A Guide to Replacing Engine Mounts on the 2007-2022 Jeep Compass
If your Jeep Compass is vibrating, shaking, or making clunking noises, a bad engine mount is a likely cause.
- Vibrations at idle and clunking when shifting are the most common signs of a failed engine mount on a Compass.
- The passenger-side upper mount and the rear lower mount are frequent failure points.
- You must buy mounts specific to your Compass generation: 2007-2017 (MK) or 2017.5-2022 (MP).
- Driving with a severely failed mount can cause damage to other parts like axles and exhaust components.
Is Your Compass Shaking? It Could Be an Engine Mount
A common issue on the Jeep Compass, especially as it gets older, is the failure of one or more engine mounts. These parts are made of rubber and metal and wear out over time from heat and stress. When a mount fails, the engine can move and shake excessively, leading to vibrations you can feel in the steering wheel and seats, and noises you can hear when you accelerate or shift gears.
Symptoms of a Bad Jeep Compass Engine Mount
- Excessive Vibration: You might feel a strong vibration while idling at a stoplight, which may get better when you shift into Neutral. This is often the most common first sign.
- Clunking or Thudding Noises: Loud clunks when you shift from Park into Drive or Reverse are a clear sign of a bad mount. You may also hear thumps when you accelerate or brake.
- Visible Engine Movement: Have a friend watch the engine while the hood is open. With your foot on the brake, shift between Drive and Reverse. If the engine lurches or rocks more than an inch or two, a mount has likely failed. 🎬 Watch: How to identify symptoms of a failed motor mount.
- Visual Damage: Sometimes you can see that a mount is bad. Look for cracked, torn, or separated rubber. Some Compass models use hydraulic mounts (often on the passenger side) which can leak dark fluid when they fail.
Pro Tip: Know Your Compass Generation. The 2007-2017 (MK) and 2017.5-2022 (MP) Jeep Compass models are very different vehicles. They use different engines and different engine mounts. Always confirm your vehicle's specific year and engine (e.g., 2.4L World Engine vs. 2.4L Tigershark) before ordering parts.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Engine Mount
When shopping for a new aftermarket engine mount, you'll find a few quality tiers. Your choice depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep your Compass.
- OEM-Equivalent Quality (e.g., Crown Automotive): Brands like Crown specialize in Jeep parts and aim for original equipment (OE) quality. These are a solid choice if you want a part that fits perfectly and lasts a long time, similar to the Mopar part you'd get from a dealer.
- Standard Aftermarket (e.g., Anchor, DEA, Westar): These brands are widely available and offer a significant cost saving. They are a good budget-friendly option. However, some professional mechanics and owners report that these mounts may be made with harder rubber or have a shorter lifespan than OEM parts. For a daily driver, they get the job done, but may need to be replaced sooner.
Known Issues for Jeep Compass Engine Mounts
While there are no widespread recalls for engine mounts on the Compass, Jeep has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for certain model years related to mount issues. TSBs are instructions for dealers on how to fix common problems. For example, TSB 09-004-19 was released for some 2019-2020 models experiencing vibration, which was fixed by replacing the rear engine mount. Other TSBs exist for newer models that address noise from the right-side engine mount. This shows that engine mount vibration and noise are known issues on this platform.
| Part / Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shop Labor (per mount) | $122 - $179 |
| New Aftermarket Mount | $25 - $87 |
| New OEM (Mopar) Mount | $70 - $95+ |
| Total Professional Replacement (1 Mount) | $278 - $488+ |
Can you drive with a bad engine mount? For minor vibrations, you can typically drive carefully to a repair shop. However, if you hear loud clunking or feel the engine shifting harshly, it's best to stop driving. A completely failed mount can cause damage to other components like axles, hoses, and the exhaust system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many engine mounts does a Jeep Compass have?
A Jeep Compass typically has three or four mounts that secure the engine and transmission to the vehicle's frame. This includes mounts on the passenger and driver's side, and one or two lower torque struts or rear mounts.
Can I replace just one bad engine mount?
Yes, you can replace only the failed mount. However, mounts tend to wear out at a similar rate. If one has failed, the others are likely worn as well. If your budget allows, replacing them as a set can save you on future labor costs.
Which mount fails most often on the Compass?
The passenger-side upper mount is a very common point of failure. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the passenger-side motor mount. This is often a fluid-filled hydraulic mount designed to absorb a lot of vibration, and it can leak and collapse over time. The rear or lower torque strut is also a common failure item.
🎬 Watch: How to replace the rear torque and transmission mount.Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing an engine mount?
Generally, no. However, on some models, replacing the rear mount may require loosening the subframe bolts to create enough clearance. If the subframe is shifted during the repair, an alignment is recommended to ensure everything is set back to specification.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 5105290AC 68328737AB 68259148AB 68253055AB 68253028AE
Vehicle will have 3 to 4 mounts total, including upper engine mounts, a transmission mount, and a lower torque strut (dog bone) mount. Mounts can be solid rubber or fluid-filled (hydraulic).
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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