2012 Jeep Compass Suspension Problems

The rear suspension crossmember and suspension control arm rotted out on my 2012 Jeep Compass. Also, cross member cracked. Two repair shops inspected the damage and told me that I should be very careful driving the vehicle to get it repaired because there wasn't much hold the rear wheel on. They both said that the problem cause cause a catastrophic failure, which would lead to the rear wheel falling off. At highway speeds this might cause a serious accident. Both repair shops also said they have seen a lot of Jeeps with this type of rust damage. The steel used for the components must have been inferior or the factory rust protection on these components was inadequate. There are probably thousands of older jeep models (Compass, Patriot, etc.) driving around in a dangerous condition. The only warning that I got was a slight squeaking noise when I went over bumps. The sound would be fairly normal for an eleven year old vehicle. But, I decided to get under the car and spray some liquid lubricant to try to eliminate the squeak. The crack in the crossmember was up high on the underside of the car and it was difficult to see. Luckily, I noticed that the component was entirely cracked in two pieces. The second repair shop told me that Jeep extended the warranty on the components to 10 years. This was due to the large number of similar issues reported. Although the 10 year period ran out in my case in September 2022, I still plan to contact Jeep to see if they will reimburse me for a portion of the repair. But, I believe that a recall should be issued before some Jeep owner is seriously injured due to this problem. The repair cost is in the thousands of dollars. I have attached a photo showing the crack in the crossmember.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Compass. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for inspection prior to a road trip, he was informed that the rear cross members were severely corroded and had holes. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear cross members needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test and the repair because the VIN was not included in TSB Number: 23-007-17. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the dealer could repair the vehicle under the TSB; however, the dealer declined. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

The Front And Rear Cross Members have severe Corrosion. These components are available for inspection upon request. The front cross member has a corrosion hole through an entire section. in addition to severe corrosion through out. The rear cross member had corroded to the point of failure while the vehicle was being operated. This resulted in the drivers’ side lower control arm to break away and rest on the ground. At this point the vehicle was inoperable and was required to be towed to a service station. This occurred at a speed of 25 mph, the car was immediately stopped because of the noise heard. If we had been traveling on a highway, this could have resulted in an accident. There was not warning of this impending failure. The passengers side of the rear cross member where the lower control arm is attached is also severely corroded. The rear cross member has been repaired along with ancillary connected parts. The repair was conducted by a local repair shop.

SUBFRAME HAS A BIG WHOLE IN IT. WAS TOLD IT WILL NOT PASS BY STATE INSPECTION DUE TO SAFETY REASONS

THE REAR CROSS MEMBER ON MY 2012 JEEP COMPASS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. THIS INCLUDES MUCH OF THE SUBFRAME AS WELL.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP COMPASS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CONDITION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE SUSPENSION BEING UNSTABLE. THE DEALER CHRYSLER AUTO MART (101 PIKE ST, MARIETTA, OH 45750, (740) 373-7639) WAS NOTIFIED BUT HAD NOT BEEN AUTHORIZED YET TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT AND REAR END FRACTURED INTO THE BEARINGS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT A DEALER MAY NEED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BECAUSE REPLACING THE BEARINGS MAY ONLY BE AN INTERIM FIX. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE DEALER MAY BE ABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM IF THE SAME OEM DRIVE SHAFT HAD BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE TO DETERMINE THE TECHNICAL GUIDELINES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A THUMPING NOISE IN REAR END AND STARTED TO GET WORSE. IT ALSO HAD A HIGH PITCH WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END. I HAD JUST REPLACED THE REAR BARRING SO I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THOSE THAT HAD STARTED TO GO BAD WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF REPLACING THEM. I TOOK IT TO GET LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE WHOLE REAR END WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BEFORE IT SNAPPED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE CRADLE ARMS AND EVERYTHING THAT WAS ATTACHED TO IT WAS RUSTED, PITTED AND CRUMBLING IN HIS HANDS. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. HE TOLD ME I WAS LUCKY I DIDN'T HIT A POT HOLE BECAUSE THAT IS ABOUT ALL IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN TO BREAK IT. THE HUBS AND BARRINGS WERE ALSO RUINED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER INSTALLING THEM LESS THAN A YEAR AGO.

The catalytic converter is failing on this vehicle. The vehicle had been maintained pre manufacturer specifications. Check engine light came on without warning. Crank shaft and cam shaft sensor both Failed on vehicle and had to be replaced. All bearing had to be replaced. Two of which were fixed before 60,000 miles. Hood rusted completely through. Cross members are rusting through.