DecodedCars2008 Jeep Compass
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,095 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Jeep Compass is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,095 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28 highway), 32% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Compass — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Compass →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV FWD Sport/North/Limited | 173.6 in | 71.3 in | 64.2 in | 103.9 in | 59.8 / 59.1 in | 3,095 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | +32% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Compass 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 24 | +27% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +38% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Compass 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 23 | +22% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Compass 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 24 / 22 | +26% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Jeep Compass under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Jeep Compass (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Jeep Compass.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Jeep Compass is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Jeep Compass buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Suspension — 34 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Structure › Body — 28 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 18 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 101,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Jeep Compass. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Compass years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2025 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 54 |
| 2023 Compass | 27 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 49 |
| 2022 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 226 |
| 2021 Compass | 25 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 81 |
| 2020 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 143 |
| 2019 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 331 |
| 2018 Compass | 26 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 947 |
| 2017 Compass | 26 | 175.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 229 |
| 2016 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 293 |
| 2015 Compass | 25 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 113 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →