Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Jeep Compass powertrain problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 13 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Jeep Compass, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed Replacing OE transmission 05106789A$/68042789A$ with reman transmission R8142073A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed Replacing OE transmission 05106789A$/68042789A$ with reman transmission R8142073A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSMISSION, 5 Speed On replacing OE transmission 05106567A$/68042567A$ with reman transmission R8142074A$ replace with new Hydraulic Clutch Tube 05273429A$ to avoid interference with shift lever
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint is transmission limp mode: vehicle suddenly loses power while cruising at 65-70 mph, drops to 20-40 mph, and won't accelerate further despite RPMs climbing. The transmission stays stuck in gear and won't shift properly. Turning the key off and restarting usually clears it—temporarily. One dealer told an owner this happens "all the time" on the Compass (1–3 times per owner). An ECM replacement eventually cost one owner $800; another paid for transmission cooler, lines, and fluid replacement but the problem returned. The condition terrifies drivers on interstates where traffic speed is incompatible with 20 mph creeping.
A second major issue is engine stall shortly after refueling. Vehicle sputters, bucks, then stalls within 1–2 miles of filling up—sometimes recurs over months—with no warning lights. Multiple mechanics failed to find the root cause.
Other failures include a brake light switch shorting out, which cascades into brake light failure, transmission shifting problems, and melted wiring in the dashboard. One owner reports TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure requiring $1,000+ replacement. Another describes subframe rust causing alignment loss and control issues. A CVT transmission requiring replacement at 70k miles with whine upon acceleration also shows up once. Owners report Chrysler denied warranty help due to mileage or ownership status.
Same Jeep Compass powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission limp mode / loss of power
Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving, drops from highway speed (65-70 mph) down to 20-40 mph and will not accelerate further. Transmission stuck in wrong gear or fails to shift properly. RPMs increase but vehicle does not move. Often resolves after turning ignition off and restarting.
When: Various speeds and mileages reported; 85k miles noted in one case; occurs multiple times over vehicle's life
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power on highway or freeway; Vehicle speed drops to 20-40 mph unable to exceed limit; Transmission stuck in gear, will not shift; RPMs increase but no momentum or acceleration; Cannot shift out of park (one case); Transmission overheating warning light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Electronic Control Module (ECM) failure
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replacement cited at approximately $800; dealership noted this happens frequently on Compass (1-3 times per owner); transmission replacement recommended in at least one case. Trans cooler, trans lines, and trans fluid replacement attempted but did not resolve issue in another case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported Chrysler denied warranty assistance citing second ownership, excess mileage, and out-of-warranty status. No recall applied.
Engine stall after refueling
Engine stalls or cuts out when driving shortly after filling fuel tank, typically within 1-2 miles. Vehicle sputters, bucks, spits, then stalls. Occurs repeatedly over months. No warning lights or diagnostic codes set.
When: Shortly after refueling (1-2 miles); recurring over 6+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls after refueling; Vehicle sputters, bucks, and spits before stalling; No warning lights on dashboard; Radio and lights remain functional when stall occurs; Requires restart to resume operation; Gasoline smell detected near vehicle when parked
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple mechanics unable to diagnose or repair. No successful repair documented.
Brake light switch short causing multiple failures
Brake light switch shorts out, triggering brake light failure, transmission shifting problems, and melting of dashboard wiring. Electrical short does not blow fuse as would be typical.
When: While driving vehicle to dealership for repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift out of park (can be overridden with release switch); Brake lights fail to engage when brake pedal pressed; Transmission will not shift properly; Speed and control instability; Electrical wires overheat and melt inside dashboard; Fuse does not blow during short
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replacement implied. Electrical wiring damage noted.
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure
Transmission Input Power Module fails, causing vehicle to stop running. Often occurs after previous electrical component failures like alternator.
When: Not specified; vehicle purchased financed in 2014, issue arose within 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stops running while driving; No power to vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement cost over $1,000. Owner reports multiple tows (4 times for this vehicle). Multiple people online report same TIPM issue.
Transmission cooler/fluid issue with overheating
Transmission fluid temperature warning light illuminates while driving on hot day at highway speed. Vehicle loses almost all power and cannot accelerate. Dealership replaced trans cooler, trans lines, and transmission fluid but problem recurred.
When: On hot day while driving on interstate at 65-70 mph; occurred within two weeks of vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid temperature warning light illuminates; Loss of almost all power; Cannot accelerate; Issue recurs even after cooler, lines, and fluid replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler replaced; transmission lines replaced; transmission fluid replaced. Problem persisted after repairs.
Reverse roll-back on inclines
Vehicle rolls backward instead of forward when placed in drive on an incline and foot lifted from brake pedal. Should remain steady or move forward.
When: At approximately 13,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on inclines when in drive and foot released from brake
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reprogrammed unidentified component (component not specified by dealer); failure not formally diagnosed.
CVT transmission whine and failure
CVT transmission produces loud whine during acceleration and requires replacement at relatively low mileage.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whine noise during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission replacement required at 70k miles.
Subframe corrosion and control loss
Subframe cross member is severely rusted and deteriorated, causing vehicle to lose alignment and lose control while in motion.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Subframe completely rusted; Vehicle lost alignment; Loss of vehicle control while driving; ABS light illuminated; Brake lights illuminated; 4x4 light illuminated
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Sub-frame cross member is completely rusted and dangerous, car has lost alignment. Lost control but manage to stop, car was in motion on a city street miami florida , ABS light, brake lights and 4x4? Lights are on.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 Jeep Compass?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Jeep Compass?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 66,000 and 109,450 miles, with the median around 96,316. A quarter of owners report trouble before 66,000; a quarter make it past 109,450. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Jeep/Compass.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.