Most common 2009 Jeep Compass problems
Share of the 64 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 →
2009 Jeep Compass recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2009 Jeep Compass owners say
Suspension all 22 →
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact initially became aware that the rear passenger's side tire was resting at an angle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the rear struts replaced; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear suspension was extremely corroded. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
I was informed about my rotting subframe on my 2009 Jeep Compass about a year ago. I took it to a Jeep dealer for a second opinion as well as contacted Jeep. I was told about some extended warranty that I was not eligible for. Now, 1 year later, my vehicle will not pass inspection without replacement of the subframe. I contacted Jeep again. Of course, since this was extension of warranty, only the original owners were notified. This should have been a recall. This is a safety hazzard and should not have happened to vehicle just over 10 years. Jeep purposely did not issue a recall to save money.
Body & structure
2008 Jeep limited 4 x 4. When cleaning the garage, I noticed the head from a very large bolt on the floor. Upon crawling under the car, I noticed that a bolt had rotted off where the rear frame right side by the shock tower attaches to the body. I have had noises coming from the area and was told that the shocks needed to be replaced. With this bolt missing there is some chance there is excess bounce between the upper shock tower and the frame. My local body shop told me the only way to fix this would be to drop the entire rear axle and get the broken bolt out to replace. Very expensive. There is no way a bolt like this should rot off, unless the bolts were bad to start with. If this happens to a few more I could hit a bump and have the body fall off the frame while driving.
Our Jeep has a rotted subframe which poses a safety risk. We have the lifetime maxcare warranty with Chrysler, however, they denied our claim and advised us to contact Jeep, but Jeep indicated they could do nothing. $3000 repair!!!! We have replaced bearings over 6 times in this vehicle too. Jeep indicated their was a "bulletin", not recall, issued on extending the frame warranty for 10 years. (note: this bulletin applies to vehicles built on or after August 26, 2005 (mdh 0826xx) and on or before July 23, 2007 (mdh 0723xx). I find it odd that this "bulletin" was issued in the salt belt region (where we live) and reading forums and complaints, it starting to happen to 2008 and 2009 Jeep Compass.'
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that failure code: cu10001 for the powertrain control module was not receiving connection. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass 4x4. While driving 40 MPH up an incline, the vehicle began to vigorously jerk and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2009 Jeep Compass engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 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 2009 Jeep Compass a good car?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Compass rates better than average: 68% 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 2009 Jeep Compass?
The suspension — 22 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front › control arm › lower arm. Next are the body & structure (12) and transmission & drivetrain (8).
How many recalls does the 2009 Jeep Compass have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 Jeep Compass, the most recent from October 9, 2008 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2009 Jeep Compass problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 35% 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.