The Lemon Index2008 Jeep Compass.
The 2008 Jeep Compass is better than average by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 22 to 25 mpg combined. The best Jeep Compass year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 172 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Jeep Compass year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 54K to 111K miles on the car (146 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- suspension complaints mostly came at 42K–101K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 71K–108K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 38K–122K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 63 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Water Leaks At The Front And/Or Rear Roof Area This bulletin involves inspecting the front…
- Front And Rear Crossmember Corrosion (X69 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves…
- This bulletin involves inspecting the front and rear crossmembers for perforation/rust through…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Ball joint on the 2008 Jeep Compass is has gone bad after just 50,000 miles. Over 1/2 " of play in the joint that could cause separation of the wheel from the vehicle causing a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
2008 Jeep Compass owner · NHTSA complaint 10352204
More owner reports
The front lower ball joint on my vehicle is broken just after 2 years and 2 months from the purchase date (new vehicle).
NHTSA complaint 10401071
Our 2008 Jeep Compass has ball joint and tie rod end failure.
NHTSA complaint 10426985
Quick answers
Is the 2008 Jeep Compass reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Compass year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2008 Jeep Compass problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (50%), steering (35%) and body structure (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Compass have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Jeep Compass get?
22 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Compass problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 54,000 and 111,000 miles. The middle report was at 86,200 miles, from 146 complaints.
Does the 2008 Jeep Compass have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Jeep Compass cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Jeep Compass have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Jeep Compass year is better than the 2008?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2015 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works