Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Jeep Compass owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that an abnormal squeaking noise would emit from the brakes as the 4-wheel drive and tire pressure warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered severe corrosion was on the entire subframe, but mostly on the front end of the vehicle. The mechanic replaced the rear passenger's side rotor; he also informed her that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the corrosion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that upon taking her vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the wheels aligned, she was informed that the work could not be performed due to severe subframe corrosion. The vehicle was then taken to a second independent mechanic who provided the same diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
-The vehicles front subframe failed to support the vehicles stability, structure, weight, and momentum, during normal driving ,braking, acceleration from a stop, etc. -The corroded and complete 'rusted thru metal' subframe is available for visual/safety inspection, and photo's are attached. - Safety was severely compromised while driving, as the "Subframe to main channel frame" fastening bolt was sheared and broken off while driving, causing the vehicle to veer, without control, due to the engine weight and front end suspension/components shifting out of position. - Independent service centers and auto- mechanic statements in multiple car safety forums have indicated similar situations have occurred, and could be fatal at highway speeds/conditions. - The vehicle is scheduled for dealership inspection and consultation for further use, and/or repair. …
Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the front end was approaching a catastrophic failure. I contacted Jeep and was told that a special 10 year extended warranty had expired in 2022. The dealer offered no help in covering the cost either. I was never informed about the extended warranty, or I would have had the car checked. The thing that really makes me mad is the rust thru occurred on only one side because the A/C drain was routed so it dripped condensation onto the frame on that side. I have the subframe and have included pictures.
2011 Jeep Compass with 62,000 miles on it the subframes rod about the wheel almost fell off the arm that holds the wheel fell off the rear frame and that could have caused the real big accident accident would have lost control of the vehicle and they told and dealership told me that the warranty expired 2 years ago it was a 10-year extension on it so they did not do it it's because they used cheap metal and they know they did but they will not fix it I just fixed the rear subframe and all parts going to it and all bolts cost me 1500 dollars I do not think that's fair I hope you look into it because they are robbing people thank you I hope you can do something about it and I can get reimbursed and have my front one fixed too because that is rotted out too I just don't have the money to do both
In 2019 my 2011 jeep compass front subframe rusted really bad which cause corrosions. I called Chrysler and advise if there was a recall on this and they told me no. I paid for the repair to get it fix, fast forward to today I took my car in for an oil change and was informed the rear subframe has now rotted and is also causing corrosion. I called Jeep and was advise the recall expired in 2021 and there is nothing they can do. Please be mindful that I was told that there was no recall on this back in 2019 when I called. It is very unsafe for me to drive with my 4 year old in the car knowing that my subframe is severely rotted which is causing corrosions. jeep was not willing to help with this recall and I think it's insane due to it being a safety issue
The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.
The suspension has completed rusted through. My mechanic can stick his arm all of the way through. There was a recall on other VINs but not mine so far. There needs to be one since I wasn't told about this safety problem until my mechanic went to replace other parts. I was never told this through any means. Jeep needs to do better. I am now out of a car and will have to pay thousands just to get the parts fixed.
My mechanic reported that car's rear control arm has broken away from frame of car and is a very unsafe condition to use. No warning was given. Was found during normal inspection on mechanics lift. Manufacturer would not help during owners notification of problem but recognized the seriousness of the problem. Dealer has not been notified just my mechanic professional's recommendation.
while running errands, a woman pointed out to me that i had dropped the rear passenger side control arm. she was very concerned about me driving it. i assured her i understood. and that with a mile to drive, i would use flashers and drive slowly. the following day my Compass was brought to my mechanic. i received a phone call i never expected! the rear crossmember was rusted out, and the subframe. above that, there was nothing to bolt to! the car was scrap- and, yes, it is available for inspection. this absolutely is a safety issue. the steering became unpredictable, harder to control. i could have lost a wheel, caused an accident that could have been fatal! the disabled car should not be on the road. i did visit the dealership local to me. i carried with me a TSB dated March 2017 about this very issue. i was told my car was "old" and did i get it serviced there? …
Suspension complaints in other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2011 Jeep Compass?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Jeep Compass, 14% of the model year's 188 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Jeep Compass suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2011 Jeep Compass, though it has 3 recalls for other components. 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 2011 Jeep Compass suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 129,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires 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.