2008 Jeep Compass problems & reliability
93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Jeep Compass. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (2 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2008 Jeep Compass vehicles were involved in 11 fatal crashes with 6 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 30 | 32% |
| Suspension | 26 | 28% |
| Engine | 13 | 14% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 13 | 14% |
| Power Train | 12 | 13% |
| Unknown OR Other | 12 | 13% |
| Steering | 9 | 10% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 4% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 4% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 96,000 miles (middle 50% between 79,200 and 115,000 miles), based on 73 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The vehicle stalled when waiting for lights and at low speed turning after the fuel tank was filled up. Multiple incidents had happened. No warning sign before the incident happened. Very dangerous because the vehicle stalled in moving traffic suddenly. Also, there was a gasoline smell near the vehicle when parked…”
Power Train · filed Feb 21, 2024
“I bought this vehicle in nov of 2021 took it to local mechanic who quoted me 1000 to fix it completely so I did a little at a time the suspension control arms and rockers completely bad! Now the vehicle only has130000 miles on it and the CVT worst transmission ever is going out which is 5000 to fix I can’t believe…”
Power Train · filed Feb 11, 2022
“Front and Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) - 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber & Jeep Compass/Patriot- NHTSA ID # 10140027 My Daughter was recently given a 2008 Jeep Compass by a family member for her 16th birthday. We took it to our local Auto serviceman who checked the car out, and made us aware of the…”
Structure · filed Dec 14, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
50 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Jeep Compass. The 10 most recent:
Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
9100653 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 15, 2025
Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
9100645 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 15, 2025
ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
103954 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 2, 2025
ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
104087 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 2, 2025
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service…
9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2023
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service…
9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 15, 2023
KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button requires a double…
9004378 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 26, 2021
KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button requires a double…
9004378 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 26, 2021
KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button requires a double…
9004378 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 26, 2021
KEY, BLANK WITH TRANSMITTER Please note that after programming the new key integrated transmitter that Lock, Unlock and Remote Start will all function as expected but the Remote Start Cancel button requires a double…
9004378 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 26, 2021
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2008 Jeep Compass in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2008 Jeep Compass?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 96,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.