2021-2026 Jeep Compass Rear Axle NVH Advisory

What Owners Should Know About Rear Axle NVH

Owners of 2021-2026 Jeep Compass vehicles may notice Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) originating from the rear axle. This manufacturer communication, identified as TSB 9100776, provides important clarification regarding this condition. It informs technicians and owners that a certain level of NVH from the differential gears is considered a normal operating characteristic for these vehicles.

This advisory is crucial because it aims to prevent unnecessary repairs. The document explicitly states that if the NVH is within acceptable limits, the Rear Drive Module (RDM) should not be replaced. Understanding this can help owners avoid costly and unneeded service appointments for what is considered typical vehicle behavior.

Symptoms: Noise, Vibration, and Harshness

The primary symptom addressed by this communication is "NVH from differential gears." This can manifest as various sounds, sensations, or vibrations that an owner might perceive as unusual. While some level of operational noise is always present in mechanical systems, this TSB specifically refers to the NVH that might lead an owner or technician to suspect a fault with the rear differential.

It is important to distinguish between typical operating sounds and those that indicate a genuine problem. The advisory indicates that the NVH described is generally within the vehicle's design specifications for the 2021-2026 Jeep Compass rear axle NVH.

Affected Components

This manufacturer communication specifically references the DIFFERENTIAL Rear Axle and the Rear Drive Module (RDM). The differential is a critical component of the powertrain that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially when turning. The Rear Drive Module (RDM) is an integral part of the all-wheel-drive system in many modern vehicles, including the Jeep Compass.

The advisory clarifies that while NVH may be perceived from these components, it does not necessarily indicate a defect requiring replacement of the RDM. The focus is on ensuring that any observed NVH is within the manufacturer's acceptable operational parameters.

Manufacturer Communication Details

This information is detailed in Manufacturer Communication 9100776, issued on March 2, 2026, under the GPOP - Issue Review System. The communication applies to model years MY 17-26 MP, encompassing a broad range of Jeep Compass vehicles. The specific part number mentioned in relation to the rear axle differential is 68292765A$.

This type of communication is designed to provide guidance to dealerships and service centers, ensuring consistent diagnostic and repair practices. It helps to streamline the service process by clarifying common concerns like the Jeep Compass rear axle NVH.

Important Warning for Technicians

The core message of TSB 9100776 is a direct instruction to service technicians: "Before replacing the RDM, please be aware that NVH from differential gears is typical and within the acceptable limits. Do not replace RDM for NVH issue." This warning is critical for several reasons.

Firstly, it prevents unnecessary part replacements, saving both warranty costs for the manufacturer and potential inconvenience for the owner. Secondly, it educates technicians on what constitutes normal operating characteristics for the Jeep Compass rear axle NVH, ensuring that resources are focused on genuine issues rather than perceived problems that are within design specifications. Owners should be aware of this advisory to ensure their vehicle is diagnosed correctly.

Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11030018