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.
2011 Jeep Compass steering problems
19 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 63,500. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 63,500
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Jeep Compass steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Jeep Compass steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
- Risk
- A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 11V315000 · Recall details
What 2011 Jeep Compass owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
Wife was driving her jeep when she started to veer to the left. went to turn to steering to get straight when it wasn't responding a lot of slack in the steering. called a tow truck when the tow truck lifted noticed the cradle/sub frame was broken. she was on a country road when it happened. If this was on a highway or interstate there would have been major collision resulting in death. there was no warning when it broke it just broke. after doing some research into why it would break the air conditioning hose to the water to drain was running on the sub frame which rusted and eventually break, the break shifted the engine about a foot and dropped about 10 inches Since she didn't hit anything or no property damage there was no police involved. I have reached out to chrysler with the issue with no response. My family was in danger due to a poor design that could of been avoided and what I read she wasn't the only one.
My wife and I noticed alot of hard banging in the rear and front of vehicle , at the speed of idling out of our parking. Crossing any rail service no matter how new and we'll built the loud bangs in the front and rear are there at even the slowest of speeds. I have crawled around under our jeep best I can , the front member and rear are beyond rotted, I can only get pictures of the rear damage but the front is horrible also..
I was driving down the road on route 73 in cinnaminson nj at 930 pm with my 15 year old daughter. All of a sudden, without warning - the engine shut off and my car had zero power. The power steering was locked up and we almost got rear ended by a huge truck. It was terrifying. I called road side assistance and had to wait in a dark car with no heat. This is horrible
There is a popping noise in my steering column, when turning the wheel will lock up and then there is a popping noise.
3 times now over a 9 month span while in a turn the steering wheel has locked up an unable to be moved, you have to slam brakes in order to stop and hope no body is in front of you .
Did not know that was a recall on thecatalytic converter they fix it they had the part in im woudering about the antilock brakes because my brake light comes on and the ads light because courtesy dodgejeep ram in conyers ga is charging me about 800.00 hundred dollars plus 190.00 for a battery I can't afford that. My car was on a city street when the brake light and ABS light came on I thought the brake fluild was low courtesy dodge said that it was ready before I could drive the jeep off the lot the brake light came back on. Then they said it was the battery, now they telling me antilock brakes. I cannot afford to pay 1,190.00 dollars.
Wife was driving on the highway when car started to swerve from side to side and the brakes locked. She smashed into the barrier and whole car was totalled. Don't even know how we can get compensation for this. *dt
Questions about the 2011 Jeep Compass steering
Does the 2011 Jeep Compass have steering problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Jeep Compass, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Compass steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 63,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Jeep Compass steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 11V315000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Compass have bad steering?
The Jeep Compass model years with the most steering complaints are 2018 (28 complaints), 2007 (27 complaints) and 2011 (19 complaints).
Other 2011 Jeep Compass problems
Engine 40Transmission 37Suspension 27Body 23Electrical 20Airbags 17Acceleration 14Fuel system 14Driver assistance 9Brakes 8Seat belts 8Visibility 6Seats 4Lights 3Tires 3Wheels 3
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2011 Jeep Compass?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history