VehicleVerdict

2008 Jeep Compass Fwd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Compass Fwd year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 4 Compass Fwd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (31% of the total).

48

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Compass Fwd years?

Compass Fwd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted48 complaints2007: 32 complaints2008: 48 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 14 complaints
Compass Fwd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Compass Fwd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1531%
Steering715%
Body & Structure613%
Lighting48%
Brakes36%
Electrical System36%
Other36%
Tires & Wheels36%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Engine12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E043000OtherSeptember 3, 2010 · 294 units

Defect

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 VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Consequence

AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY JEEP COMPASS IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD AND HAS 35000 MILES ON IT. THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND TIE RODS NEED TO BE REPLACED. SO FAR THIS IS COSTING ME $500.00. AND I AM NOT DONE YET. WITH A NAME LIKE JEEP I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE A BETTER BUILT CAR. TO ME THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 1, 2012

“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. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE WRECKED AND POSSIBLY NOT BE ALIVE NOW. I WAS LUCKILY ON A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 4, 2018

“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. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS I WOULD HAVE WRECKED AND POSSIBLY NOT BE ALIVE NOW. I WAS LUCKILY ON A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 4, 2018

“WHEN I RAINS VERY HEAVILY OR SNOWS, WATER WILL START TO LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT DOME LIGHT. SOMETIMES IT DRIPS, SOMETIMES IT IS A STEADY STREAM THAT COMES OUT. I TALK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE NOT SURE WHY IT IS DOING IT. WHEN IT HAPPENS, IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AS THE WATER SPILLS ALL OVER MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 9, 2014

“THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY VEHICLE IS BROKEN JUST AFTER 2 YEARS AND 2 MONTHS FROM THE PURCHASE DATE (NEW VEHICLE). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 16, 2011

2008 Jeep Compass Fwd — common questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 4 Compass Fwd years. It is one of the Compass Fwd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Compass Fwd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (15 complaints), steering (7 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).

Does the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Jeep Compass Fwd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Compass Fwd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Compass Fwd years to avoid are 2008. The cleanest record among Compass Fwd years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.