Jeep Compass Suspension Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 235 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 235 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Jeep Compass across 17 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (80). The words owners use most often: “ball joints” (17% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Ball joints: mentioned in 39 of 235 complaints (17%)
  • Control arm: mentioned in 33 of 235 complaints (14%)
  • Tie rod: mentioned in 25 of 235 complaints (11%)
  • Cross member: mentioned in 15 of 235 complaints (6%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical suspension repair on the Jeep Compass at $860, and half of them between $310 and $1,250.

Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2010–2016), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do suspension problems happen?

Based on 156 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles8 · 5%
10k–25k miles8 · 5%
25k–50k miles40 · 26%
50k–75k miles32 · 21%
75k–100k miles18 · 12%
100k–150k miles35 · 22%
150k+ miles15 · 10%

How serious are the reports?

Of 235 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury.

Jeep Compass suspension complaints by model year

Peak: 2007, with 80 complaints
2007: 802007802008: 26262009: 152009152010: 772011: 272011272012: 10102013: 3201332014: 882016: 6201662017: 882018: 262018262019: 442020: 4202042021: 222022: 5202252023: 222025: 220252

n = 235 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSuspension complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Compass27%—
2023 Compass24%—
2022 Compass52%—
2021 Compass22%—
2020 Compass43%65,870
2019 Compass41%37,000
2018 Compass263%27,250
2017 Compass83%31,453
2016 Compass62%86,000
2014 Compass83%73,136
2013 Compass34%34,400
2012 Compass105%83,500
2011 Compass2714%125,000
2010 Compass710%42,000
2009 Compass1534%67,729
2008 Compass2628%96,000
2007 Compass8031%72,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2020, with 22 complaints
2009: 4200942010: 13132011: 142011142012: 772013: 6201362014: 12122015: 182015182016: 16162017: 162017162018: 13132019: 162019162020: 22222021: 132021132022: 15152023: 122023122024: 13132025: 112025112026: 1414

n = 235 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Suspension:front:control arm:lower armMay 1, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V279000 · 2,761 vehicles

Model years: 2018

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.

Risk: If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

What owners report

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

The crossmebers front and rear were rusted to where the back broke and made the car unsafe and unable to drive

Received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769710

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

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

The problem is reoccurance in short periods of time. I had an alignment done at 14,000 miles, then at about 20,000 miles when the tires were replace. Now, the car has 34,000 miles and requires another alignment due to excessive tire wear on the inner portion of the tire. The car has only been…

Received Sep 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762553

My odometer flashes since buying. Bluetooth connection causing screen to glitch and jump between settings. Screen turns blue and back up camera doesn’t work randomly. Overheating issue came out of nowhere. No check engine lights. The jerking is a hazard while driving. The vehicle has been…

Received Aug 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756084
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 suspension problems?

No. NHTSA has 235 owner complaints about suspension 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 suspension?

Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix suspension problems on the Jeep Compass?

Owners report a typical cost of $860 (half paid between $310 and $1,250), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

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

The most frequent phrase is “ball joints”, in 39 of 235 complaints, followed by “control arm” (33).

Other Jeep Compass problems

See all Jeep Compass problems.