2006 Jeep Commander

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,635 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,250 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 74,500 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System536
1556
Engine and Engine Cooling148
421
Power Train130
221
Engine125
200
Structure › Body68
014
Structure › Body › Door64
006
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine64
100
Unknown or Other58
212
Air Bags46
18016
Seat Belts42
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch14V438000
Filed Jul 21, 2014649,353 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. 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, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.

Electrical System13V175000
Filed May 7, 2013295,345 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension09E039000
Filed Jun 19, 200944 vehiclesRock Krawler/Pure Performance Group, Inc

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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)08V203000
Filed May 6, 200824,461 vehiclesChrysler Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 24,461 MY 2006 JEEP COMMANDER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L V8 ENGINES. THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) WAS PROGRAMMED WITH SOFTWARE THAT MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PCM SOFTWARE IN ALL 4.7L ENGINE EQUIPPED MY 2006 JEEP COMMANDERS BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 11, 2006. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module07V434000
Filed Sep 14, 2007296,550 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE MAY ALLOW A MOMENTARY DELAY IN BRAKING WHEN COASTING UP A HILL DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH NEW SOFTWARE THAT PREVENTS THIS CONDITION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other06V037000
Filed Feb 9, 200624,058 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED RETRACTOR BRACKET EDGE ON THE THIRD ROW SEAT MAY CONTACT THE SEAT BELT DURING CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE BELT WEBBING.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE THIRD ROW OCCUPANT WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELTS FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE ANY DAMAGED BELTS. IN ADDITION, AN INJECTED MOLDED COVER WILL BE ADDED TO THE RETRACTOR BRACKET ON BOTH THIRD ROW SEATING POSITIONS TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE FROM BELT CONTACT WITH THE RETRACTOR BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 25, 2026AL

Brakes failed completely. 2-3 car lengths between be and car in front of me with plenty of time to stop. My jeep did not even slow down when brakes we applied.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 2026PA

My jeep will shut off unexpectedly, it will do a up and down idle increase and decrease while at a idle the abs will lock up my wheel tight to where itll drag while trying to move forward. The 4x4 low will not engage at all says service 4x4

Electrical System
Filed Oct 17, 2025200,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was intermittent but a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had been replaced approximately 2 years ago due to battery drainage issues. The contact stated that the failure with the 12-Volt battery being drained and had jumpstart the vehicle several times. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also replaced the ECM module independently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2025TX

Power Train. The (TCM/PCM/TECM) Chrysler is recalling 24, 461 Jeep Commander vehicles equipped with 407 V8 engines. Th powertrain control module (PCM) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions. This could cause a crash without warning. ( My Jeep turns on, but it is not able to be moved, it is stalled indefinitely). I asked the dealer @Rockwall Dodge, Rockwall TX to check the PCM/TCM/TECM. They refused. Said they were not able to check this situation. Didn't have that equipment. Electrical System. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The air bag lights comes on randomly. The engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems. I am unable to unlock the ignition on several occasions. Suspension. Rock Krawler recalled 44 performance suspension systems sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicle listed above. We have had suspension issues on our Jeep. No one can find the issue to fix it. The Jeep makes noise at the suspension system.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 15, 2025TX

Seat Belts/Rear. The integrated retractor bracket edge on the third row seat may contact the seat belt during certain operating conditions. In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain thee third row occupant. Service Brakes. Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited.: Control Unit/Module. On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into this ABS Electronic Control Module allow a momentary delay in breaking when coasting up a kill during certain conditions. This has happened while wet conditions occur some.

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2025OH

Radiator coolant system failed and caused the engine to overheat and loss of power while traveling on an interstate highway. Pulled over to side of highway. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic shop. The shop evaluated the engine could not start as it had seized from overheating. It was determined that the radiator plastic end caps suddenly failed causing the engine to overheat and seize. The radiator temperature is very high and the plastic and aluminum materials expand and contract at different rates therefore weakening the connection between the two materials until the part fails. This is a bad design, application, and mix of materials in a part that does follow the basic principles of thermodynamics.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 22, 2025IN

Abs, traction control, and another light come on and goes off intermittent. While reversing feels like brakes are locking up. Transmission shifts different intermittently. I have seen that there is recalls for other 06 commanders that reflect the issues I am having.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 4, 2025GA

Vehicle randomly saying transmission over temp. Vehicle may or may not crank upon turning key Vehicle downshifts to second gear while driving and has caused me to run off the road/slam on brakes to stop Vehicle resets itself to where Jeep dealership cannot even trace wiring harness for shorts or check to see if transmission control module works properly after having my commander from August to December. Suspect faulty Transmission control module/short due to poorly designed wiring and parts on manufacturer's behalf. Other issues include random codes with each new code reader, stereo wiring issues, vehicle changing from v8 to v4 randomly while driving, consuming excessive gas amounts only receiving 9 miles per gal of fuel Extremely dangerous to drive and do not feel safe

Power Train
Filed Jan 24, 2025KY

I had gotten my sepertine belt replaced and it started showing message transmission over heating it had not aloud my jeep to start and it made the starter go out to the alternator is now bad I have had it stall before I got the message and it about caused an accident several times until message. Brakes had skidded me about into a tree & other things and people when I had pressed on them two handful of times, it's Like that were be slammed or something.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 20, 2024WA

There are 2 issues I am reporting. 1.) The passenger front seat belt tensioner does not allow you to buckle the seat belt. 2.) The vehicle will go into limp mode and shift into 3 gear. I disconnect the battery and wait about 15 seconds and the problem is magically resolved.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 26, 2024153,468 milesKY

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that the dealer had performed the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) on the vehicle; however, after the repair, the key fob and the radio became inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the ignition switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer referred the contact to an independent technician for the reprogramming of the key Fob. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to a second dealer, Chrysler of Lawrenceburg (1181 Bypass S, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342) instead; however, the dealer informed the contact that the key fob could not be reprogrammed. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition switch failed, which required the contact to jiggle the ignition key inside the ignition switch several times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,468.

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2023115,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing engine power and then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after one attempt. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 17, 2023150,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while latching the front driver’s side seat belt, the seat belt would not latch securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 30, 2023FL

Ignition switch

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2023AZ

Transmission over temp is a never ending light that lights up daily. I've had 3 reprogrammed PCMs and the ECM replaced as well. The car was also reprogrammed at the dealership twice with the results the same. It will work for a couple days then right back to the original issue and including a few more. Recently the trans over temp came on and stalled in rush hour traffic. Resulting in a almost serious accident. Several attempts made to restart the car. Started and stalled immediately. After the 4th time and reving the engine very hard it stayed running. I've called the recall line on this and several other recalls (1 that was under warranty) with no resolution. This is now a safety issue for me and others on the road. This car is a lemon and should be taken off the road. I've waisted money at the dealership being charged over $300 each time to reprogrammed with no improvement. Bought 3 PCMs at $1200 each. I replaced almost everything under the hood and car with no positive results.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 2023158,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that the radio would make an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle with the ignition key. The contact also stated that the vehicle also had lost motive power and stalled while accelerating from a complete stop. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The contact stated while driving above 40 MPH uphill with his 8 months pregnant wife sitting in the front passenger’s seat, the vehicle shuddered, stalled inadvertently, and started rolling backward. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that he was unable to shift into park (P) as the gear shifter was stuck. The contact turned the vehicle towards a wall to avoid crashing into another vehicle, and the vehicle stopped. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that he would be charged a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 27, 2022116,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated with the audible warning continuously chiming. The contact indicated that the audible chime was present with or without the seat belts being secured. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 116,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 2022265,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact researched the cause of the failure and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under the recall. A dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 16, 2022UT

Side curtain air bags didn’t deploy during rollover

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 10, 2022142,700 milesWV

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while trying to enter the vehicle, the rear door handles were inoperable. The contact stated that the doors could only be opened from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,700.

20 of 1,635 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201045430Routine
200946300Routine
2008326530Above average
20076966130Above average
2006 — this page1,6356123Fatalities reported
20054000Routine

Compare every Commander year →

Reading this record

3 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 21, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.