SUBFRAME ROT. AT 70,000 MILE STEERING CONTROL WAS LOST DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FRONT SUBFRAME CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE RUST/ROT. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO INJURIES SINCE THIS HAPPENED AT LOW SPEED. THE FRONT SUBFRAME HAD A COMPLETE FAILURE WITH A 12 INCH LATERAL CRACK THROUGH THE CROSS MEMBER. THIS CAUSED TOTAL FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING FAILURE. THE CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN OR MOVED UNDER ITS OWN …
2009 Jeep Compass suspension problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$900
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE MOTOR WAS CORRODED AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS ON BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE, I JUST FOUND OUT THAT BOTH ARE NEED OF REPLACEMENT AGAIN AND IT THE COST IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. JEEP NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS. I UNDERSTAND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE.
WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A VERY ROUGH ROAD SURFACE, A LOUD CLUNK IN THE FRONT END WAS HEARD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TURNED RIGHT TO GO STRAIGHT, ALONG WITH A LOUD TIRE SQUEAL. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO FIND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS CONTACTING THE REAR OF THE WHEEL WELL. INSPECTION UNDERNEATH REVEALED A ROTTED OUT SUBFRAME/CROSSMEMB…
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2009 Jeep Compass?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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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