YearToAvoid

2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 has 15 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 0, ranking 3rd worst of 3 model years tracked, with no recalls filed. Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues make up 40% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,309 miles.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
0/100
#3 of 3 Compass 4X4 years
Verdict
No verdict
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
15
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
0
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data

Top 2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (40%)
  2. Electrical System3 (20%)
  3. Other3 (20%)
  4. Structure & Body3 (20%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain3 (20%)
  6. Engine1 (7%)
  7. Fuel System1 (7%)
  8. Steering1 (7%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the front subframe rusting through and failing while driving, in one case causing the wheels to buckle and the vehicle to need towing.
  • Some describe the CVT transmission shuddering or vibrating in the final moments before coming to a full stop.
  • Outer tie-rod ends on both sides reportedly wore out prematurely, with looseness developing first on the driver's side then the passenger's side.
  • Interior and exterior body panels have reportedly come loose or failed while driving.
  • The low tire pressure warning light reportedly stays on continuously even when tire pressure is correctly set.
  • Several owners report the vehicle failing to start with no clicking or sound, despite good battery, alternator, and starter, along with stalling and lurching shortly after refueling.
2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 complaints: complaints filed per month2Feb 2011Dec 2013Oct 2014May 2016Apr 2017Sep 2017Mar 2019
15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2011 to Jun 2019; peak Apr 2017 (2).

2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2009 compared with other Compass 4X4 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200720082009
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007No verdict1001561—
2008No verdict50470—
2009No verdict0150—

All Jeep Compass 4X4 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 reliable based on NHTSA data?
NHTSA lists 15 complaints for the 2009 Compass 4X4 with a complaint index of 0 and no recalls, but it still ranks as the worst of the 3 model years covered based on complaint volume relative to the others.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2009 Jeep Compass 4X4?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints account for 40% of all reports, including subframe rust and tire pressure warning issues, with a median failure mileage of 87,309 miles.
Does the 2009 Jeep Compass 4X4 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Compass 4X4.
How does the 2009 Compass 4X4 compare to other years?
The 2007 model had 156 complaints, 1 recall, and a complaint index of 100, while the 2008 model had 47 complaints, no recalls, and a complaint index of 50; the 2009 model has fewer complaints but ranks worst (3rd of 3) by index.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.