2008 Jeep Commander problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Commander, most often about electrical system. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
35
Recalls
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
2
Median mileage
160,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 17 of 35 complaints (49%).
  • Engine (11) and transmission & drivetrain (8) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 160,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries.
  • The 2008 Jeep Commander has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 2nd of 5 Jeep Commander model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 9% more complaints than the 2007 model year (32).

2008 Jeep Commander problems by category

  • Electrical System
    17 complaints
  • Engine
    11 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    8 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    6 complaints
  • Suspension
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    3 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Airbags
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system17
Engine10
Power train8
Vehicle speed control6
Suspension3
Unknown or other3
Fuel/propulsion system2
Steering2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k30k–60k160k–100k5100k–150k8150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2008 Jeep Commander complaints that list mileage.

2008 Jeep Commander recalls (2)

  • Recall 14V567000Sep 17, 2014292,798 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 13V175000May 7, 2013295,345 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

    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.

Recent 2008 Jeep Commander complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 31, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngine
    I had the vehicle towed into the dealership with issues and was charged given the vehicle back and not fixed. I have attempted to reach out several times and I feel discriminated against with being told that I will receive a call back and they continue to ignore my calls and no call back at all. I have had to spend money on a rental during this entire situation.
    NHTSA complaint #11760883 · source
  2. Filed Mar 15, 2026OKVisibility & Wipers
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11724495 · source
  3. Filed Mar 8, 2026INBrakes
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11722764 · source
  4. Filed Apr 30, 2025140,000 miNEAirbags
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11657886 · source
  5. Filed Jun 18, 2024INFireElectrical System
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11594970 · source
  6. Filed Feb 28, 2024MDEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11574444 · source
  7. Filed Sep 19, 2023TN2 injuredElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlSuspension
    Electrical System is failing. Began with the Electrical sunroof will not open/OR slide all the way open, the sunroof Electrical problem has been this way since I purchased it in 04/2019. Next the touchscreen panel for the radio AM/FM, will shit off while driving down the road randomly and sporadically. CD Player quit working indefinitely, i cant even get my CD out of the CD player. Will not play any CD or radio if cd player is attempted to be activated. Airbag warning light…
    NHTSA complaint #11545533 · source
  8. Filed Apr 25, 2023160,948 miMIBrakesEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11518836 · source

Compare the 2008 Jeep Commander with another vehicle →

Other 2008 Jeep models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology