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Vehicle safety record

2009 Jeep Compass Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2009 Jeep Compass with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (22) and the body, doors & structure (12). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 2008 for the control module (tcm / pcm / tecm). For comparison, the 2008 has 172 and the 2010 has 81.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical Compass year, for its age

#117 most complained-about 2009 vehicle

Complaints
64
Recalls
1
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Most common 2009 Jeep Compass problems

Share of all 64 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2009 Jeep Compass recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Power train: control module (tcm / pcm / tecm)

08V528000712 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (pcm) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
The risk
This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
The fix
Dealers will replace the pcm free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners say

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64 complaints about the 2009 Jeep Compass

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

Suspension

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact initially became aware that the rear passenger's side tire was resting at an angle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the rear struts replaced; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear suspension was extremely corroded. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11569230
Other & unknown

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11555035
SuspensionElectrical system

front and rearsubframe extremely rusted, making it dangerous to drive. fuse box under front hood in front of driver side rusting out wiring. Not main fuse box but the one with relays.

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical systemNHTSA 11525209
BrakesEngine & coolingDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard with several warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle would overheat with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the electronic stability control module was defective. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure immediately returned and the brake failure worsened. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11488246
Suspension

I was informed about my rotting subframe on my 2009 Jeep Compass about a year ago. I took it to a Jeep dealer for a second opinion as well as contacted Jeep. I was told about some extended warranty that I was not eligible for. Now, 1 year later, my vehicle will not pass inspection without replacement of the subframe. I contacted Jeep again. Of course, since this was extension of warranty, only the original owners were notified. This should have been a recall. This is a safety hazzard and should not have happened to vehicle just over 10 years. Jeep purposely did not issue a recall to save money.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11481775
Suspension

Front kframe/subframe cross member rusted into. Front of lf lower control arm pulled out of subrame because subframe was rusted into at that spot. Also back seem from left side all the way to right side has about a 1 inch seam/tear from rust

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11318638
Acceleration & cruise control

Seems to be an issue for a lot of people throughout chrysler vehicles. I was driving when the engine cut down to 30 mph and indicator lights came on, engine light, traction control and "red lightning bolt" (etc electronic throttlebody control). What is happening is your computer has detected something wrong and has gone into limp mode which is allowing the vehicle only enough power to get off the road (limp off the road). It appears dealers and mechanics don't know or aren't telling. Don't tell them I have the...

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solution, they are in business to make money off of you, don't give them a hand up. They may want to replace your throttle body which they charge over $1,000 for and it doesn't fix the issue. The problem is calibration between your accelerator (gas peddle) position sensor, computer and etc (throttle) sensor. It will cost you $0 and 10 seconds to solve. Get in, turn the key to "accessory" position just before turning the engine on. Let all the instrument lights on the dash reset. Engine, "red lightning bolt" and (if ebrake is engaged) brake lights should be on. Now push the accelerator peddle to the floor and count to ten. The "red bolt" light should now turn off and you have just reteached or calibrated your position sensor. Turn the key back off and then turn on your vehicle and enjoy the ride.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11306510
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep compass. The contact was informed by ferrario auto team of sayre (102 spring st, sayre, pa 18840, (570) 888-2367) that the vehicle's front cross member bar was corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that there was an extended warranty for the part; however, the warranty was expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11282452
Airbags

The airbag light has maintained itself on approximately three months, and every 10-15 minutes it sends me an alarm, warning me that something is wrong, and that the airbag is not functioning accordingly.This happens every time the vehicle is being in use and in march.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11269482
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

2009 Jeep compass manual transmission engine stalling intermittently at highway speed and also at idling. Has happened several times, but usually starts back up after a short period of time. Also, vehicle will intermittently not start, all lights on dash light up, battery is good, nothing wrong with starter. Sometimes it will start within minutes, other times it starts after a day or two... Random. Break pedal usually very stiff. Have has it towed to the dealership to only have it start and they could not diagnose the issue.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11244102
SuspensionCrash

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.

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11217562
Airbags

Takata recall...Airbag light is on and theres nothing/ nobody in passenger seat.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11203418
Suspension

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.

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11194318
Other & unknown

Subframe is front of car is rotted out. Hazardous to drive.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11187150
Body, doors & structure

Front subframe rotted out on 2009 with only 90,000 miles. This is a safety issue if driving and brakes, which could cause serious injury and/or death to myself or others. My mechanic said this should not be this rotted for a car of this age. I brought it to mechanic for leaking oil, and when he lifted it he saw rust. The oil pain is now getting replaced for corrosion.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11142314
Body, doors & structure

SUB FRAME ROTTED OUT - SAFETY ISSUE

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11133466
Suspension

My son came from getting an oil change and was told his jeep compass is dangerous to be on the road. Front sub frame is rusted out and could be very dangerous. Subframe should not be bad on a 2009 vehicle.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11121140
Body, doors & structure

The front cross member is rusted out totally. Cannot be driven very unsafe

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11119481
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep compass. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was later taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that failure code: cu10001 for the powertrain control module was not receiving connection. The vehicle...

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was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in a recall. No further assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11100260
SuspensionBody, doors & structure

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?

Filed Incident Suspension · StructureNHTSA 11098792
Fuel system

Vehicle stationary-engine light stays on every time I put gas in vehicle due to small leak in emission system at gas fill neck and gas cap. Appears to be due to formation of brown substance on metal gas neck. New gas cap helps for about 3 or 4 fill-ups before it becomes contaminated with the brown substance.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11048145
Suspension

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.

Filed Incident Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11044860
Suspension

When coming to a quick stop at a traffic light on a very rough road surface, a loud clunk in the front end was heard. When the light turned green, the steering wheel had to be turned right to go straight, along with a loud tire squeal. We pulled into a parking lot to find the left front tire was contacting the rear of the wheel well. Inspection underneath revealed a rotted out subframe/crossmember which is split all the way across the back. It also has some leaking fluid coming down from above the crossmember...

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while the engine is running. This is saturday and the incident was followed by a $135 flatbed trip to a dealership for what should be an interesting monday morning conversation about the horrific possibilities if this suspension had collapsed at speed.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11032196
Suspension

Front subframe is rotted out due to condenser drain dripping on it. Found out 9/3/ 17 during oil change. Was service bulletin 23-012-14 for this but on vehicles after 8/25/2005 and before 7/23/2007. See ? Below when happened. I just found out

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11021273
Electrical systemAirbagsDriver assistance

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep compass. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated and the anti lock braking system, electronic stability program, and traction warning indicators would remain illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs due to the diagnostic fees. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Electronic stability control (ESC) · Traction control systemNHTSA 11006461

Jeep Compass: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201380175Transmission & drivetrainB
2012184435Fuel systemC
2011188372Engine & coolingC
201081253AirbagsB
200964130SuspensionA
2008172034SuspensionC
20074343138SuspensionF
All Compass years

2009 Jeep Compass vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2009 Jeep Compass

Does the 2009 Jeep Compass have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 Jeep Compass: control module (tcm / pcm / tecm) (October 2008). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Jeep Compass?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (22), body, doors & structure (12), transmission & drivetrain (8).

How many complaints has the 2009 Jeep Compass had?

64 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 13, 2009 and the latest on February 1, 2024. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.

Is the 2009 Jeep Compass a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 84 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Jeep Compass year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Jeep Compass years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2009 Jeep Compass has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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