VehicleVerdict

2009 Jeep Compass Fwd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2009 Jeep Compass Fwd — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Compass Fwd years?

Compass Fwd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted48 complaints2007: 32 complaints2008: 48 complaints2009: 7 complaints2010: 14 complaints
Compass Fwd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Compass Fwd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Jeep Compass Fwd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure229%
Suspension229%
Engine114%
Other114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2009 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.

“IT HAS RAPIDLY RUSTED OUT (SUB FRAME). I HAVE OWNED IT FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AND IT WAS NOT THAT WAY WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IS THERE A RECALL?”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 30, 2018

“IT HAS RAPIDLY RUSTED OUT (SUB FRAME). I HAVE OWNED IT FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AND IT WAS NOT THAT WAY WHEN I BOUGHT IT. IS THERE A RECALL?”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 30, 2018

“CAR LOST POWER GOING ABOUT 50MPH ON 9/15/2014. I HAD CAR TOWED TO A CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BOBB AUTO GROUP (11009 WEST 133RD AVENUE, CEDAR LAKE, IN 46303). MECHANICS REPLACED THE CLUTCH KIT (PART# 5062150AE), CYLINDER (5273431AB), AND COVER (PART# 4884904AB). I PICKED UP THE CAR ON 9/19/2014, PAYING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 17, 2014

“WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT (FRONT DRIVER SIDE) LOWER CONTROL ARM FELL FREE FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE WHICH ATTACHES IT TO THE WHEEL, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE ABILITY TO STEER AND EVENTUALLY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM (MOVING LOSE UNDER THE CAR), BECAME LODGED BETWEEN THE WHEEL RIM AND THE BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 4, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING FROM NORCAL TO SOCAL DRIVING 80+MPH FOR 2 OR MORE HOURS THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I STARTED TO LOOSE POWER-PULLED OFF THE ROAD LET IT COOL DOWN AND IT RESTARTED AND DROVE 65 THE REST OF THE WAY WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS. 3 WEEKS LATER HEARING LOUD ENGINE NOISES WHEN STARTING AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 28, 2016

2009 Jeep Compass Fwd — common questions

Is the 2009 Jeep Compass Fwd reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Jeep Compass Fwd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 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.