Jeep is a brand known for its off-roaders, but when the world of small SUVs took off in the early 2000s it needed a car aimed at families that would mainly drive it on roads. The Jeep Compass is that car.
As with every Jeep, it’s a tough machine that is built to withstand the rigours of an active family life, but as we’ll see, it isn’t without niggles.
However, that’s where Haynes can be of help, because we’ve taken apart and rebuilt a Jeep Compass so that we can guide you through pretty much every single repair the home mechanic is likely to make.
And that’s where a Haynes manual is a true bargain, because you pay for it just the once, and it’s there to assist you every single time you need it to be.
What recalls has the Jeep Compass Mk1 been subject to?
Not that many, which is good news if you’re in the market for a Jeep Compass Mk1.
Faulty airbags have caused a recall because they could rupture in the event of an accident, potentially spraying fragments around the interior and injuring the vehicle’s occupants.
The accelerator pedal was the source of two recalls. Firstly, it was recalled because it could cause a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to light up. Secondly, oversized bearings meant that the pedal could become stuck, which going to spoil anyone’s day. The pedal unit had to be replaced.
Then Compass models sold in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont or Washington were recalled because their warranty book contained erroneous information. So, more of a legal recall than a safety one.
What common problems does the Jeep Compass have?
The Jeep Compass can have a slight problem with its power window regulators, because they can generate a squeaking noise when operated.
The front struts on the Jeep Compass can also cause problems, because their performance can degrade to the point that the car has an uncomfortably rough ride.
In these times of high gas prices, people are keeping a close eye on how much fuel their car is using. However, that can be tricky in some Jeep Compass models because the fuel gauge needle moves up and down so much that an accurate reading is hard to get.
And the headlights on the facelifted Jeep Compass can also have an issue that causes them to fog up in certain conditions.
Finally, the Jeep Compass can be prone to corrosion, particularly if you live in one of the salt belt states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Does the Jeep Compass Mk1 have power window problems?
Pressing the button to use the power windows on your Jeep Compass and hearing an ear-piercing squeak is rather less than optimal.
The problem lies within the power window regulator, which simply requires extra lubrication, not replacement. You’ll need to remove the internal door trim and the plastic weather guard, before reaching into the door and applying lithium grease or some other form of lubricant.
All you need do is check out the bodywork and fittings chapter of your Haynes Compass manual and everything’s there.
Does the Jeep Compass have suspension problems?
The suspension on a Compass is designed to cope with abuse – after all, the car is a Jeep.
However, the front struts on the vehicle can be the source of problems, because their performance can degrade over time to the point that the car has an uncomfortably rough ride.
Upgraded parts have been produced, so it’s just a case of removing the old ones and fitting the new ones, which is a procedure you’ll find in the Suspension and Steering chapter of your Haynes Compass manual. Don’t feel intimidated, it’s a pretty straightforward task.
Does the Jeep Compass have fuel gauge problems?
If you notice that the fuel gauge on your Jeep Compass Mk1 seems to be giving inaccurate readings, or if the gauge needle flaps about like a flag in the wind, then you’ll need to replace the fuel level sender unit.
This is part of the fuel pump module, and you can access it by removing the rear seat cushion. The fuel pump module sits beneath the seat.
Then it’s a case of looking up the fuel pump module removal and replacement procedure in your Haynes Compass manual. Once the module is out, then you can detach the fuel level sender unit from it, and fit a new one, before refitting the whole module in the fuel tank.
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully – fuel is highly flammable.
Does the Jeep Compass have fogging problems?
Some owners have reported that the headlights on their post-facelift Jeep Compass models are somewhat prone to fogging in certain conditions.
The way to tell is to dry the outside of the headlight, then switch it on for 20 minutes. If the fogging remains after that time, then the sealing on the light has failed and the unit will need to be replaced.
This is a pretty straightforward task that is well within the scope of the home mechanic. We’ve covered the job in detail in the Haynes Compass manual, so just follow the steps and you’ll be fog free in no time.
Does the Jeep Compass have corrosion problems?
Yes, but the problem really only manifests itself if you live in one of the salt belt states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.
The front and rear crossmembers can be prone to rusting through, and one of the main symptoms is a vibration through the steering wheel when driving along.
If either crossmember is rusted through, you’ll need to replace it. This is not a small job, so you’ll need to read the relevant chapter in your Haynes Compass manual thoroughly before gathering together all your tools and getting the help of a friend.
As long as you’re methodical and careful, you’ll be fine.