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Jeep Compass ball joint problems

137 of the 3,736 owner complaints about the Jeep Compass describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2007 model year.

owner complaints
137
worst model year
2007
typical repair cost reported
$900
typical mileage
59,021
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Steering · OH

Carvana falsifying 150 inspection on tie rods that's having issue with two different vehicles on 2020 jeep compass and 2021 jeep compass

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Steering · OH

carvana falsifying 150 point inspection on bad tie rods with 2021jeep compass

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · PA

My 2020 Jeep Compass develops significant shaking and vibration when I apply the brakes while traveling above approximately 70 mph. The vibration affects the vehicle’s stability and makes me concerned about maintaining control and stopping safely at highway speeds. The vehicle was inspected and serviced by an authorized Jeep dealership after I reported the shaking. The dealership identified problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system. Before the repair, I specifically questioned whether the brake rotors could be contributing to the shaking. The dealership assured me that it was completely certain the problem had been corrected. The vehicle rides somewhat better following the repair, but the same high-speed braking vibration remains. The vehicle now has new tires, but the shaking continues. The problem occurs primarily when the brakes are applied at highway speed, which raises concerns involving the brake rotors, hubs, calipers, steering rack, tie rods, wheel bearings, or related suspension components. There are no warning lights before the shaking occurs. The vehicle and its components are available for inspection. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether recurring high-speed braking vibration, premature steering-component wear, or related brake and suspension problems constitute a safety defect in Jeep Compass vehicles.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · VT

Within the first month of ownership I began hearing a noise from the right front of the vehicle consistent with a brake or suspension issue. I reported this to the selling dealer repeatedly during that first month; it was not resolved. The noise continued and worsened over the following year, eventually also affecting the right rear. At approximately 20,000 miles, an independent licensed inspection mechanic found that the right front inner tie rod required replacement due to significant wear, and the right rear wheel bearing also required replacement. The vehicle failed state safety inspection as a result of these findings. The mechanic noted the repair scope required disassembly of the steering column, indicating a defect beyond routine wear for the vehicle's age/mileage. Given that these are safety-critical steering and wheel components, the vehicle has been taken off the road entirely pending repair, out of concern that continued driving could result in loss of steering control. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A written statement from the inspecting mechanic documenting these findings is available.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Engine, Suspension · PA

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that there was severe rusting to the rear suspension, with fractures on the passenger's side of the vehicle, with a fractured, detached suspension on the driver's side. The mechanic replaced the rear sub-frame, stabilizer links, and control arm. Approximately one year later, after driving 130,000 additional miles, the daughter informed the contact that oil needed to be added more frequently. The contact was informed that while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated quickly; and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved abnormally and coasted before decelerating. The driver was able to make it to the nearest parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a Certified Mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a rear catalytic converter failure; however, replacing the part failed to fix the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensors had failed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. Subsequently, a different mechanic replaced the front catalytic converter and performed an oil change. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 21, 2025 · Steering · TX

I noticed a subtle clunk noise about a month ago coming from the steering wheel and the front left side of the vehicle when turning the steering wheel at a low velocity and also when the car was idle. The noise gradually started becoming more frequent and louder as days went on. As I was driving the vehicle was not driving smooth as usual it almost felt wobbly when turning the steering wheel. There has not been any warning lights or warning messages that came on or alerted me. I thought it could possibly be my front left tire since the noise was coming from the front left side of the car. so I had my tires checked and had a rotation done. The car continued to make the noise and wobbly when I would turn the steering wheel. I felt the vehicle may possibly not be safe to drive especially on the highway so I decided to make an appointment for Monday September 15,2025. I brought my vehicle to the San Antonio Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership early morning to get the issue checked. I had to leave my vehicle there due to the service advisor stating it would take 2 days for the diagnostic to be done. They inspected the vehicle and ran diagnostic. Two days later let me know their tech test drove the vehicle replicated the clunk noise and used a special diagnostic tool called Chassis Ear tool in order to pin point the issue and found that it was coming from the steering gear. They gave me an estimate stating the steering gear and outer tie rods ends need to be replaced. When I spoke to the service advisor he told me they would have to order a rack and pinion steering gear system. Stated the repair will not be covered under jeep train warranty and my limited warranty already expired just 4 months ago. My vehicle only has 35,500 miles. I keep up with all maintenance and multi point inspections have been done on my vehicle on time. They don’t know why the steering gear has failed and also mentioned they currently have other customer’s Jeep compass there with the same exact issue

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Steering, Transmission · TX

Since 20,000 miles I have had problems with my steering column. I first took it in back in August of 2023 due to a clunking noise coming from my steering wheel. When I first took it in my suspension was tightened but this did not resolve the issue. When I took it back in a week later I was told I needed to replace my rack and pinion. The rack and pinion was replaced but my car still had the faint clunking sound. The clunking came back a year later. At 30,000 miles I was told both of my front axles had failed and both were replaced. The clunking sound still remained but faint. Seven months later the clunking returned once again and much more aggressively (I was out of warranty at this point). I was told one of my axles failed once again prematurely and was replaced after sitting for nearly a month. When I got my car back after nearly 4 weeks i noticed the exact same aggressive clunking noise in my steering column. I returned my car back a week later for a new diagnosis after speaking with the service manager. The report came back stating that both of my lower control arms went bad and needed to be replaced. Also discovered was a bad intermediate shaft causing the clunking noise. The dealership decided to goodwill the service to fix my lower control arms since it was a dangerous situation to drive in and I had been driving my car like this for 20,000 miles since I originally took the car in. The dealership says they can not do anything about the intermediate shaft which could cause me to lose all steering abilities and cause a serious car accident. I no longer feel safe in this car and 100% believe this car is a lemon.

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Body · 98,500 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jun 8, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · IL

Car started shifting hard during deceleration giving a jolt forward. Check engine light came on for power train control module. Also started hearing a rattle and had to replace control arms.

Filed Apr 19, 2025 · AR

rotator/control arm issue

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported May 1, 2018 · 2,761 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Compass vehicles. The front lower control arms may be incorrectly welded, potentially resulting in a control arm separation.
Risk
If the lower control arm separates, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U42.

Recall number 18V279000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Compass ball joint

Which Jeep Compass years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2007 (60 complaints), 2008 (18 complaints) and 2018 (11 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Jeep Compass?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $900 (median of 18 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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