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).
Recently my 2008 Jeep Compass started having trouble with refueling. It would spit fuel back out anytime I tried to fill the tank. The dealer cleaned the check valve in the fuel tank, but it only lasted for one fill up. This is a safety issue! Today, fuel came gushing back out and soaked my pants leg and shoes. Chrysler has recalled other Jeep models (and other Chrysler vehicles) for this problem. However, mine is not being recalled because there have not been enough complaints for my model. Yet I look online and see many complaints of this issue with other Jeep Compass owners! This is unacceptable!!! Chrysler is aware of the faulty fuel tanks and regardless of recall status, they should be replacing fuel tanks for anyone experiencing this problem! My Jeep only has 68,000 miles on it. This should not be happening. …
I got my 08 Compass in 2014, I have had several of the other complaints of rusting, bolts, arm bearings etc...I have for past 2 months not been able to fill my gas tank as it only takes about .20 cents at a time. Tried 4 different gas stations. My mechanic has tried all vacumm seals, pumps, hoses,vents, vapor canister, vapor purge solnoid,and checking everything from a to b. Said only thing it could be was gas tank. Went online and googled fueling issues with Jeep compas, thousands....and this isnt a problem for Chrysler. If jeepknows about this, why isnt there a recall. I can not spend 20 minutes trying to fill my tank with 2 small boys, one who has special needs and the full service stations refuse to service me. Chrysler/Jeep needs to help. This is ridiculous. I need answersand I cant afford 1200.00 to fix it. Car is stopped, engine off, no motion. Stopped in gas station. …
Vehicle stalls out after filling gas tank with fuel. It stalls while idling in park and it stalls while driving in traffic and when stopped with foot on the brake. After rome online searching, the problem seems to be the vapor/liquid separator valve in the top of the fuel tank not stopping the charcoal filter from being flooded with fuel. This has happened numerous times in the month since I purchased the vehicle. It last happened on 09/10/2020
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass. While refueling the vehicle, fuel spewed out of the refueling entrance hole. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank inlet check valve was faulty and the entire fuel tank would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Etc and traction control light come on for no reason resulting in immediate loss of power at speeds above 50mph. Extremely dangerous when in motion on highway. Issue also occurs while merging/ turning while accelerating, car is usually stationery first. This issue is wide spread in the Jeep community. Hopefully this hasnt killed someone already.
Tl* 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.
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.
Within 2 minutes after pumping gas car stalls and steering wheel locks and car shuts off. This happens at any situation after pumping whether stationary, in motion, on a city street or a highway, turning. This has happened on multiple occasions.
Everything I fill the gas tank as soon as I leave the station the car spits ans sputters and jerks then stalls this is dangerous because when the car stalls the steering stops working properly while the car in in motion
Every time I fill my car with gas I expect the car to stall and turn off while I'm driving down the road. It's extremely dangerous and it happens every time. This is a known issue which Jeep needs to issue a recall for and refuses to. It is extremely dangerous to have people driving on the road whose engines can shut off at any moment causing them to come to a complete standstill even in the middle of the highway. The problem is the vapor/liquid separator valve located at the top of the fuel tank. The valve is designed to prevent liquid fuel from entering the charcoal canister/emissions system. When the valve fails, liquid gas can enter the line and fill the charcoal canister. After refueling the PCM on the vehicle detects a change in fuel level. …
Fuel System complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2008 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2008 Jeep Compass, 12% of the model year's 172 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Compass fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 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.