Jeep Compass Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 203 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 203 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Jeep Compass across 19 model years. The 2018 model year has the most (28). The words owners use most often: “tie rod” (10% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Tie rod: mentioned in 20 of 203 complaints (10%)

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 122 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles22 · 18%
10k–25k miles17 · 14%
25k–50k miles31 · 25%
50k–75k miles21 · 17%
75k–100k miles11 · 9%
100k–150k miles18 · 15%
150k+ miles2 · 2%

How serious are the reports?

Of 203 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 5 an injury.

Jeep Compass steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2018, with 28 complaints
2007: 272007272008: 992009: 3200932010: 662011: 192011192012: 662013: 3201332014: 882015: 4201542016: 16162017: 162017162018: 28282019: 192019192020: 882021: 7202172022: 13132023: 7202372024: 222025: 220252

n = 203 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSteering complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Compass27%—
2024 Compass24%29,000
2023 Compass715%—
2022 Compass136%8,482
2021 Compass79%80,000
2020 Compass86%—
2019 Compass196%22,000
2018 Compass283%19,000
2017 Compass167%36,453
2016 Compass165%55,213
2015 Compass44%8,000
2014 Compass83%37,500
2013 Compass34%34,400
2012 Compass63%101,000
2011 Compass1910%55,250
2010 Compass68%77,745
2009 Compass37%31,278
2008 Compass910%105,000
2007 Compass2710%66,500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 30 complaints
2008: 1200812009: 222010: 4201042011: 882012: 6201262013: 222014: 8201482015: 992016: 8201682017: 882018: 102018102019: 30302020: 152020152021: 16162022: 122022122023: 13132024: 192024192025: 14142026: 18202618

n = 203 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsDec 23, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V878000 · 60,140 vehicles

Model years: 2015

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured January 1, 2015, to May 11, 2015. During assembly, the power steering hose retention clamp may have been installed at an incorrect location, resulting in the detachment of the low pressure return hose.

Risk: If the power steering fluid return hose detaches, it would leak fluid and increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the return power steering hose clamp, repositioning the clamp as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R68.

Steering:columnJun 8, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles

Model years: 2011

Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Carvana falsifying 150 inspection on tie rods that's having issue with two different vehicles on 2020 jeep compass and 2021 jeep compass

Received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770971

carvana falsifying 150 point inspection on bad tie rods with 2021jeep compass

Received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770974

My 2020 Jeep Compass develops significant shaking and vibration when I apply the brakes while traveling above approximately 70 mph. The vibration affects the vehicle’s stability and makes me concerned about maintaining control and stopping safely at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and…

Received Sep 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768127

Multiple electronic/body-control systems fail intermittently, confirmed by dealer diagnostics (DTC summary report, 5+ service visits): Active Lane Management/Blind Spot system shows "blind spot alert unavailable" and lane-keep faults, mainly during turns and lane crossings (DTC U0422-00…

Received Sep 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766194

I am reporting a serious steering/suspension safety problem with my 2017 Jeep Compass. After picking the vehicle up from the dealership following repairs/service, the vehicle was significantly more difficult and frightening to control than before. While driving, the Jeep will suddenly veer toward…

Received Sep 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765444
Jeep Compass
Jeep_Compass_(J4U) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Jeep Compasss have steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 203 owner complaints about steering for the Jeep Compass. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Jeep Compass steering?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about steering problems on the Jeep Compass?

The most frequent phrase is “tie rod”, in 20 of 203 complaints.

Other Jeep Compass problems

See all Jeep Compass problems.