Table 1 shows one common equipment related problems of the 2009 Jeep Compass.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Equipment problems |
Jeep extended the warranty for the front and rear body subframes. I had my vehicle inspected at the onset of the warranty. I again had an inspection done at my local dealer on 4/15/2022. Since that date the vehicle has been driven approximately 7000 miles. A week ago as I was making a turn at traffic speed I heard a thumping sound. On 11/12/2023 with the vehicle on jackstands it was confirmed that the rear subframe on the drivers side had completely broken and the subframe on the passenger side was rusted through as well. I called Jeep us on 11/14/2023 and it was stated that the warranty was no longer in effect with them. I believe the inspection was either not completed properly or the damage was already in process. This could have resulted in a horrific incident as there were no warning signs and thinking that the inspection had not shown any potential hazard.
The front subframe is completely rusted out. Had to have vehicle towed home because the front wheels look like a bow-legged cowboy because the subframe basically snapped as we were driving. Apparently this has been an ongoing issue and Jeep refuses to recall this. 2007 had the same issue and they extended a "warranty" to get this fixed. 2009 is made, obviously with the same junk metal, and yet they refuse to fix their incompetence. Wonder how many people have died due to this negligence. Not happy Jeep.
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 assembly causing the the left front tire to shift forward into the front fender / bumper and become immobile. Luckily the vehicle made it home and it was in parking the vehicle that the lower control arm became wedged between the tire inner rim and brake assembly, so no crash or injury occurred, but it could have been very serious.
Subframe is front of car is rotted out. Hazardous to drive.
In the last four years, I have had to replace the control arms on both the driver side and the passenger side, I just found out that both are need of replacement again and it the cost is out of this world. Jeep needs to take care of this. I understand I am not the only one with this issue.
I just recently failed inspection on my 2009 Jeep Compass 4 x 4 for rusted cross members. The cross member in the front is rusted to the point it has through holes in it. The rear cross member is not as severe but is also heavily rusted.
My 2009 Jeep Compass overheats on long trips. It does a high pitched whining noise and then it slows down to 40 mph and will not allow you to go faster. This is very bad when you are on interstate 5 with no way to pull over and grandchildren in the car. Very dangerous. This has happened 3 times. I took it to the dealership yesterday and they found "nothing wrong". They could not "duplicate" the problem which I told them of course they can't duplicate it they aren't traveling on a long trip. I googled it and I see that it is a known problem with the Jeep Compass that the dealerships are not acknowledging. It has to do with the cvt transmission and can not be fixed. These cars need to be recalled before someone dies or is injured.
Ve hicle began making a noise in the front at low speed, when backing at low speed and slight front vibration at normal driving speed. Vehicle has been maintained at manufacturer's recommendations and driven at normally expected conditions, never involved in accident or mishap causing problems with failed parts such as being driven into a ditch, etc. Tires were replaced at around 45,000 miles. Inspection at dealer showed both lower ball joints failed inspection and the tires were "abnormally worn" at less than 20,000 miles of usage. Mechanic and service manager explained that vehicle was too dangerous to drive since there was a risk of the front wheels sheering or breaking off due to the condition of the ball joints. I had the repair completed immediately at a cost of $833. 01. When researching auto parts online I have found that replacement parts are available as oem at around the cost the dealer charged me or a "problem fixer" part was available for an additional cost. This problem fixer part was a greasable ball joint and the oem as well as the factory original parts are not greasable. It seems that the part manufacturers if not the automaker is well aware that a non-greasable ball joint is a built in defect as well as a safety hazard. The vehicle did not seem to have a handling or driving issue, only an annoying and occasional noise and slight vibration and at less than 55,000 gently driven and careful miles it was never thought that there could have been any potential safety hazard with this vehicle. I do not believe that such a vital part should fail so relatively early without abuse or incident to cause it to fail.
When it rains, water pours into the cabin from the dome light while driving. Water also pools in the passenger side floor.
The drain in the sunroof is defective. There are a lot of complaints on the internet of this problem. I constantly "clear the drain as told by the car dealership" but the drain still leaks while you are driving and this becomes a major distraction. The water is dripping from my overhead lights down into my gear shifter. This is a major distraction to me because it takes my attention away from my driving while I am focusing on trying to stop it from leaking all over mechanics in my vehicle and also trying to keep it from shorting out my electrical system. You can't ignore it because it is right in front of you dripping while you are driving!.