2008 Jeep Commander Problems
Compared with other Jeep Commander years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 3.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.5× that of a typical Jeep Commander year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 27 of its 326 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: No-start, stall and total power loss (ignition/win module) (203 complaints, median 82,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 326filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles, 233 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Jeep Commander (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems: the vehicle failing to start, losing all power or stalling while driving, and dashboard/headlight/window faults. Many complaints reference the ignition/win module and a 2014 ignition recall, and several note that dealers could not reproduce the problem or that parts were unavailable. Stalling complaints appear across a wide mileage range, from under 20,000 miles to well past 150,000.
- Electrical system
No-start, stall and total power loss (ignition/win module)
- 203 complaints (62%)
- median 82,000 mi at 6.8 yrs old (169 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2024
Complaints describe the vehicle refusing to start with the key inserted, sometimes with a 'damaged key' or 'wrong key' message, and other times shutting off completely while driving or idling, including loss of dash lights, headlights and power assist. Some owners report the ignition key slipping to the accessory position while driving, turning off gauges and headlights. Several say dealers could not duplicate or diagnose the failure because no codes were stored, and others say the ignition recall part was on back order for months. Reported from under 20,000 miles up to about 240,000 miles, with many cases between 60,000 and 110,000; often intermittent and at various speeds.
Recall 14V567000Recall 08V0590002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the ignition recall 14V567000 was completed and keep the repair paperwork. Before buying, start the vehicle several times from cold and check that the key does not move easily out of the run position.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2008 Jeep Commander limited- I was driving appx 50 MPH and the power shut off. Lights went off, AC went off, kids dvd went off... The car completely shut down! Steering wheel started locking up. I was able to coast to the side of the road immediately before the steering wheel completely locked up. Luckily when I placed the car in park, it started back up.”
NHTSA complaint #10346992, filed 2010-08, 32,800 miles“We just bought our Jeep and in the first week we had it stalled for no reason. We took it back to the dealership and they couldn't not repeat the problem. It has since stalled 5 or 6 times at various speeds. I am concerned that this is a real safety issue and am afraid to let my teenage son drive this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10614855, filed 2014-07, 56,750 miles - Engine
Stalling and sudden loss of power while driving
- 109 complaints (33%)
- median 75,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (93 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2024
Owners describe the engine stalling without warning at highway and low speeds, sometimes restarting immediately and sometimes not at all. Several report multiple stalls in a single day and no stored diagnostic codes, so dealers or independent mechanics were unable to identify a cause. Some complaints link the stall to the ignition recall repair or to software updates previously performed. Spread from roughly 50,000 to over 150,000 miles, occurring at any speed and sometimes when slowing or braking.
Recall 14V5670001 related service bulletin
What to check: Road test at highway and stop-and-go speeds and ask if any stalling history or pending fault codes are documented. Have a pre-purchase scan for stored and pending codes done by an independent shop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2008 Jeep Commander safety issue where it completely looses all electrical and motor systems while driving or idling. It stalls out only at low RPM or when shifting from first to second gear. I lost all systems including steering, brakes, and hazard lights. This happened to me several times in the past week nearly causing an accident. Dealership and private auto mechanic could not diagnose and it leaves no system events. …”
NHTSA complaint #10985422, filed 2017-05, 99,000 miles“There seems to be a nationwide problem with 2008 Jeep commanders. The car will not start,or will stall while driving that can cause a major accident!!!!! This has to do with the win module. It is such an issue that the part needed has been on back order for months!!!!! What is it going to take to take for chrysler to recall this vehicle!! I am paying for a car that I can not drive!!! So I have to pay for a rental car and this Jeep!!!! If nothing is done, will class action lawsuit be the next step?? Please respond.”
NHTSA complaint #10535434, filed 2013-08, 44,178 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Rough or erratic shifting, limp mode, lost acceleration
- 31 complaints (10%)
- median 66,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2024
Owners describe the transmission dropping speed unexpectedly, staying in one gear, revving without acceleration, or entering limp mode, sometimes corrected by restarting. Some report that adding transmission fluid helped briefly with no visible leak found by mechanics, and one complaint notes jerking when gears shifted at low speed. Reported from about 16,000 miles up to around 170,000, typically between 60,000 and 120,000.
Recall 13V1750003 related service bulletins
What to check: Drive at light and moderate throttle and check for delayed or harsh shifts and any hesitation going into gear. Ask for transmission service records and whether fluid level and condition have been checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the highway, the entire dashboard went black and the car went completely dead. This has happened 3 times since the first incident. No lights, power steering or brakes, no power windows to put my hand out to wave cars around me. Car also stalls immediately upon starting up. Also another recurring issue is the entire dashboard lighting up and flashing, total power loss--no power in gas pedal, car stops, and then suddenly kicks back in. I called the dealership and they said I must pay $99.50 for a diagnostic test.”
NHTSA complaint #10610576, filed 2014-07, 86,000 miles“On a 2 lane road at a speed of 25 to 30 MPH, the 2008 Jeep Commander quit accelerating when the gas pedal was pushed. It responded as if it was in neutral. Rpm's reved up high with no acceleration. When the vehicle was turned off and then back on it continued to do the same thing. Intermittently.”
NHTSA complaint #11384534, filed 2020-12, 198,140 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and airbags not deploying
- 20 complaints (6%)
- median 114,500 mi at 7.9 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2025
Complaints describe the airbag warning light staying on, with a dealer diagnosing the clockspring assembly, and other reports of front airbags not deploying in a collision where side curtain airbags did. One owner reports a passenger airbag deploying without an impact. Mostly reported on higher-mileage vehicles, roughly 100,000 to 155,000 miles, and in collision situations.
What to check: Turn the key to run and confirm the airbag warning light comes on and then goes out. Ask about any clockspring replacement or open airbag recalls, and check the VIN against the manufacturer's recall lookup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1. I was in an accident in which my vehicle rear-ended another. Most of the front end of my vehicle will have to be replaced. The vehicle that was rear-ended is a total loss. 2. At the time of impact I was wearing my safety belt but it did not lock causing my upper body to hit the steering wheel with great force. Also none of my air bags deployed. 3. I have contacted the dealership and chrysler to make them aware of the failures. At this time, nothing has been done to correct these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10260006, filed 2009-02, 10,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the clockspring assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V290000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11657886, filed 2025-04, 140,000 miles
Buying note. Start and road test this model year thoroughly and get the ignition recall work documented before purchase, since electrical no-start and stalling complaints are the most common. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes, plus a check of all 4WD modes and transmission behavior, is worth the cost on a vehicle of this age and mileage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 326 consumer complaints for the 2008 Jeep Commander. 233 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 84,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 56 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Jeep Commander model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system201 62%
- Engine59 18%
- Transmission and drivetrain30 9.2%
- Air bags22 6.8%
- Other or unknown17 5.2%
- Vehicle speed control15 4.6%
- Engine cooling14 4.3%
- Brakes12 3.7%
Also reported: Fuel system (9), Steering (9), Body and structure (9), Seat belts (8), Suspension (8), Exterior lighting (5), Seats (5), Tires (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The recall (n23 NHTSA 13v 225) per shanepua, of chrysler, that is now causing major problems on my vehicle was not tasked to my specific vehicle and they won't honor the recall. The other 2 recalls were poorly done in feb 2020 and is now again causing problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11375252, filed 2020-11, 189,110 milesEngine: “Takata recall I own a 2008 Jeep Commander with a 3.7 liter engine. I always made my oil change at 50,000 miles or 6 months intervals. I have learned that Jeep chrysler and dodge vehicles produced from 2005 to 2012 all have the same problem of the oil pickup tube not working properly or gets clogged with slim so tht no engine oil reaches the pistons and cylinder head. While driving, my engine threw a piston rod trough the engine block and into the oil pan. …”
NHTSA complaint #11096980, filed 2018-05, 110,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I know now that im not the only one with this problem, my 2008 Jeep Commander looses power as im driving at a regular speed. I press the gas pedal and does nothing then I pull over to side of road try again, and it works again. After the 5th time I've been taking it to 3 different diagnose and repair shops but they cant find the problem but it still does it sometimes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10526284, filed 2013-07, 85,000 milesAir bags: “A couple nights ago I started my vehicle and the lights were dim at the dashboard. At the same time the headlights would only turn off when the vehicle was turned off, the turn signals quit working, but the hazards work though, the dome lights didn't work unless lens pushed on but not from turn signal lever and the windshield wipers quit working. This all happened at the same time. I thought maybe a cluster relay was bad. The more I look into it, it may be the tipm is faulty. In the past year I have replaced the battery twice, alternater is good and the vehicle stalled at random times.”
NHTSA complaint #10940200, filed 2017-01, 128,141 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 233 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 112,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Jeep Commander. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander · sedan RWD/4WD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 3 · 27.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Jeep Commander version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commander 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Commander 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Commander 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Commander 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Commander 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Commander 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V567000Sep 17, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Jeep Commander 2008, Dodge Charger 2008, Chrysler 300 2008 +2 more
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May…
- 13V175000May 7, 2013Electrical systemCovers: Jeep Commander 2006–2010, Grand Cherokee 2005–2010
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A…
- 08V059000Feb 6, 2008Electrical systemCovers: Jeep Commander 2008, Grand Cherokee 2008
Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured.
- 07V415000Sep 12, 2007Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › CaliperCovers: Jeep Commander 2007–2008, Grand Cherokee 2007–2008
On certain sport utility vehicles, front brake calipers in a certain lot may have been manufactured from gray iron instead of ductile iron as designed and could fracture without warning.
Recall details for the 2008 Jeep Commander → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 56 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Plate - Planetary
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10244348Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring…
- 10221097Apr 7, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners…
- 10220843Mar 31, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the…
- 10190590Mar 31, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the…
- 10220471Feb 22, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10191442Feb 22, 2021Equipment. Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
Other model years of the Jeep Commander
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 45 | 74,500 | 4 | — | 16 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 46 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 16 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 326 | 84,000 | 4 | — | 15 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 696 | 73,800 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,635 | 74,484 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Jeep Commander model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Commander?
Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems: the vehicle failing to start, losing all power or stalling while driving, and dashboard/headlight/window faults. The issues reported most often: No-start, stall and total power loss (ignition/win module); Stalling and sudden loss of power while driving; Rough or erratic shifting, limp mode, lost acceleration.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Jeep Commander have?
NHTSA recorded 326 consumer complaints for the 2008 Jeep Commander as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Jeep Commander is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 201 complaints (62% of the total), followed by engine with 59.
Has the 2008 Jeep Commander been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Jeep Commander get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Jeep Commander (Commander 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Jeep Commander reported?
Among the 233 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 84,000 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 112,000 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.