The Jeep Commander is an outstanding car for daily driving and off-road activities. It is powerful, spacious, and has an exceptional towing capacity. However, this durable SUV also has multiple issues that interested buyers should know about. But what are the common problems of the Jeep Commander?
The boxy design of the Jeep Commander makes it look strong and able to withstand tough conditions. Even though this is true, the Jeep Commander faces a lot of problems. But the common problems are electrical issues, engine problems, erratic idling, leaking sunroof, heating problems, broken door handle, and broken exhaust manifold bolts.
What are the common problems with the Jeep Commander?
Engine problems
This is one of the major problems that Jeep Commanders faced. Nonetheless, the issue was rampant on the 2006 Jeep Commander models fitted with the 4.7-liter V8 engines. Several cars were recalled and Chrysler acknowledged that the powertrain control module (PCM) required reprogramming.
Most users of this Jeep model complained that their car stalled in the middle of the road even without any warning.
Electrical issues
The 2008 Jeep Commander is the most affected model year when it comes to electrical problems. Users complained about faulty backup sensors, problems with their radio, and malfunctioning dash gauges. So, if you desire to purchase a 2008 Jeep Commander, have the mechanic check these parts.
Erratic idling
If the spark plugs are faulty on your Jeep Commander, you may start to experience erratic idling. This means that the revs may start to go up and down, instead of staying constant.
Broken exhaust manifold bolts
Another common problem that Jeep Commander users reported was broken exhaust manifold bolts. Normally, it started with a ticking noise coming from the exhaust manifold. Nonetheless, many people were able to fix this problem by replacing the faulty exhaust manifold gaskets and bolts.
Hence, if you hear a ticking sound from the exhaust manifold, have your car fixed by a mechanic to avoid escalation of this issue. This issue is common in the 2006 to 2010 Jeep Commander models.
Warm air emerging from instrument panel outlets
Most 2006 to 2010 Jeep Commander Models have this problem. Users reported a malfunction of the manual temperature control system. When cold air was chosen, the system still delivered hot air.
Nonetheless, most mechanics recommend changing the manual temperature control system to fix the problem.
A leaking sunroof
Some Jeep Commander Models have a design flaw in the sunroof. As a result, the sunroof leaks, causing damage to the car’s seatbelt and electronics. This problem is common in the 2007 Jeep Commander. Besides, the issue occurs in the early life of the car, which is very worrying. So, if you live in areas where it rains a lot, this is not the car for you.
The 4WD system warning light turns on for no reason
This issue was detected in the 2006 to 2010 Jeep Commander Model years. Several users reported that their service 4WD system warning light abruptly activates even if there are no fault codes kept on the final drive control module (EDCM). To fix this problem, you need to update the car’s software.
Broken door handle
This is a common issue across different Jeep models. Nevertheless, the problem is common in the 2006 Jeep Commander. Since the door handle is made of plastic, it does not last very long. Therefore, you may be forced to replace it with a durable door handle.
Delayed transmission engagement
Some users of the Jeep Commander may experience delayed transmission engagement due to a faulty internal cooler return filter. This problem is common in Jeep Commander manufactured between 2006 and 2009. You may be forced to replace the faulty filter to fix this problem.
FAQ
Is Jeep Commander a reliable car?
Astonishingly, the Jeep Commander is a very reliable car. It is rated above average reliability by most reliability agencies like Consumer Reports. Besides, it is cheap to maintain, unlike most of its competitors which are expensive to maintain and less reliable.
How long does the Jeep Commander last?
The Jeep Commander can last for over a long period, as long as it is properly maintained. On average, a Jeep Commander should last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. However, if it is not well-maintained, then it may not last over 150,000 miles.
Is Jeep Commander cheap to maintain?
Yes, Jeep Commander is cheap to maintain. It has an average annual maintenance cost of $639, while the average cost of maintaining a car is $651. Therefore, you will spend less money to maintain this car than most of its rivals.
What is the least reliable Jeep Commander Model year?
The title for the least reliable Jeep Commander Model year goes to the 2006 Jeep Commander. It is followed closely by the 2007 Jeep Commander Model year. The 2006 Jeep registers more than 2,000 issues, while the 2007 model year registers more than 1,000 issues.
Some of the common problems that the Jeep Commander 2006 model registers are electrical issues, engine problems, power train problems, car stalling, and much more. Besides, the 2006 Jeep Commander has had at last 6 recalls, which is the highest among Jeep Commander Model years.
After how many miles does the Jeep Commander develop problems?
It depends on how well you maintain your car. Nonetheless, most Jeep Commander owners say that they started experiencing issues after hitting 90,000 miles. On the same note, others started having issues after hitting the 125,000-mile mark. So, with proper maintenance, the Jeep Commander may start having issues after clocking 120,000 plus miles.
Conclusion
Jeep Commander may be a beast off-road, but this rugged SUV comes with a ton of issues that you need to take care of in good time to avoid problems. With proper maintenance and care, most of the above issues can be avoided. What’s more, you should stay away from the 2006 Jeep Commander, as it has many problems.
Generally, the Jeep Commander is an excellent car for people who love riding off-road and have a large family. With a seating capacity of seven and a large cargo area, this is a good family car.
