2008 Jeep Compass FWD
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2008 | 32 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
47% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.
Show complaint excerpts
MY JEEP COMPASS IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND THE TIE RODS NEED REPLACED. SO FAR IT HAS COST ME $500.00 AND I AM NOT DONE YET. WITH A NAME LIKE JEEP I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE A BETTER BUILT VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120913
HAD TO HAVE LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. AT ONLY 26,000 MILES ALL UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120618
22% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180905
Also filed under STRUCTURE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
19% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, THE MAP LIGHTS BECOME FILLED WITH WATER AND LEAK. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100930
Also filed under INTERIOR LIGHTING
9% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
6% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VE
Remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Jeep Compass FWD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E043000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Jeep Compass FWD reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Compass FWD?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Compass FWD have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.