VehicleVerdict

2008 Jeep Commander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 458 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Commander year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 6 Commander years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 46% of all reports (212 of 458), far ahead of engine at 72.

458

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Commander years?

Commander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted2,342 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 2,342 complaints2007: 982 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 64 complaints2010: 70 complaints
Commander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Commander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Jeep Commander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System21246%
Engine7216%
Transmission307%
Airbags235%
Visibility & Wipers215%
Speed Control153%
Other153%
Brakes123%
Steering92%
Fuel System92%
Body & Structure92%
Suspension82%
Seat Belts82%
Lighting51%
Seats51%
Tires & Wheels41%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2008 Jeep Commander have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V567000Electrical SystemSeptember 17, 2014 · 292,798 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.

13V175000Electrical SystemMay 7, 2013 · 295,345 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence

If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

09E039000SuspensionJune 19, 2009 · 44 units

Defect

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE LIFT AND LOWERING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY CREATING THE DRIVER TO PANIC WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ROCK KRAWLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15. 2008. ALL THE AFFECTED UNTITS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.

08V059000Visibility & WipersFebruary 6, 2008 · 1,338 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,338 MY 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND COMMANDER VEHICLES. THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING OR NOT TO START AND/OR CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ENGINE STALLING OR INOPERATIVE WIPERS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V415000BrakesSeptember 12, 2007 · 28,755 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS IN A CERTAIN LOT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED FROM GRAY IRON INSTEAD OF DUCTILE IRON AS DESIGNED AND COULD FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

THIS WOULD INCREASE THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS TO SEE IF THEY FALL INTO THIS LOT AND, IF SO, WILL REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

Codes U1403 and U1411. Driving down highway all gages stopped working, air conditioning stopped working, abs light going off, locks won’t operate, windows won’t open or close, rear door remained locked couldn’t get my child out of the car due to the rear door remaining locked. Technician…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 17, 2024 · fire

AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE A MAN RAN INTO THE BACK OF MY 2008 JEEP COMMANDER DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A STREET AND THEN SHUT OFF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE FOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 24, 2015 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP COMMANDER 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE DRIVER JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CRASHED INTO A WATERWAY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 17, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 JEEP COMMANDER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT FULLY DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 6, 2015 · crash

I HAVE OWNED TWO JEEP COMMANDERS. 1ST WAS A 2006 COMMANDER THAT I LEASED. SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING EASILY. I HAD TO REPLACE 2 WINDSHIELDS ON THE VEHICLE. I TRADED IT IN AND PURCHASED A 2008 COMMANDER. WITHIN ONE WEEK, I ALREADY HAVE A ROCK CHIP. SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WITH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 20, 2008

2008 Jeep Commander — common questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Commander reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 458 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 6 Commander years. It is one of the Commander years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Commander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (212 complaints), engine (72 complaints), transmission (30 complaints).

Does the 2008 Jeep Commander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Jeep Commander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Commander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Commander years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among Commander years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.