Jeep Compass FWD ball joint problems

Filed Apr 6, 2019 · Suspension · 77,000 miles · OR

While driving the left (front driver side) lower control arm fell free from the steering knuckle which attaches it to the wheel, causing significant reduction in the ability to steer and eventually the lower control arm (moving lose under the car), became lodged between the wheel rim and the brake assembly causing the the left front tire to shift forward into the front fender / bumper and become immobile. Luckily the vehicle made it home and it was in parking the vehicle that the lower control arm became wedged between the tire inner rim and brake assembly, so no crash or injury occurred, but it could have been very serious.

Filed Aug 30, 2018 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 171,738 miles · VA

I bought this vehicle and put $423 into the front end replacing rotors, brakes, wheel bearings, hub assembly and control arm bushings only to take it to a garage to find out why it was still impossible to drive safely. I was told by two different garages that it isn't safe to drive because the struts and whole front end is damaged beyond repair that would cost more than the vehicle is worth. Also the car dealership has removed the airbags and now made it nonstickerable. You can't drive it without the vehicle feeling like the front end is gonna fall out and is unable to control the steering.

Filed Mar 5, 2013 · Suspension · 34,245 miles · CT

Our jeep is out of date for warranty, but under 36,000 miles. We took it in for an oil change and was subsequently told that the ball joints needed to be replaced. This is absurd for a vehicle of this low mileage. We were told that "jeep" knows there was a problem, and has since corrected it in newer models. This is a safety issue...!! So why isn't there a recall for it...? Why do I have to carry the financial burden of a design flaw...? I've read over a dozen other's identical complaints, and that's only from those who contacted the federal safety agency. There must be a better response from jeep. Isn't jeep the all american vehicle...?

Filed Mar 3, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 140,000 miles · NC

Vehicle started making a thudding noise that correlated with the speed of the vehicle. The faster I drove the faster it went. Took it to a mechanic and was told there was play in the tie rods and ball joints on right side about 1/4 on tie rod and 1/4 on ball joint.

Filed Nov 16, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 36,000 miles · PA

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 tie rod was replaced. The contact stated that once year prior to the recent failure, the front passenger's side lower ball joint failed and was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 44,500. The VIN was not available.

Filed Sep 17, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · OH

My jeep compass is only 4 years old and has 35000 miles on it. The lower control arms and tie rods need to be replaced. So far this is costing me $500.00. And I am not done yet. With a name like jeep I would think it would be a better built car. To me this is not normal wear and tear. And unacceptable for an american made car.

Filed Sep 13, 2012 · Suspension · 34,000 miles · OH

My jeep compass is only 4 years old and the lower control arms and the tie rods need replaced. So far it has cost me $500.00 and I am not done yet. With a name like jeep I would think it would be a better built vehicle. I can see this happening after 10 years with some off roading. To me this is not normal wear and tear and I would think unacceptable for an american made vehicle.

Filed Jul 27, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 35,756 miles · PA

Have my vehicle in for inspection and found that the ball joints, tie rods, rocker arms, brakes and rotors had to be replaced on the front and brakes had to be replaced on the back.

Filed Jun 18, 2012 · Suspension · 26,000 miles · PA

Had to have lower ball joints replaced. At only 26,000 miles all under normal driving conditions.

Filed Mar 2, 2012 · Suspension · 43,000 miles · WI

The lower ball joints were loose and the lower control arm bushing were worn out. The mechanic replaced right and left lower control arms and installed new pinch bolts, nuts and washers. My vehicle had only 43,000 miles when the issue was detected. I do not drive on dirt roads and/or do any off roading. Jeep does not recognize this as an issue although there are several blogs and forums with jeep compass and patriot owners experiencing the same issues with vehicles having fairly low mileage.