2009 Jeep Compass: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 44 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (31% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2024
“front and rearsubframe extremely rusted, making it dangerous to drive. fuse box under front hood in front of driver side rusting out wiring. Not main fuse box but the one with relays.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
“The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with several warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would overheat with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the electronic stability control module was defective. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure immediately returned and the brake failure worsened. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2022
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“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.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2021
“Front kframe/subframe cross member rusted into. Front of lf lower control arm pulled out of subrame because subframe was rusted into at that spot. Also back seem from left side all the way to right side has about a 1 inch seam/tear from rust”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep compass. The contact was informed by ferrario auto team of sayre (102 spring st, sayre, pa 18840, (570) 888-2367) that the vehicle's front cross member bar was corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that there was an extended warranty for the part; however, the warranty was expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2019
“2009 jeep compass manual transmission engine stalling intermittently at highway speed and also at idling. Has happened several times, but usually starts back up after a short period of time. Also, vehicle will intermittently not start, all lights on dash light up, battery is good, nothing wrong with starter. Sometimes it will start within minutes, other times it starts after a day or two... Random. Break pedal usually very stiff. Have has it towed to the dealership to only have it start and they could not diagnose the issue.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2019
“The airbag light has maintained itself on approximately three months, and every 10-15 minutes it sends me an alarm, warning me that something is wrong, and that the airbag is not functioning accordingly.this happens every time the vehicle is being in use and in march.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2019
“Front subframe rotted out on 2009 with only 90,000 miles. This is a safety issue if driving and brakes, which could cause serious injury and/or death to myself or others. My mechanic said this should not be this rotted for a car of this age. I brought it to mechanic for leaking oil, and when he lifted it he saw rust. The oil pain is now getting replaced for corrosion.”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2018
“My son came from getting an oil change and was told his jeep compass is dangerous to be on the road. Front sub frame is rusted out and could be very dangerous. Subframe should not be bad on a 2009 vehicle.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Compass by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Jeep Compass reliable?
NHTSA has 44 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Jeep Compass. The most complained-about area is suspension (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Jeep Compass problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 89,350 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Jeep Compass have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.