YearToAvoid

2011 Jeep Compass Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 19 steering complaints for the 2011 Jeep Compass, 10% of its 187 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 55,250. One crash is linked to steering, and a related steering column recall (11V315000) covers the 2011 model year.

Steering complaints
19
10% of 187
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
55,250 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering wheel locks up mid-turn, sometimes forcing hard braking to avoid a crash.
  • Steering column seizes briefly at low speed and the vehicle stalls, then restarts and resumes normally.
  • Steering wheel pulls hard to one side at various speeds, which dealers attributed to camber and front-wheel-drive characteristics.
  • A popping noise comes from the steering column when turning, sometimes followed by the wheel locking up.
  • Steering effort becomes extremely heavy right after the engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving.
  • The steering wheel module or related electronics fail, disabling instrument panel lights and the horn at the same time.

When 2011 Jeep Compass steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 13, 2011, latest Jul 6, 2024.

2011 Jeep Compass steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Jun 2011Sep 2014Nov 2017May 2019Mar 2021Sep 2023
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2011 to Jul 2024; peak Sep 2014 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Jeep Compass

  1. NHTSA 11V315000Jun 8, 2011Steering11,096 vehicles

    Steering:column

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

    Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering complaints by Compass model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20106 (8%)
  2. 201119 (10%)
  3. 20126 (3%)
  4. 20133 (4%)
  5. 20148 (3%)
  6. 20154 (4%)
  7. 201616 (5%)
  8. 201716 (7%)
  9. 201828 (3%)
  10. 201919 (6%)
  11. 20206 (4%)
  12. 20216 (8%)
  13. 202213 (6%)
  14. 20237 (15%)
  15. 20242 (4%)
  16. 20252 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2011 Jeep Compass have?
NHTSA lists 19 steering-related complaints for the 2011 Jeep Compass, which is 10% of the 187 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Jeep Compass?
Yes. Recall campaign 11V315000, reported June 8, 2011, covers the steering column pivot and applies to the 2011 Jeep Compass among other Chrysler models. The remedy is a dealer inspection of rivet presence and alignment, with repair as needed.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Jeep Compass is 55,250 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Did steering problems on the 2011 Compass cause any crashes?
NHTSA data links one crash to steering complaints on the 2011 Jeep Compass. No fires or injuries are recorded for this problem area.
How does the 2011 Compass compare to other years for steering complaints?
The 2011 model year's steering share of 10% of complaints is higher than most other Compass years in the data, though 2023 shows a higher share at 15%.

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.