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KLUNK

2011 Jeep Compass

The Verdict

57 Proceed with Caution

The 2011 Jeep Compass has 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (73 complaints) and engine (48 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 57/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Jeep Compass, consider the 2025 model year which has 89% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 89% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Jeep Compass dashboard →

57

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2007223183412732
20081054153513
2009401896
201031427154
2011734314831
2012470417421
2013181221425
201472139411017
201541623376
20165663316526
20175215517732
20181254019849569
201956246416513
202024321826
202122323226
20225181083713
20231531395
20242131465
202542941

By Category

Body
73
Engine
48
Electrical
31
Transmission
31
Brakes
4

By Severity

1
78
2
99
3
1
4
9

Worst Problems

Complaints

Transmission 2

[XXX] [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] 2/7/26 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally express my concern regarding ongoing, critical safety issues with my vehicle, which have been increasingly dangerous while driving. These issues appear to be interconnected and involve multiple components, including the valve body, transmission, TCM, ABS module, ECM, and throttle body. These problems have posed significant risks to my safety and the safety of others on the road. On several occasions, while driving at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph), the traction control and ABS warning lights have illuminated, and the vehicle has suddenly lost acceleration. This malfunction seems to cause the car to change gears unexpectedly or, in some instances, stop accelerating altogether. As a result, I have been forced to pull over to the side of the road in order to perform a YouTube-suggested reset just to get my vehicle back in motion. This situation has nearly led to accidents, as I have found myself stranded in traffic, unable to accelerate, or worse, pulling into traffic where the car fails to accelerate, almost causing collisions with other vehicles. Additionally, during colder weather, I have experienced issues with the throttle, where it becomes erratic and unresponsive. Despite having multiple repairs made, the problem persists, and I have observed that the throttle may either rev unexpectedly or fail to shift at all. While I understand that some repairs have been made, I am deeply concerned that the vehicle's ongoing malfunctions are indicative of serious safety hazards, which should be addressed by a professional dealership, at no cost rather than being dismissed with the assertion that "it won’t hurt anything." Given the potential for life-threatening incidents and the fact that I have already had several close calls, I strongly urge that these issues be diagnosed and rectified by a certified dealership or technician. , ran out of spac INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

5mo ago
Body 2

The vehicle pulls when I’m driving it and the transmission over heats if I go over 80 and turns off.

10mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving over a railroad track at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and was difficult the steer. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front subframe had failed due to severe corrosion, causing damage to the engine bay, and causing the engine and transmission to lower. The subframe and front lower control arms were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Recently, while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 98,500.

11mo ago
Electrical 1

The vehicle shuts off while driving at any speed. Steering locks and will not allow driver to pull over to safety.

14mo ago
Transmission 2

speedometer doesn't work, ABS, Brakes, engine and traction light keeps on. THE SHIFT LEVER CHANGES BY ITSELF FROM D TO M while driving. ABS module has to be replaced at my cost when other 2011 jeep compass have a recall F 50 for the same issue.

19mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH after refueling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed; however, the failure recurred while driving after refueling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

20mo ago
Body 2

Rust thru/failure of the front cross member subframe. I noticed a clicking/rubing sound coming from the front of my 2011 Jeep Compass. Over several days it got worse. I took the car to the same dealership that I bought the car from new and was told it was a rust thru on the subframe and that the car was not safe to drive. At this point there were NO warning lights or other indication that the front end was approaching a catastrophic failure. I contacted Jeep and was told that a special 10 year extended warranty had expired in 2022. The dealer offered no help in covering the cost either. I was never informed about the extended warranty, or I would have had the car checked. The thing that really makes me mad is the rust thru occurred on only one side because the A/C drain was routed so it dripped condensation onto the frame on that side. I have the subframe and have included pictures.

24mo ago
Engine 2

CUANDO ESTOY CON EL VEHICULO EN MARCHA SUBEN LAS REVOLUCIONES DEL VEHICULO ESTE DIMINUYE LA VELOCIDAD CORRIENDO, LO CUAL PODRIA OCACIONAR UN ACCIDENTE

25mo ago
Body 1

The rear subframe and suspension are rusted. I have been hearing a rattling sound for the past couple of weeks, especially when driving over bumps. When I took the car to my mechanic, he detected a cracking in the rear subframe/suspension due to the rust. If this would totally break it would be a substantial safety risk to myself, the driver, as well as other drivers on the road. No warning lights or messages appeared on the car to warn of this problem.

29mo ago
Body 2

2011 Jeep Compass with 62,000 miles on it the subframes rod about the wheel almost fell off the arm that holds the wheel fell off the rear frame and that could have caused the real big accident accident would have lost control of the vehicle and they told and dealership told me that the warranty expired 2 years ago it was a 10-year extension on it so they did not do it it's because they used cheap metal and they know they did but they will not fix it I just fixed the rear subframe and all parts going to it and all bolts cost me 1500 dollars I do not think that's fair I hope you look into it because they are robbing people thank you I hope you can do something about it and I can get reimbursed and have my front one fixed too because that is rotted out too I just don't have the money to do both

34mo ago
Body 2

Front wheel assembly with broken connection to frame which was caused by a rusted out frame that mechanic said make vehicle extremly dangerous to drive. Front Wheels buckled outward. Can't drive car any more.

34mo ago
Body 1

Please require Jeep/Stallantis to initiate a recall for all 2008-2012 Jeep Compass' impacted by excessive corrosion to the subframe and front/rear cross members due to an inadequately designed AC drain located right above the vehicle subframe. Condensation from the AC drain drips directly onto critical frame structures. Therefore, excessive and premature rusting to the front & top sides of the subframe occurs because the subframe is constantly wet with the operation of the AC, as well as during the winter months while dehumidifying the air. Of course, road salt throughout the winter in the “salt” states further exacerbates the problem. Extensive rust to the subframes have deemed the vehicles unsafe to drive despite being in otherwise good condition w/ reasonable miles. No safety/dashboard lights, warnings, or operational concerns were present indicating potential safety concerns until the driver either experienced a dangerous driving situation or failed a vehicle inspection. Jeep has known about the significant safety implications, yet failed to effectively remediate critical safety concerns. Although Jeep extended a Front and Rear Crossmember Warranty (X69 Warranty), they neglected to properly notify vehicle owners of the extension. They did not make any type of public announcement to inform or warn drivers of the critical safety issues, did not notify owners of access to free yearly inspections to monitor the subframe. Owners using independent mechanics rather than OEM Jeep dealers have not been afforded the same opportunity to access the X69 Warranty Extension & inspections. Jeep has yet to demonstrate sufficient accountability for the ongoing critical safety and security concern. Acknowledging an insufficient AC drain design and issuing a recall for the AC drain, subframe, and front/rear cross members affirm they stand behind their brand, reputation, & value passenger and vehicle safety.

35mo ago
Body 2

Headrest clips broke and popped out

35mo ago
Body 2

Was told that the sub frame is bad. After looking into it, it seems to be a known issue with the jeep compass.

37mo ago
Body 2

Was told by service center that car was not safe to drive

38mo ago
Body 2

Front subframe rusted out due to salt corrosion and as Kentucky is not listed as a Salt belt state the recall notice went unsent and the consumer was not advised nor were service locations.

38mo ago
Body 2

while running errands, a woman pointed out to me that i had dropped the rear passenger side control arm. she was very concerned about me driving it. i assured her i understood. and that with a mile to drive, i would use flashers and drive slowly. the following day my Compass was brought to my mechanic. i received a phone call i never expected! the rear crossmember was rusted out, and the subframe. above that, there was nothing to bolt to! the car was scrap- and, yes, it is available for inspection. this absolutely is a safety issue. the steering became unpredictable, harder to control. i could have lost a wheel, caused an accident that could have been fatal! the disabled car should not be on the road. i did visit the dealership local to me. i carried with me a TSB dated March 2017 about this very issue. i was told my car was "old" and did i get it serviced there? unfortunately, no, i bought it used 2 years ago. there had been a 10 year warranty extension and now my car was out of warranty? i had no notification. and, even so, why would Jeep deliberately ignore all the complaints on THEIR forums? three people at that dealership knew of this problem and said there was nothing they could do. my car is a 2011, i am a risk-free driver, no accident history. the car itself is clean. there is 40,000 miles on it. the previous owner was meticulous with service calls, getting recalls fixed, oil changes etc. the car was solid when i bought it. i did not abuse, misuse, or neglect my Compass in any way. this is a defect on the manufacturer's end. the folks on your very site are detailing the same severe corrosion. the 2011 and 2012 Compasses and 2011-2012 Patriots were affected. there are forums with owners trying to get compensated, trying to bring attention to this.

38mo ago
Body 2

The suspension has completed rusted through. My mechanic can stick his arm all of the way through. There was a recall on other VINs but not mine so far. There needs to be one since I wasn't told about this safety problem until my mechanic went to replace other parts. I was never told this through any means. Jeep needs to do better. I am now out of a car and will have to pay thousands just to get the parts fixed.

39mo ago
Body 1

In 2019 my 2011 jeep compass front subframe rusted really bad which cause corrosions. I called Chrysler and advise if there was a recall on this and they told me no. I paid for the repair to get it fix, fast forward to today I took my car in for an oil change and was informed the rear subframe has now rotted and is also causing corrosion. I called Jeep and was advise the recall expired in 2021 and there is nothing they can do. Please be mindful that I was told that there was no recall on this back in 2019 when I called. It is very unsafe for me to drive with my 4 year old in the car knowing that my subframe is severely rotted which is causing corrosions. jeep was not willing to help with this recall and I think it’s insane due to it being a safety issue

40mo ago
Body 2

We had our Jeep at the local mechanic for a pre winter check up. He found the rear crossmember broken and the front crossmember had holes in it due to corrosion. The vehicle has 211,000 km on it and we’ve owned since new with zero collisions or even a fender bender. Jeep had an extended warranty on these pcs but has denied our claim as 10 years have passed. In my mind this is a safety issue as the wheel assembly could physically break free causing loss of control of the vehicle. These are parts related to the structural integrity of the vehicle and not a normal wear and tear item. This vehicle has been serviced by our local journeyman mechanic licensed in Alberta. It was at our local dealership on September 15/2017 for a recall but there is no record of inspection of these crossmembers. Jeep service bulletin dated march 10/2017 states that the affected vehicles should have these parts inspected and replaced if necessary..also to add, we never received any correspondence from Jeep asking to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The vehicle has been parked for several days now as both our mechanic and myself believe it’s not safe to be on the road. I’ve gotten nowhere with the district warrant manager or their customer care line staff. I’m reaching out as I believe this is a serious issue and should be a safety recall rather than a service bulletin.

44mo ago

187 total

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