YearToAvoid

2009 Jeep Compass Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

0/100

#19 most-complained of 19 Compass years

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

The 2009 Jeep Compass has 44 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 0 out of 100 — #19 highest of 19 Compass model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is suspension, wheels & tires (17 complaints, 39% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes and 1 injury.

Complaints
44
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
24.5
23 city / 27.5 hwy

Top 2009 Jeep Compass problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (39%)
  2. Structure & Body7 (16%)
  3. Engine6 (14%)
  4. Electrical System5 (11%)
  5. Other5 (11%)
  6. Airbags4 (9%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain4 (9%)
  8. Brakes3 (7%)
  9. Steering3 (7%)
  10. Fuel System2 (5%)
2009 Jeep Compass complaints: complaints filed per month4Feb 2009Oct 2011Aug 2014Oct 2016Apr 2017Oct 2018Feb 2020Nov 2023
57 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2009 to Feb 2024; peak Jul 2015 (4).

2009 Jeep Compass recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Caution61259323.5
2008Good693024
2009Good044124.5
2010Best2271225
2011Caution50187324

All Jeep Compass years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Jeep Compass a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Jeep Compass ranks #19 of 19 among Compass model years (Complaint Index 0/100, verdict: Good). It has 44 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Jeep Compass?
The most reported problem areas are suspension, wheels & tires (17 complaints), structure & body (7 complaints), and engine (6 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 88,000 miles.
Does the 2009 Jeep Compass have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2009 Jeep Compass, most recently reported 2008, covering transmission & powertrain.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Jeep Compass?
EPA rates the 2009 Jeep Compass at 24.5 MPG combined (23 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,650. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.