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 2008 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
My Compass creaks and rattles loudly over bumps. Took it to a garage and they notified me that the subframes were rotted requiring replacement of the subframes, but also replacement of the control arms, links, as well as the need for an alignment.this car is only 7 years old and should not have this problem. I have seen the recall for the same problem with the 2007 Compass and have seen many instances for the 2008 Jeep Compass on safercar.gov and elsewhere on the internet. It is clear that the issue that plagued the 2007 model year is the same with the 2008's. I would like to know if the 2008 Jeep Compass subframe is the same component used in the 2007 model. If yes, I can't understand why they would not have also recalled the 2008 models.
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' bulletin that we were not told about and now that has expired and it is not covered anymore. I was told the bulletin expired 9/2017 so now 1 year and 7 months later my vehicle with only 112K miles is going to need an expensive fix or basically be junked. The 2007 vehicles had a recall and even though mine was manufactured in 2007 there is no recourse available.
I recently purchased a 2008 Jeep Compass took it in for oil change and tire rotation they informed me that my engine cradle,there words not mine,was completely rotted and needed replaced! I do alot of traveling taking monthly trips to alabama and also deliver caters for my job. I often have my grandkids with me as well. I went on line and seen hundreds of complaints the same as mine! This issue is a death trap and Jeep manufactures should be held accountable for this defect! These jeeps are not even 10yrs old this should not be happening I am posting my photos of mine to show how bad this situation is
Upon state inspection it was noted that k frame was rusted through resulting in replacement of same and lf control arm assy front sway bar links-repair costs $1617.88. K frame was a major issue in 2007 Compass resulting in gov't action-my 2008 was built in 12/07. Chrysler wont stand behind problem. 2007 gov't action started with a complaint. I hope I can start this one. Vehicle was purchased new in 2008 by one adult driver age 50 (my wife). Suspension has always been a problem starting with new tie rod ends @ 14,000 miles under warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a moderate vibration and stalled while being operated at 20 MPH. The wheels detached from the vehicle after it stalled. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Prior to it being towed, the tow truck technician informed the contact that the frame separated from the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered that the sub frame of the vehicle had rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 08/30/16 the consumer stated the engine support corroded near the middle subframe and side rail by the control arm. Updated 10/19/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While pulling out of a parking lot, the contact heard a loud noise near the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician noticed that underneath the vehicle, the subframe, control arm, and crossmember bar were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the fuel filter was corroded and not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While the vehicle was undergoing maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered two holes in the rear crossmembers. The contact was informed that the holes were caused by severe rusting and corrosion and the crossmembers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (vision Dodge, 920 panorama trail, rochester, ny) were notified, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Body complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Jeep Compass, 24% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is body (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Compass body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2008 Jeep Compass. 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 2008 Jeep Compass body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.