Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
The crossmember (subframe) is rotting away and when this part fails a serious crash May result. Jeep issued a bulletin (23-012-14) for 2007 Compass for this same problem authorizing an extension to warranty for 10 years and if found to repair without cost to owner. Just call Jeep about my 2008 Compass and they told me since original factory warranty has experied I would be 100% responsible for repair cost. First off, the crossmember should not rot away after onlky 8 yrs, second since they acknowledge 2007 had a problem , my 2008 should be included. Most importantly, since the failure of this part could result in lack of control and May cause a crash resulting in injury or death there should be a recall for all jeeps to inspect and replace any parts showing severe rust and rotting.
I took my vehicle in for state inspection and a "creaking" type noise. It was found to have the k frame rusted through therefore failing state inspection. I was advised that this is the same body type (platform) used in the 2007 Dodge caliber and the same part number. The 2007 Dodge caliber was recalled due to this part failure which could cause the engine and other components to fall out of the car. It is obvious that Chrysler knows about the issue as they recalled the 2007 caliber but unless forced is not taking care of this problem in other vehicles made using the same platform and parts. When the car was under warranty only 2 years less than 25000 miles I had to have a tie rod replaced. I was also advised by the service manager that "these vehicles are known for this issue".
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.
Stopped for an oil change,was told that the sub frame was very rusted,mechanic suggested I call Chrysler,he said this shouldn"t be that rusted. Said that the 2007 models were being fixed by Chrysler under the warranty. When I called Chrysler the checked the VIN # and said it wasn't on the list. They didn't really have an answer for me. This is an expensive repair that I can't afford. Sus
The clock spring was going in the steering column. It started as a clicking noise when I turned the wheel. I was told it was the axle shaft and replaced it and still had the same noise. I took it to a garage and they found the clock spring was bad. He said that when these go your steering wheel will lock up. Also, upon calling Jeep for the part he found that this is a common problem.
I was driving along. Hit my brakes. And then my driver front wheel screeched and went into the wheel well. After I had it towed to a shop they said it was a rotted out sub frame. If this would have happened going highway speeds I would have wrecked and possibly not be alive now. I was luckily on a back road so there was not any injuries.
My 2008 Jeep Compass, with approximately 32,000 miles, required the lower ball joints to both be replaced or risk a serious potential safety hazard. These parts should have lasted at least twice as long as they actually did and the technician at the Jeep dealership I spoke with said this is a recurring problem on this model of Jeep with this specific part. We took the vehicle in to have it inspected because it was riding rough. If we had not taken this vehicle to the dealership for inspection at the time we did then there was a strong possibility that the parts failure (lower ball joints) could have caused a catastrophic failure of the front end resulting in the wheel and tire separating from the vehicle. This is a definite safety concern for any family who owns this model of Jeep. …
I bought my Compass new in June, 2008. I complained about a cracking noise coming from the right front end the 2nd day I had the car. I brought it back to the dealer & they replaced the r/f axle. It still made the same cracking noise. I took it back & the dealer said the bolts on the control arm weren't tightened properly. Still the same noise, so I went on line looking for any tsbs. I read about front end problems with 2007 Dodge calibers & 2007 Jeep compasses & patriots particularly with the ball joints.turns out that undersized bolts were installed in the control arms. …
Steering complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Jeep Compass, 15% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Compass steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.