THE CLOCK SPRING WAS GOING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT STARTED AS A CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE AXLE SHAFT AND REPLACED IT AND STILL HAD THE SAME NOISE. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY FOUND THE CLOCK SPRING WAS BAD. HE SAID THAT WHEN THESE GO YOUR STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP. ALSO, UPON CALLING JEEP FOR THE PART HE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.
2008 Jeep Compass steering problems
severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP CAMPUS FWD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL METAL NOISE HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A STATE INSPECTION WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT AND TIE ROD FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT AND…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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