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 2008 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I took my Jeep Compass in for a routine oil change when the mechanic discovered that the subframe (cross member and control arm) which secured the engine and transmission was completely rusted through. The mechanic asked me to take a look. The hole was so large I could put my hand in it and the crack ran along the entire crossmember. He cautioned me to not drive it until it was replaced, saying that the engine and transmission could fall out at any time and could lead to a very serious if not fatal accident. Also noted was play in the right outer tie rod and right lower ball joint. My vehicle had just turned the 100K mile mark. I am the original owner and have routine maintenance performed. If I had not take to a local mechanic, this May have not been discovered resulting in serious consequences. …
In August 2018, I was informed by a reputable auto repair shop that another auto repair shop that did work on my vehicle less than a month prior, "turned off" the check engine light. I went back to that mechanic and they advised that it is impossible to do so, because its all in one panel. On 11/11/18, all exterior lights on the vehicle stopped working. I went to auto zone to get replacement bulbs, but they advised that this was an electrical problem and I should go to a mechanic. I have already spent a few thousand dollars on a 2008 Jeep Compass including suspension work and other maintenance. I was just informed on 11/15/18 that the TIPM is out causing the all exterior lights to not work and the check engine light. The mechanic advised that this is a dealer only problem and could cost me up to $2000. …
My subframe has completely rotted out. My local dealer informed me it is out of warranty. I see thousands of people have the same issue which is why you extended the warranty but nobody informed us about it! The design of this model is flawed; the parts are inferior for a snowbelt state and to top it off the exhaust from the air conditioner leaks directly on the front subframe. 3 separate mechanics have told me this should not have happened; I should not have to pay for parts you know are no good. Please tell me you are going to stand behind your products! We own a company and have several Jeep vehicles but if this is not fixed we will be trading them all in and will move to another vendor who will stand behind their products and wants to keep their customers safe! Even the local dealer said this was ridiculous and that you should be doing a recall on this!
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.
I have had my 2008 Jeep Compass for approximately 14 months, and just recently I thought I had a tie rod that needed to be replaced. There was a very loud knocking sound coming from the front drivers side and the car pulled hard to the left. I took it to be inspected and as soon as the mechanic got it up on the lift he immediately set it back down. The front subframe is so badly rusted through he was afraid that the transmission or engine would fall through. I am currently out of a car as the mechanic deemed it extremely unsafe to drive and would not let me drive the car back home. There is currently a recall for the subframe on the 2007 model year, my car was manufactured in 12/2007 so I have reason to believe that my car was made with parts affected in the recall of the 2007 model year.
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".
While in motion, a clunking noise was heard in rear end. Independent garage (zeller auto center,616 main st., torrinton, ct. 06790, [phone]) diagnosed a rusted and rotted rear subframe. Internet check revealed other owners of this model experienced the same probem. Jeep issued an extended warrantee for 10 years from production date. No notice to vehicle owners! Contacted Jeep (case #57633304) and they advised that extended warrantee for this car expired on 12/28/17 and they would not make an extension. They stated that a recall was not needed when an extended warrantee was issued. I think a recall is needed so that other owners of this vehicle can be warned of the rusting subframe problem before an accident and injuries occur.
Suspension complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2008 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the suspension of the 2008 Jeep Compass, 37% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is front (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Compass suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 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.