Carlexica

2008 Jeep Commander: problems, recalls and reliability

5 recalls and 325 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (53% of complaints); the 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2014

5
recalls
325
owner complaints
3
fire reports
84,500
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 84,500 mi)Weak spot: electrical system (53%)3 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 325 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)53% · 164 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)11% · 34 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)6% · 19 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)5% · 16 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)3% · 10 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)3% · 8 complaints
Driving down the interstate with all windows on Jeep Commander closed. With no fore warning the sunroof flew off. This poses a serious safety risk to the individual driver and others on the road. My scenario another driver's vehicle was struck by said glass.Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2026
Traction control kicks in and the gas peddle doesn't work properly. Won't accelerate and just slows down. 20-30 seconds later and it kicks back off. Happened 3-4 times. No problems up until incident. Does have the tire pressure light on as well.Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2026
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. The failure mileage was 140,000.Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
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 unable to locate source of the problem. Jeep dealer has 1 month wait. Put my family at risk as it was 110 degree day. When it all occurred could smell electrical burning smell.Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2024
2008 Jeep Commander, 4.7L, QDII system. Vehicle experiences a sudden an unexpected loss of power and braking action while driving at speed. After loss of power, ABS, Stability Control, Brake, Check engine light, dash board warning lights illuminate and flash. Park assist and service 4wd error messages flash intermittently. Vehicle begins to buck and surge, accelerator becomes unresponsive. Has occurred at highway speed of 70mph, 50mph, 35mph. Loss of control of vehicle is sudden an unexpected with no advance warning. Vehicle has been to my local jeep dealer 4 times for repair (in under 1000 miles) multiple components replaced with no correction to issue.Owner report · Power Train · May 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the ABS, Traction Control, Check Engine, and ESP BAS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, on some occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the driver's seat, causing the seat to vibrate. The contact stated that she also observed oil under the oil filter when she inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted but the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,948.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2023
The WIN module malfunctioned not allowing my vehicle to restart after stalling on the interstate. Since then, I have not been able to start my vehicle. Apparently there's a recall on this exact same win module for the exact same year make and model of my vehicle but yet I was informed that my vin wasn't qualified under the recall for some reason.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2022
The truck shuts down and loses all electrical most usually when slowing down for a light or coming to a stop. Most times except for one it turns back on right away. We have had numerous fixes and yet it still keeps happening. This is apparently a common keep commander issue. I am scared to travel with my kids in it.Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, she was informed that there was a metal part hanging underneath the rear subframe of the vehicle. The contact drove to her residence, where she noticed the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gas tank support had detached and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2022
I was in the freeway going 68-70 mph with my wife and kids where a red lightning â¡ï¸ Appears on the upper right corner, vehicle steering locked and tuned off while cars were coming. I was able to turn vehicle back on and move to the right of the freeway. Turns out it has a recall on it. I took it to Browning Dodge in Norca Ca. They say they fixed my recall I picked up my Jeep , it drove ok for a few days and it started doing the same malfunction. They said they are unable to work on my vehicle due to throttle body that was replaced by a professional mechanic.Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2021

When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 5 campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION14V567000 · Sep 2014

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.

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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER07V415000 · Sep 2007

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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13V175000 · May 2013

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.

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 · Jun 2009

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.

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.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER08V059000 · Feb 2008

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

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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Drive type4x2

How other years compare

Check your exact Commander by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Commander reliable?

NHTSA has 325 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Jeep Commander. The most complained-about area is electrical system (53% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Commander problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,500 miles or less.

Does the 2008 Jeep Commander have open recalls?

5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.