NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 64 owner complaints for the 2009 Jeep Compass. Most complaints involve suspension (22) and structure (12). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Compass model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 434 |
| 2008 | 172 |
| 2009 | 64 |
| 2010 | 81 |
| 2011 | 188 |
| 2012 | 184 |
| 2013 | 80 |
| 2014 | 308 |
| 2015 | 113 |
| 2016 | 294 |
| 2017 | 229 |
| 2018 | 950 |
| 2019 | 333 |
| 2020 | 143 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2022 | 225 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 5 |
“The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Compass. The contact initially became aware that the rear passenger’s side tire was resting at an angle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the rear struts replaced; however, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear suspension was extremely corroded. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not safe to be driven. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY FERRARIO AUTO TEAM OF SAYRE (102 SPRING ST, SAYRE, PA 18840, (570) 888-2367) THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRONT CROSS MEMBER BAR WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE PART; HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
“front and rearsubframe extremely rusted, making it dangerous to drive. fuse box under front hood in front of driver side rusting out wiring. Not main fuse box but the one with relays.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Compass 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 27 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Compass 2WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Compass 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 64 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (22), structure (12), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Jeep Compass at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).