YearToAvoid

Jeep Compass FWD Best and Worst Years (2007–2010)

The 2008 Jeep Compass FWD has the highest complaint index (100) of the four model years, driven by suspension and steering complaints. 2009 and 2010 rate Good, and no year earns a Best verdict since records for 2005-2009 are capped.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2008

Model years
4
2007–2010
NHTSA complaints
67
Recall campaigns
0
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Top problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires

Compass FWD Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002007200820092010
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Jeep Compass FWD problems and recalls by year

YearVerdictIndexComplaintsCrashesFiresRecallsTop issueMPGNCAP
2007Caution6720100Suspension, Wheels & Tires——
2008Avoid10032000Suspension, Wheels & Tires——
2009Good05000Structure & Body——
2010Good3310000Electrical System——

Compass FWD years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 Jeep Compass FWD Index 100 · 32 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2008 Compass FWD logged 32 complaints, the most of any year, giving it a complaint index of 100 and the worst rank among the four years covered. Suspension, wheels and tires accounted for 17 complaints (53%), with a median mileage at failure of 46,900. Electrical system issues, including water intrusion around the map light area, made up 6 complaints with median mileage of 58,500. Steering complaints, including reports of failed lower control arm ball joint bearings, totaled 6 with median mileage of 54,000. Structure and body complaints reached 6, with a much higher median mileage of 111,500. No recalls are listed for this year.

2008 suspension, wheels & tires problems →

Most common Jeep Compass FWD problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires27 (40%)
  2. Electrical System13 (19%)
  3. Structure & Body13 (19%)
  4. Other8 (12%)
  5. Brakes7 (10%)
  6. Engine7 (10%)
  7. Steering7 (10%)
  8. Airbags5 (7%)
  9. Fuel System4 (6%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain4 (6%)

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

Frequently asked questions

What year Jeep Compass FWD should I avoid?
NHTSA complaint data points to 2008, which has the highest complaint index (100) among the four years covered, mostly from suspension, wheels and tires issues affecting 17 of its 32 complaints.
Is the 2008 Jeep Compass FWD reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, 2008 ranks worst among 2007-2010 Compass FWD years with a complaint index of 100 and 32 total complaints, many involving suspension components failing at a median of 46,900 miles.
Which Jeep Compass FWD years are best?
No year earns a Best verdict because model years 2005-2009 are capped at Good due to less complete complaint records. 2009 and 2010 rate Good, with complaint indexes of 0 and 33 respectively.
Does the 2008 Jeep Compass FWD have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Compass FWD; its issues are documented only through owner complaints.
What problems did 2008 Jeep Compass FWD owners report?
Owners most often reported suspension, wheels and tires issues (17 complaints), followed by electrical system and steering complaints (6 each), including water leaking near the map light and worn control arm ball joints.

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.