2009 Jeep Compass Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2009 Jeep Compass has 44 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 0, ranking 19th of 19 model years. It carries a Good verdict, though that rating is capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #19 of 19 Compass years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 44
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24.5
- 23 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2009 Jeep Compass problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (39%)
- Structure & Body7 (16%)
- Engine6 (14%)
- Electrical System5 (11%)
- Other5 (11%)
- Airbags4 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (9%)
- Brakes3 (7%)
- Steering3 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front lower control arms and ball joints wear out or fail, sometimes with rattling or clunking noises from the front end before a shop confirms the part needs replacement.
- Rear subframe separated from the control arm while driving at low speed, sending the vehicle into a ditch.
- Vehicle stalls suddenly while idling or decelerating, matching the pattern described in transmission control module recall 08V528000, even on vehicles the dealer said were not included in that campaign.
- Tie rod ends wear out early and cause rattling from the front suspension.
- Wind noise is audible inside the cabin at various speeds with no repair offered by the dealer.
- Airbags and seatbelt system failed to function properly during a crash that also disabled the driver's seat.
2009 Jeep Compass recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V528000Oct 9, 2008Transmission & Powertrain712 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Risk: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2009 Jeep Compass fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 24.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other Compass years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Jeep Compass reliable?
- NHTSA lists 44 complaints for the 2009 Compass with a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 19 model years tracked, and the model carries a Good verdict relative to other Compass years.
- Why isn't the 2009 Compass rated Best if its complaint index is so low?
- The verdict is capped at Good because NHTSA complaint records for the 2005-2009 model years are less complete, not because of any specific defect pattern.
- What is the top problem area for the 2009 Jeep Compass?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires is the top problem area, accounting for 17 of 44 complaints (39%), with a median failure mileage of 67,729.
- Does the 2009 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 08V528000, covering a power train control module manufacturing defect that could affect vehicle operation.
- How does the 2009 Compass compare to other years?
- It ranks 19th of 19 years by complaint index, well below years like 2018 (index 100, Avoid) and 2014 (index 83, Avoid), making 2009 one of the lower-complaint years for this model.