2009 Jeep Commander Problems
Compared with other Jeep Commander years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
11/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× 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.
- 2 of its 46 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (21 complaints, median 87,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 16 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Jeep Commander (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2009 Jeep Commander. The part named most often is electrical system, with 21 complaints (46% of the total), followed by engine (9) and transmission and drivetrain (8). 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 78,000 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 51 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 17 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 2 Jeep Commander model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 11 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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 system21 46%
- Engine9 20%
- Air bags6 13%
- Other or unknown3 6.5%
- Body and structure3 6.5%
- Fuel system2 4.3%
- Steering2 4.3%
- Tires2 4.3%
- Wheels2 4.3%
Also reported: Brakes (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “A few weeks ago while driving down a country road going around a semi sharp turn the Jeep just shut off. Lights, engine, brakes all power shut off. I was able to place the Jeep in neutral and start it back up. Everytime since while driving the dash lights flicker as well as the headlights. It stalls at times and sometimes the traction control light comes on and stays on until I turn the car off and back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11216945, filed 2019-05, 134,000 milesEngine: “My 2009 Jeep Commander stalled and finally cut off while driving. Everything completely shuts down and have to restart the engine immediately. It has happened 4 times now in approximately last four months. This condition has happened twice while my daughter was driving, and twice while my wife was driving. It is at random, and at different speeds of 35mph to 45mph on a city street. So frightening. The vehicle was purchased used in august of 2010 with 38+k miles on it. It has 141000mile now. I have replaced the ignition key a few months age. …”
NHTSA complaint #11139572, filed 2018-10, 141,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Key sticks in ignition. The more it is driven in one day, the worse it sticks. Will allow engine to shut off but does not allow key to go back to off position without taking out of park and shifting back to park. Took to dealership for diagnostic. Was told that shifter assembly needed replaced. Part was ordered, replacement is scheduled for next week. Has been happening off and on since mid september.”
NHTSA complaint #10806823, filed 2015-11, 74,500 milesAir bags: “The airbag light is on and after taking it to the mechanic, I was informed that it will not release in the event of an accident. I searched for a recall as the mechanic suggested and found nothing. Since I have never been in an accident that would set the airbag off, I do not understand why the light is on. The lights on the dashboard, interior lights, autostart, heated seats, rear sensors, and anti skid have all stopped working. Although my car is 9 years old, it has less than 60,000 miles and is well cared for. The mechanic has informed me that I have a faulty board. …”
NHTSA complaint #11075593, filed 2018-03, 55,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
13% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 113,000 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 2009 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/AWD | 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 2009 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 | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Commander 2WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Commander 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Commander 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Commander 4WD | 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Commander 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| 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 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V175000May 7, 2013Electrical systemCovers: Jeep Commander 2006–2010, Grand Cherokee 2005–2010
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A…
- 09V118000Apr 9, 2009Air bags › FrontalCovers: Jeep Commander 2009, Dodge Journey 2009, Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 2009 +1 more
Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 dodge journey, jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag may not deploy as intended.
Recall details for the 2009 Jeep Commander → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 51 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11010205Oct 30, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Plate - Planetary
- 10248509Sep 15, 2023Electrical system. Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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…
- 10229031Mar 6, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure)…
- 10220687Mar 6, 2022Other or unknown, Engine cooling. Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure)…
- 10212290Mar 6, 2022Engine, Engine cooling. Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure)…
- 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…
- 10215879Jan 16, 2021Engine cooling. Customer complaints may include abnormal engine noise, rough idle, lack of power, misfire. Upon investigation, it may be found that there is excessive camshaft lobe wear/lifter wear (roller failure)…
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Jeep Commander have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2009 Jeep Commander as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Jeep Commander is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 21 complaints (46% of the total), followed by engine with 9.
Has the 2009 Jeep Commander been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Jeep Commander get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Jeep Commander (Commander 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Jeep Commander reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 78,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 113,000 miles; 13% 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.