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Body and structurePart report

2008 Jeep Compass Body and structure Problems

Complaints
30about this part
Share
32%of 93 total for the year
Median mileage
89,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 Jeep Compass, 32% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2008 Jeep purchased brand new in 2010. In 2019 with only 71,000 miles and now viisible rust on the vehicle, my mechanic advised that the subframe was rotted through with rust and was soft and the subframe needs replacing ($1,750). I contacted FCA (fiat chrysler automobile) and they told me the warranty expired and I would have to pay for it.”

NHTSA complaint #11280162, filed 2019-11, 71,000 miles

“I recently had to replace the crossmember on my 2008 Jeep Compass in the front due to corrosion causing steering issues when turning (loud clunk sound). The cost is expensive and I may have to replace the rear crossmember as well. I was also unaware of this recall and never contacted by the dealership to come in for replacement.”

NHTSA complaint #11203956, filed 2019-04, 99,468 miles

“I had my Jeep in for it's yearly inspection. During the inspection, the mechanic discovered my control arms needed to be replaced. I had just had them replaced during the previous year's inspection. He also found that the front driver's side subframe is rusting through. I contacted the dealer (I've had the car for just over two years) and was only told there is not open recall.”

NHTSA complaint #10746719, filed 2015-08, 65,547 miles

“I recently purchased a 2008 Jeep Compass took it in for oil change and tire rotation they informed me that my engine cradle,there words not mine,was completely rotted and needed replaced! I do alot of traveling taking monthly trips to alabama and also deliver caters for my job. I often have my grandkids with me as well. I went on line and seen hundreds of complaints the same as mine! This issue is a death trap and Jeep manufactures should be held accountable for this defect! …”

NHTSA complaint #11022386, filed 2017-09, 108,367 miles

“Sub frame rusted out making the car not safe to drive and it would cost $1700 for repair. No notice was sent out to owners; only mechanics. No public announcement of problem. Car was driven by my 82 year old mother in law. I am her son in law and I was driving her car to take her to an appointment; and suddenly it was difficult to handle, going to the right. I took it to my mechanic, and was told the car was not safe to drive. Sub frame rust. My mechanic knew about the problem from Jeep, but researching it online confirmed what he told me. …”

NHTSA complaint #11173355, filed 2019-01, 79,200 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202513%
202312%
202011%
201952%
2018101%
201721%
201683%
201533%
2014145%
201345%
2012127%
20112312%
20101318%
2009716%
20083032%
20072811%

Other parts of the 2008 Jeep Compass

Suspension
26 complaints
Engine
13 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
12 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Air bags
4 complaints
Electrical system
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Jeep Compass

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology