163 of the
6,123 complaints filed about the Jeep Compass
are about the body and structure —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
2012 Jeep Compass has excessive rust and corrosion from the frame to the chassis. Vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and after each snow storm undercarriage was washed. I was told this vehicle is now unsafe and I need to purchase a new car. I really do like my Jeep Compass, is there any remedy to this situation. I have the report in a email sent to me and can send the report to you if I have an email address to send it to.
NHTSA complaint #11749429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
failing component: Transmission / Powertrain. The transmission is jerking aggressively when shifting into gear. yes, the vehicle is available for inspection. I currently have the vehicle in my possession. How was safety put at risk? The vehicle jerked violently into gear while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection. The force was strong enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. This creates a safety risk due to unpredictable vehicle behavior during acceleration and could lead to loss of control or increased risk of collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed? YES – the issue has occurred after the vehicle was returned following transmission replacement. The dealership has attempted multiple transmission replacements, indicating an ongoing unresolved issue. Has the vehicle been inspected by anyone? YES – inspected and repaired multiple times by dealership service department. Transmission has been replaced multiple times, including a failed replacement while still at the dealership. Warning lights or prior symptoms? NO warning lights were present. Prior to the failure, a whining noise was present, which was previously reported to the dealership as a suspected transmission issue. The vehicle was brought to a dealership for a transmission-related issue and has undergone multiple transmission replacements. After the most recent repair, the vehicle was returned with the issue unresolved. On March 22, 2026, while accelerating from a stopped position at an intersection, the vehicle jerked aggressively into gear. The force was significant enough to physically jolt both the driver and passenger. Despite multiple repair attempts, the transmission is still not operating correctly. This creates a safety concern due to unpredictable shifting behavior. Additionally, the dealership drove the vehicle approximately 3,000 miles while in their possession, yet the issue remains unresolved.
NHTSA complaint #11726255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Accident On [XXX] at [XXX], I headed out of the Timberlane Estates neighborhood to go to volunteer at the NWR in Crystal River and was behind 3 other cars going out of the same neighborhood. As I started to turn from [XXX] (25 mph) to [XXX] (decelerating to about 10), I had to fight the steering wheel trying to straighten it out but instead the car continued left and hit a car at the stop sign. This shook me up quit a bit. When I got out, the driver of the hit car and I traded information. We both have State Farm Insurance. Called State Farm to report the incident and took pictures of the front of both cars and of the skid marks. Called my husband and as we waited for the tow truck, we realized that the CV joint (?lower all joint) was totally out, which also caused the tire to flatten as well. We realized from the skid marks that this occurred as I was starting my turn. That’s why I lost control. There were no injuries, though I was shook up thru the next day and sore in my right wrist, shoulder and neck. Car went to Jim Hudson Collision Center Crystal River, FL. Car was inspected by them and the State Farm Insurance adjuster. The attached photos are from the Hudson Collision Center. I have a few taken at the accident site if you want them too. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11689157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound increased while accelerating to 25 MPH. The contact decelerated to 15 MPH and drove to the residence, where the contact inspected underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that he was an independent mechanic and noticed that the frame was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11683072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and was difficult the steer. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front subframe had failed due to severe corrosion, causing damage to the engine bay, and causing the engine and transmission to lower. The subframe and front lower control arms were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently, while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 98,500.
NHTSA complaint #11679034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Two bolts that hold the wheel assembly to the frame of the vehicle have broken off. The first in April 2025 was on the passenger side, and the second in July 2025 was on the driver side. The Jeep service personnel provided no explanation for how this could happen or seemed to have inspected the other components after the vehicle was serviced for the first broken bolt.
NHTSA complaint #11675191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front cross members were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #11609391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since 2023, my vehicle has had water leakage coming from the back right passenger side from the seat belt opening and right side of the back trunk. This is a major concern because my son’s car seat is seated on the right back seat where the water leakage is coming from. I don’t want any mold to grow under his car seat or on his car seat. Also I gave jumper cables in the back of my trunk for safety. What if they were to get soak and wet then they are not able to work. Also I put my groceries in the trunk of my car. I don’t want them to get spoiled or become contaminated.
NHTSA complaint #11589382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel was turned to the left, and the sway bar link detached from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sway bar link was made of plastic. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to National Automotive Parts Association Auto Parts and the contact was informed that the sway bar link on the front of the vehicle should be made of metal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,870.
NHTSA complaint #11570620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11570274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in a heavy rainstorm, the front driver's side floor and rear passenger’s side floor became flooded with rainwater, that had entered the vehicle from a failed floor seal. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, her foot had slipped off the pedal several times due to the water inside the vehicle on the floor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the floor seal had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11555481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prior to the failure of the rear drive axles there were 2 instances of the 4WD lamps coming on. Reset the lever and light went out.Another instance had the ABS light come on.After several miles the light went off. The next morning while driving to the independent repair shop the car completely stopped on a Blvd in the middle of traffic.Luckily I was not rear ended by another vehicle.The car needed to be towed to the shop. Upon inspection by the tech was the rear drive axles had become corroded and needed to be replaced.As well as the backing plates.The vehicle is 8 years old and has 62,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11528898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while having a routine check on the vehicle by an independent mechanic, the mechanic stated that the front and rear subframe of the vehicle was extremely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the crossmember of the front and rear subframe. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the extended warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 63,513. The contact stated that the vehicle has been repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11510993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was swinging from side to side, almost striking the side rails. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front passenger’s side control arms and bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the rear of the vehicle experienced a similar failure. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact felt warm water dripping onto her leg. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the air condition pipe was clogged causing the antifreeze to back up and leak. The pipe was unclogged. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recalls on the VIN regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11498940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First noticed condensation on the inside of the windshield and dealership alledgedly unclogged sunroof drains.Then noticed ice formed on the inside of the windshield and passenger floor-board carpet damp specifically by door jam seal. While driving water pooled and leaked through front dome light. Having water fall through the ceiling via the light while driving through an intersection presents a safety issue because of distraction, visibility and potential electrical issues due to water damage. The Vehicle is currently back at the dealership and they are trying to recreate the problem. There were no warning lamps, messages other than the condensation, ice on the inside of the windshield.
NHTSA complaint #11498234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The frame Infront where the motor and steering attach rotted completely threw, separated at the weld. It is a safety hazard where steering is affected. The dash lights for the traction, abs, and even the cruise control are on and those items are no longer functional. This car was purchased in 2017, Holiday automotive in Fondulac, Wi with this condition apparent. The mechanic who changed my oil reported it to me in the spring of 2018. And as of this spring the car is undrivable as it is broken. If this were to break while someone were driving it, an accident would happen.
NHTSA complaint #11495259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rear frame is rusted to the point that it is unsafe to drive as per Monroeville, PA Chrysler/ Jeep. I included some images and the cost of repair from the dealership. I am having the repairs done at this dealership. Please extend the warranty to Jeep Compasses. Mine is a 2015 and it is unsafe to drive and is costing me more money to replace tires.
NHTSA complaint #11491312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.