Subframe / crossmember corrosion (shared platform with Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber)
Severe rusting of front and rear crossmembers, K-frames, and engine cradles
Check engine light: Off
Severe rusting of front and rear crossmembers, K-frames, and engine cradles — described in one complaint as rusted through to holes 'large enough to insert fingers through,' with another owner calling the vehicle 'dangerous to drive' as a result. This is confirmed via an NHTSA record (ID #10140027) as a warranty extension covering the 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass/Patriot — the 'X69' extended warranty, now expired for many owners. This is a structural/corrosion issue, not an engine fault, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
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Fuel system stalling with steering wheel lock-up (shared platform with Jeep Patriot)
Engine stalls shortly after refueling, accompanied by steering wheel lock-up
Check engine light: Off
The engine stalls shortly after refueling, in this vehicle's complaints specifically accompanied by steering wheel lock-up — described by owners as 'extremely dangerous' when it happens in traffic. The Jeep Patriot, which shares this platform, shows the same fuel-related stalling; owners there describe losing power steering and brakes rather than the steering wheel locking.
The same stalling problem is reported on the Jeep Patriot, which shares this platform.
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Steering rack failure (severe)
Loss of steering control
Check engine light: Off
A severe steering rack failure resulting in a loss of steering control. This is a mechanical/hydraulic fault and doesn't trigger a check-engine light — but loss of steering control is a serious safety concern regardless.
$2,20091,000 mi
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Ball joint wear
Clunking, loose steering
Check engine light: Off
Worn ball joints and lower control arms producing clunking noises and loose steering feel. Mechanical, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$150 – $1,20026,000 – 152,000 mi
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Brake caliper failure
Squealing, frozen piston, overheating — especially common in salt-belt states
Check engine light: Off
Brake caliper failures — squealing, a frozen piston, or overheating — reported as especially common in salt-belt states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin) due to caliper rust and seizure. A brake fault like this doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$900 – $2,30018,000 – 163,000 mi
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Manual transmission bearing failures
Grinding noise
Check engine light: Off
Manual transmission bearing failures — input/output bearings, dual-mass flywheel, and clutch — producing a grinding noise. A transmission fault like this doesn't trigger a check-engine light, though a transmission warning light may accompany it on some trims.
$1,200 – $2,80025,000 – 147,000 mi
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Engine Will Not Start Due to Wireless Control Module Fault
Engine will not start due to a wireless control module (WCM) fault
Check engine light: Off
Engine will not start due to a wireless control module (WCM) fault. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 152 owner reports on file.
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Water Leaks From the Front and/or Rear Roof Area
Water leaks from the front and/or rear roof area
Check engine light: Off
Water leaks from the front and/or rear roof area. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 140 owner reports on file.
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PCM Software Update Available
Powertrain control module software update available to address an unspecified driveability issue
Check engine light: Off
Powertrain control module software update available to address an unspecified driveability issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 31 owner reports on file.
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AC Compressor Rattling Noise and Cooling Issues
AC compressor rattling noise along with cooling issues
Check engine light: Off
AC compressor rattling noise along with cooling issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 27 owner reports on file.
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ESP May Not Turn Off When "ESP Off" Button Is Pressed
Electronic stability program fails to turn off when the "ESP Off" button is pressed
Check engine light: Off
Electronic stability program fails to turn off when the "ESP Off" button is pressed. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.
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Abnormal Noise and/or Vibration From Front Brakes During Light Braking
Abnormal noise or vibration from the front brakes during light braking
Check engine light: Off
Abnormal noise or vibration from the front brakes during light braking. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 18 owner reports on file.
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TCM Software Update Available
Transmission control module software update available to address an unspecified driveability issue
Check engine light: Off
Transmission control module software update available to address an unspecified driveability issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.
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Leaking Front Strut and/or "Rough" Handling
Leaking front strut and/or rough handling
Check engine light: Off
Leaking front strut and/or rough handling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light with codes P0139 and/or P0571
Check engine light with codes P0139 (downstream oxygen sensor circuit) and/or P0571 (cruise control/brake switch circuit)
Check engine light: On
Check engine light with codes P0139 (downstream oxygen sensor circuit) and/or P0571 (cruise control/brake switch circuit). This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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Fuel Gauge Fluctuation Issue on Front Wheel Drive Vehicles
Fuel gauge fluctuates on front-wheel-drive vehicles
Check engine light: Off
Fuel gauge fluctuates on front-wheel-drive vehicles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
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This generation shares two major problems with the Jeep Patriot: severe subframe/crossmember corrosion (confirmed via an NHTSA warranty-extension record covering the 2008-2012 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass/Patriot — the same 'X69' program now expired for many owners) and fuel-system stalling with a loss of vehicle control, here accompanied by steering wheel lock-up rather than the Patriot's power steering/brake loss. Both are platform-wide issues rather than problems unique to the Compass.