The Jeep Commander is a seven-seater SUV you could never go wrong with. It is the ideal car to help you run your daily routine and also prove effective on those off-road adventures with your entire family.
However, it is common for cars to develop issues as they age, and this also applies to this Jeep SUV.
Table of Contents
Here are some problems common with the Jeep Commander and its possible fixes.
Is The Jeep Commander Reliable?
Regarding reliability, the Jeep Commander ranks higher compared to other units in its class.
The reliability ranking of this vehicle by most reviewers and owners is 3.5 out of 5, which is higher than most SUVs’ scores.
A report by US News gave the 2007 Commander a reliability score of 2 out of 5 because of the various malfunctions reported. You can increase the lifespan of your SUV by establishing a strict maintenance and repair routine.
Keeping your vehicle in top shape can extend your unit’s longevity up to 200,000 miles, which is approximately 15 years of service.
What Are the Common Issues with The Jeep Commander?
#1 Transmission Engagement Delays
A faulty internal cooler return filler causes the Jeep Commander to exhibit delayed transmission engagement on the road. Check to see if the cooler filters in your car have the “AB” suffix.
If it does, you should consider a replacement to solve the transmission engagement delays.
#2 Broken Exhaust
Model years 2006 to 2010 of the Jeep Commander were reported to have exhaust leaks that affect the vehicle’s overall performance. These variants include a 3.7 V6 or 4.7 V8 engine, and a ticking noise from the exhaust manifold is what alerts most drivers.
The ticking sound is a sign of damaged exhaust manifold bolts.
You may need to replace these faulty bolts and exhaust manifold gaskets to clear the vehicle’s problems.
#3 Manual Temperature Control Malfunction
There are cases of the Jeep Commander having a defective manual temperature control system. This problem exposes the driver to an unconducive driving environment as they feel warm air from the car’s instrument panel outlets.
Your panels still produce warm air even after switching to the cold setting.
Installing a revised air distribution housing in your Jeep Commander is the ideal fix most mechanics recommend.
#4 Electrical Issues
Electrical problems are also common with the Jeep Commander and its variants.
You must confirm with your mechanic that the electrical configuration is peak before buying any second-hand 2008 unit.
The electrical issues interfere with several vehicle functions, like faulty backup sensors, radio, and malfunctioning dash gauges. Although minor, the problem should not be ignored. So please make efforts to diagnose the electrical components of your car and invest in their repair.
#5 – 4WD Warning Light Is On Without A Reason
Several consumer reports also indicate an error with the 4WD system in the Jeep Commander. This issue is common in model years 2006 to 2010 when the warning light would not activate even when there were no faults.
This light’s primary purpose is to alert the driver in case of a malfunction with the system.
If faulty, the device will provide misleading information to the driver and their mechanic. A software update on the final drive control module usually helps clear the error.
#6 Leaking Sunroof
The Jeep Commander is among the few SUVs with a massive sunroof.
However, a design flaw in this component contributes to the sunroof leaking. Several owners complained of water leaks from the sunroof tubes, which damaged the car’s seats, seatbelts, and other electronics.
The issue of sunroof leaks is most familiar with low-mileage vehicles. There is one owner who reported the matter to the dealership, and they got it fixed.
However, after some months, the sunroof started leaking, and they had to involve the manufacturer for further advice.
#7 Engine Problems
Engine stalls are common in the 2006 Jeep Commander. Several users claimed their units would stall unexpectedly even when on high speeds more than once a day. You may need to have your Commander checked at the nearest auto repair shop to avoid accidents or being stranded on the highway.
There was a recall that involved over 24,000 2006 Jeep Commanders equipped with the 4.7L V8 engine. An issue with the powertrain control module caused engine malfunction in these cars. They needed to be reprogrammed to clear the stalling problem.
Another problem with the engines fitted in the Jeep Cherokee was overheating. Some 2006 Commander drivers claimed to hear a loud sound. Later, the engine began overheating. Mechanics traced the problem back to the fourth cylinder in the engines installed.
#8 Broken Door Handle
Another common problem with model years of the Jeep Commander was broken door handles.
Quality is the main factor of concern here. Commander owners found the plastic door handles weak and unable to sustain the door’s weight, making them vulnerable to breaking easily.
The good thing about door handle replacement is that there are numerous alternatives to fixing it. You can install dozens of high-quality aftermarket handle replacements that cost less than $100.
Why Buy A Jeep Commander?
Space
The space provided by the Jeep Commander is one reason why most individuals buy and love it. The last SUV from Jeep had three seat rows and could accommodate seven passengers. If you love going on long friends’ and family adventures, this SUV can fit all of them and their luggage.
One cool feature about the seat configuration in the Commander is their height difference. The second and third-row are slightly higher than the front seats, providing them with a better view of the road. There is not much leg room in the third row, and adults might find it slightly challenging to get comfortable.
Security
The security features in the Jeep Commander are another significant reason for buying this SUV. It has a five-star rating from several reviewers for the driver and front passenger seats. The car also has a parking assistant and a rear backup camera.
The Bluetooth feature allows you to keep you fixed on the road and talk hands-free, improving your road safety and security. The Jeep Commander also has side curtain airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
Different Engine Choices
The Jeep Commander is available in four engine configurations: two- or four-wheel drive and Limited or Sports trim levels. A 3.7 Liter V6 provides the SUV with 210 hp in entry-level models, while the 2010 model has a powerful V8 engine.
To improve performance, you can equip the V8 engine with additional elements like the Jeep’s electronic limited-slip front and rear differentials.
Other upgrades include the transfer case’s front suspension, fuel tank, and skid plates. Its manufacturers also installed a 4-wheel drive system available in different settings, either full-time or part-time 4WD.
The Jeep Commander is your best bet if you want a powerful car that can fit your entire family. It is massive and strong enough to tackle rugged terrain and trails, regardless of the weather or how much it weighs.
2 Model Years of The Jeep Commander Should You Avoid
Only five models of the Jeep Commander were commercially sold. Out of the five, the most reliable unit was the 2010 variant.
This section discusses some models you should avoid and why to help you make better decisions when buying a Commander.
#1 – 2006 Jeep Commander
The worst variant of the Jeep Commander was the 2006 model, marking the debut of Commanders in the industry.
It was a highly problematic unit with six recalls and over 2,000 complaints.
One complaint witnessed by most owners was the engine stalling.
These reports claimed that the stalling happened without warning, and some drivers found themselves stranded in the middle of the highway.
The poor quality of door handles in the 2006 Commander is another reason the unit had so many complaints and recalls. These handles were cracked, broken, or damaged, making them hard to operate despite being functional.
You should avoid the 2006 model of the Jeep Commander if you want an SUV that will withstand the test of time.
#2 – 2007 Jeep Commander
The 2007 Jeep Commander is not as problematic as its predecessor but still has some issues. There are over 1,000 NHTSA complaints and six recalls for this model, which is why you should consider other variants over it.
The engine stalling problem experienced in the 2006 model was never solved and extended to the 2007 model year. The engine unexpectedly lost power in this car and positioned the drivers in very unsafe situations.
One of the recalls of the 2007 Jeep Commander was because of the faulty ABS electronic control module. This issue affected several units and compromised their performance significantly.
There was also a complaint that you could accidentally turn the ignition switch off by knee contact, exposing you to crash or injury threats.
Why The 2010 Jeep Commander Is The Best
The best Jeep Commander you can buy is the 2010 model. It is an exceptional unit run by a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine providing you with 360 hp.
The off-road signature capability of Jeep makes the 2010 Commander a family-friendly off-road sports utility vehicle.
Most of the complaints from previous models were fixed, including the engine stalling.
The flawless design of the vehicle handled the leaking sunroof complaints. The 2010 Jeep Commander is a solid SUV choice you should consider buying.
General Pros & Cons
Let’s start with the obvious pros.
Pros
- Perfect for carrying kids and pets
- Spacious and comfortable
- Excellent Off-road abilities
- Perfect Safety Score
Cons
- The optional third-row seat is cramped
- Poor fuel economy from the V8 engine
Resale Price
Jeeps are widely known for how well they hold their value as they age.
You can sell your Jeep Commander for 80% of its value after three years.
However, some models tend to depreciate faster than others.
Here is a chart explaining how different Jeep models compare in depreciation value:
| Model | Actual Value | Three years | Five years | Ten years |
| Commander | $32,000 | 80% | 58% | 40% |
| Renegade | $26,610 | 84% | 60% | 41% |
| Wrangler | $39,854 | 87% | 80% | 67% |
| Patriots | $18,040 | 83% | 60% | 34% |
| Cherokee | $33,752 | 78% | 60% | 37% |
What Do the Reviews Say?
According to Edmund, the Jeep Commander is a significant upgrade from the Cherokee. The Commander has a greater passenger capacity and a design that is not common in Jeep SUVs.
All the model years of the Commander have something unique to offer, and it is your responsibility to find one that fits your personality and preference.
Cars.com claim that the Commander is the most reliable Jeep they have ever seen. It is among the few Jeep units that rarely activate the check engine lights and is super roomy inside.
If you want a powerful car that works perfectly in the city and off-road, the Jeep Commander will not let you down.
Conclusion
Every vehicle is susceptible to mechanical problems as it ages. Although the Jeep Commander has these issues, it does not mean the vehicle is unreliable.
The car can serve you for more than fifteen years with proper care and maintenance.
Sources
https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/commander/2006/review/
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/jeep/commander/reliability
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/JEEP/COMMANDER
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/commander/2010/reliability/
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ⓘ The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.