The Jeep Compass is the urban version of the Jeep brand. It’s a city-dweller version representing Jeep with the same seven-slot grille and attitude. It’s sharp-looking, easy to maneuver, and priced between the Renegade and the slightly larger Cherokee. Still, if you’re looking to buy one, particularly an older model, there are some Jeep Compass problems you should be aware of. What issues have consumers experienced with Jeep Compass, and what model years are affected?

2007 Jeep Compass suspension problems

Do Jeep Compass models have a lot of problems. Well, some of them sure do. Of all the Jeep Compass models, the 2007 models have had the most problems, according to Car Complaints. One of the top issues was centered around the suspension. Of its many suspension issues, the most common one is a control arm/bushing failure with an average repair cost of $600, involving replacing a control arm, ball joints, tie rod ends, and more. The problem usually surfaced before the vehicle reached 58,000 miles.

A 2007 Jeep Compass owner from Pennsylvania explained that they started hearing an unusual sound from the vehicle when turning. Then their Compass started pulling to the passenger side. They were grateful that no serious injury happened and had the car towed in for repair. A German owner explained that they’d had to replace the control arm bushings twice before the vehicle reached 60,000 miles.

TIPM failure in the Compass

There were also several complaints about totally integrated power module failure in 2007 Jeep Compass models. TIPM issues are generally centered around batteries or fuel. The signs show up as an intermittent or total failure of power door locks, the fuel pump, windshield wipers, and various other mechanical auto parts. On average, these problems in Jeep Compass showed up at around 110,000 miles and cost up to $1,600 to repair.

One Compass owner from New York remarked that their dashboard was populated with what they called Christmas lights. They missed work because of the problems, had to pay for towing, and were astounded by the repair bill. 

Another Pennsylvania Jeep owner experienced problems after having the TIPM replaced in their Compass within a year. The windshield wipers would turn themselves on and off or not work at all. When they took the vehicle in, they learned the TIPM had failed again.

2011 Jeep Compass overheating CVT transmission

The 2011 Jeep Compass models had complaints about the continuously variable (CVT) transmission used. The automatic transmissions that can seamlessly shift through a continuous range of effective gear ratios were overheating. The repair could cost up to $1,700 and often appeared around 70,200 miles.

One Compass owner in Virginia explained that the CVT transmission continually overheated when temperatures were high, or they were on long interstate drives. The problem could be dangerous in high-speed traffic as the car can stop accelerating unpredictably. The owner explained they’d been through four incidents, and their local dealership had been unable to find the problem. 

A Colorado Jeep Compass owner found when they drove at speeds of 75-to-80 mph on the highway, the vehicle made strange sounds before losing the ability to maintain its speed. A warning light flashed to indicate the transmission had overheated, prompting them to pull off the road. Their local dealership instructed them to let the vehicle sit off for 15 minutes and try again. When they did this, the problem started again after five miles down the road.

Wireless control module fault in multiple Compass models

Select models of the Jeep Compass – including 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 model years – developed situations where the vehicle had no crank or couldn’t start. This issue was caused by an electronic lockup of the wireless control module (WCM), according to Repair Pal. Appearing on average around 82,743 miles, the failure of this module causes the remote keyless entry system to be rendered useless. Repairs involve replacing the WCM. While several users at RepairPal mentioned that other electronic functions still worked, like the dashboard lights and audio system, the vehicle wouldn’t start.

Water leaks from the roof of the Jeep Compass

Select 2007-2014 Jeep Compass models come with the risk of front and rear roof leaks, according to Repair Pal. The problem seemed centered around the roof ditch and sunroof. Repairs aren’t expensive and involve checking all grommets and plugs, as well as resealing the roof seams, sunroof drain tubes, and more.

If you’ve always wanted a Jeep Compass and want to find an older model to try out, do your homework. Steer clear of the models with multiple and documented complaints, particularly those that could result in potential accidents or being stranded on the road. If you spend a little time on research, you can find a reliable, high-quality pre-owned vehicle that will serve you for years to come without costly maintenance.