Jeep Compass Steering Problems
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).
- 203steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
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.
How serious are the reports?
Of 203 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 5 an injury.
Jeep Compass steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Compass | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2024 Compass | 2 | 4% | 29,000 |
| 2023 Compass | 7 | 15% | — |
| 2022 Compass | 13 | 6% | 8,482 |
| 2021 Compass | 7 | 9% | 80,000 |
| 2020 Compass | 8 | 6% | — |
| 2019 Compass | 19 | 6% | 22,000 |
| 2018 Compass | 28 | 3% | 19,000 |
| 2017 Compass | 16 | 7% | 36,453 |
| 2016 Compass | 16 | 5% | 55,213 |
| 2015 Compass | 4 | 4% | 8,000 |
| 2014 Compass | 8 | 3% | 37,500 |
| 2013 Compass | 3 | 4% | 34,400 |
| 2012 Compass | 6 | 3% | 101,000 |
| 2011 Compass | 19 | 10% | 55,250 |
| 2010 Compass | 6 | 8% | 77,745 |
| 2009 Compass | 3 | 7% | 31,278 |
| 2008 Compass | 9 | 10% | 105,000 |
| 2007 Compass | 27 | 10% | 66,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
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:column
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
carvana falsifying 150 point inspection on bad tie rods with 2021jeep compass
My 2020 Jeep Compass develops significant shaking and vibration when I apply the brakes while traveling above approximately 70 mph. The vibration affects the vehicleâs stability and makes me concerned about maintaining control and stopping safely at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and…
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…
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…

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
- Engine problems (1,248)
- Electrical System problems (1,078)
- Power Train problems (529)
- Air Bags problems (273)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (269)
- Suspension problems (236)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (216)
- Service Brakes problems (214)
See all Jeep Compass problems.