Eight problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 2008 Jeep Compass. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I took my Jeep Compass in for a routine oil change when the mechanic discovered that the subframe (cross member and control arm) which secured the engine and transmission was completely rusted through. The mechanic asked me to take a look. The hole was so large I could put my hand in it and the crack ran along the entire crossmember. He cautioned me to not drive it until it was replaced, saying that the engine and transmission could fall out at any time and could lead to a very serious if not fatal accident. Also noted was play in the right outer tie rod and right lower ball joint. My vehicle had just turned the 100k mile mark. I am the original owner and have routine maintenance performed. If I had not take to a local mechanic, this may have not been discovered resulting in serious consequences. Calls to Chrysler customer service eventually resulted in a reduction in the cost of parts (2007 Compass was recalled for same issue). My bill is still over $1,000 and would like Chrysler to cover the cost of labor and parts. The replacement parts used were from the 2007 recall. This is unsafe and should not be happening to a vehicle 7. 5 years old. I was told it was because salt is used on the roads. If that's the case, they should issue a disclaimer or safety warning when selling Jeeps in areas that have snow and salt. I am very concerned that I had been driving for months, if not longer, in a very unsafe vehicle. The Jeep Compass 2007 was recalled and Chrysler pacifica for the exact same problems. Apparently, not enough complaints have warranted a 2008 recall.
Dealer service department stated that both lower ball joints are bad, vehicle is unsafe to drive as is.
Had to have lower ball joints replaced. At only 26,000 miles all under normal driving conditions.
The lower ball joints were loose and the lower control arm bushing were worn out. The mechanic replaced right and left lower control arms and installed new pinch bolts, nuts and washers. My vehicle had only 43,000 miles when the issue was detected. I do not drive on dirt roads and/or do any off roading. Jeep does not recognize this as an issue although there are several blogs and forums with Jeep Compass and patriot owners experiencing the same issues with vehicles having fairly low mileage.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep campus fwd. The contact stated that there was an abnormal metal noise heard from the front end of the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for a state inspection when the contact was advised that the front driver¿s side lower ball joint and tie rod failed due to defective material. The driver¿s side lower ball joint and tie rod was replaced. The contact stated that once year prior to the recent failure, the front passenger¿s side lower ball joint failed and was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 44,500. The VIN was not available.
Replace driver side lower ball joint and both tie rod ends.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Compass sport 4x4. The contact stated that when attempting to decelerate in snowy weather, the brakes would not function properly and would exhibit an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred and the dealer advised that the rear lower ball joints, which were fractured and causing the tires to wear prematurely, would need replacing. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Updated 03/24/lj the consumer was informed both lower ball joints were bad. Updated 04/29/11.
My 2008 Jeep Compass, with approximately 32,000 miles, required the lower ball joints to both be replaced or risk a serious potential safety hazard. These parts should have lasted at least twice as long as they actually did and the technician at the Jeep dealership I spoke with said this is a reoccuring problem on this model of Jeep with this specific part. We took the vehicle in to have it inspected because it was riding rough. If we had not taken this vehicle to the dealership for inspection at the time we did then there was a strong possibility that the parts failure (lower ball joints) could have caused a catastropic failure of the front end resulting in the wheel and tire separating from the vehilce. This is a definite safety concern for any family who owns this model of Jeep. We have written a letter directly to chysler customer care describing the problem and telling them of our dissatisfaction with the part both needing replaced well before this part should normally be due for inspection. We feel this is a serious safety concern and should be considered for a parts recall by Chrysler. We solely wish to forward on our safety concern to your organization for further review. We suspect that this issue might be a trend and we want to make sure our concern is voiced; mainly in order to prevent a future incident in which a family is driving down the road and their wheel separates from the vehicle causing a serious collision or possibly a death. Thank you for your consideration.