeep Compass?
The suspension — 63 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the body & structure (42) and steering (26).
How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Compass have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Jeep Compass. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Compass?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2015 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2022, 2019, 2014 and 2016. See the full Jeep Compass years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Compass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.