If it's out of the warranty period then there's really no chance of getting Jeep to cover it. The rear crossmember is actually quite cheap for aftermarket ones. I've seen them for less than $200 US, but the issue really is the fact that pretty much all of the rear suspension needs to be replaced at the some time, since there's almost no hope of getting all the nuts and bolts off, and the bushings are probably all rotted by now too. I'd say, if the rest of the vehicle is sound, and you like it, then why not fix it? If the rest of the vehicle is rotted out too, that's s different story.

 

Thanks for the reply. I will try to see how much it’s the repair and then evaluate from there, most likely there is more rot.

 

While Jeep extended the warranty to 10 years for certain years and certain locations, that window has obviously expired. I doubt there is much that can be done. After a certain point no manufacturer can keep extending warranties -- things will break and steel rusts away. Those are just factors we earthlings must cope with.

However, whether you give up on your Compass is up to you.
Things to consider:

• How many miles on your Compass?
• What is the condition of the rest of the frame components?
• If you have the CVT transmission, have you changed the fluid and filters every 50,000 miles? If you're past 100,000 miles and haven't done it, I doubt it will last much longer. On the other hand, if you've had the tranny serviced at 50,000 mile intervals, you're probably good for 200,000 miles. Most CVTs haven't gotten the necessary care because the recommended service intervals in the owners manual are far too late. If you have the manual transmission, it is far more durable -- 100,000 mile service is probably sufficient to get you to 200,000 miles.
• Have you had many repairs prior to this? I'm asking about your gut feeling of its overall dependability.
• Have you looked at the price of new cars, or used cars?
• Is it easier for you to afford a single $1000 repair, or to take on a loan payment of several hundred dollars per month for several years?
• Do you totally depend on your car, or can you get by with it being in for repairs once in a while? When I was in outside sales I HAD to have my vehicle -- it was my office, delivery truck, and service center, so a rental would not do. I traded every two years/100,000 miles. Since leaving that company I've kept my vehicles for 10 years/250,000 miles on average.
• Presuming your vehicle is worth keeping, are you willing to cope with other repairs as they happen (and they will). As I said above, things will break the older they get.

FYI, besides my Compass, I have a 2014 Jeep Patriot in which I recently replaced the transmission at 195,000 miles. I'd spent zilch on repairs to this point so I figured I had a good vehicle. I expect this vehicle to go another 100,000 miles (like my 2008 Patriot and my 2001 Pontiac), but I'm convinced that is cheaper than buying something new and taking on a car payment for umpteen months.

When I worked the above-mentioned sales & service job, I had a 1993 Cherokee that had a terrible repair record. Even though the repairs were covered under warranty, it cost me too much money to have the car off the road and me sitting in the dealership lounge, so I traded it at 6 months/30,000 miles to be rid of the headache.

Think it through, make a decision, and stick with your decision.

 

I bit the bullet and had mine replaced last month. An original Mopar part is about 1180 for the 4 wheel drive..if you can find one..I was fortunate enough to find one from a dealer 120 miles away. The two wheel drive is around 800. Took mine to my local trusted mechanic...yes, a few other parts needed to be replaced, bushings, sway bars, etc., and obviously the hardware. My 11 only has 77K and in good shape so it was cost effective for me. Additionally, I contacted Jeep..no luck.

 

As an update to this problem.

I went to another garage to have another opinion, I trusted the guy. They check the car and it needs a cross-member in the back, but with that also comes the whole suspension. So I'm looking at a 4000 + taxes job. Is it worth it? idk. Who's going to buy this car like this? and is it better to just try to get another used one? Really bad news today.

 

Unfortunately, you're probably never going to be able to sell it with a bad rear sub frame. At least not for more than a couple hundred $. I've seen videos of people replacing them, as well as the whole rear suspension, by themselves in their driveway with nothing more than basic tools. If I was in your situation, that's what I'd do. But I've got the tools and decades of DIY knowledge/experience. If I was 20 years younger I'd probably enjoy it too. It could probably be DIYed for around $500, but if you're not a DIYer and don't have the tools or ability to DIY.... that's not going to be an inexpensive thing. Maybe see if you can find a shop that's willing to use customer-supplied parts, then get the parts yourself. That would definitely save you some $$. I've seen aftermarket rear crossmembers for less than $150 on ebay and even Amazon. When I had my Patriot I purchased a rear suspension kit on ebay that contained almost the entire rear suspension for less than $100.

 

yeah normally I'm a DIY guy, but honestly, this seems like a big job out of my expertise, and I don't have the space or the tools to do it. I will consider some other shop and go from there. Thanks for the insight on the used pieces.

 

If you otherwise feel good about your Compass I'd still say go ahead and get it done. What kind of a used vehicle can you get for $4000? Not much I'd guess.

Worst case scenario, if you decide it's not worth it, then donate to a charity. They can usually get it fixed with donated labor and parts at cost. Then they'll re-donate it to someone who needs it.

 

Just fix it, did! You'll need the experience for the next breakdown