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2008 Jeep Commander: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 437 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Commander, and the electrical system is the most named part[1][2]. Four recalls apply, so check that each one was done before you buy[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 437 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 16 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 16 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.
The biggest groups are:
- Electrical system: 269 complaints, median mileage at failure 82,000[2].
- Engine: 101 complaints, median mileage 77,000[5].
- Power train: 44 complaints, median mileage 84,756[6].
- Air bags: 31 complaints, median mileage 96,000[7].
- Visibility: 23 complaints, median mileage 31,000[8].
- Speed control: 20 complaints[9].
- Brakes: 14 complaints, 3 of them with a crash[10].
We read a small sample of complaint texts for the top groups. The counts below come from that sample only and do not describe all owners.
In the engine sample, 9 of 12 texts describe the engine stalling while driving, and 4 of 12 say the dealer could not find or repeat the problem[5]. In the electrical sample, 8 of 12 describe sudden power loss, stalling or a shutdown, sometimes with lights and gauges going dark[2]. In the power train sample, 9 of 12 also mention stalling, and 4 of 12 describe shifting or transmission trouble[6].
The air bag group is smaller but more serious. It has 9 crashes, 12 injuries and 2 deaths[7]. In the 11 different texts we read, 4 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash, and 4 describe an air bag warning light[7].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[3]. Newest first:
- Ignition switch (14V567). Filed 2014-09-17[11]. The key fob may stick between the start and on positions. The ignition could then slip to accessory or off while driving and shut the engine down. That would switch off air bags, power steering and power brakes, which raises crash and injury risk. Dealers swap out the ignition switch and the key fobs at no cost to the owner[11].
- Transfer case (13V175). Filed 2013-05-07[12]. An electrical failure may shift the transfer case into neutral by itself. The vehicle could then roll away. Dealers reflash the final drive controller with new software free of charge[12].
- Front control module (08V059). Filed 2008-02-06 and limited to 1,338 vehicles[13]. A badly made module could stall the engine, stop it from starting or stop the wipers. Dealers inspect the module and replace it if needed[13]. Some owners in our complaint sample say they were told their vehicle was not covered, or was refused, for this recall[2].
- Front brake calipers (07V415). Filed 2007-09-12 and covering 28,755 units[14]. Calipers from one lot may have been made from the wrong iron and could crack without warning. That would lengthen stopping distance. Dealers inspect the calipers and replace them free if they are from that lot[14].
The ignition and transfer case recalls also cover other models, and each applies only to certain build dates[11][12]. Ask for a VIN check on all four.
Fuel economy
EPA lists six versions. All use an automatic 5-speed[15]. Combined ratings run from 14 to 16 MPG, and EPA's annual fuel cost estimate runs from $4,200 to $4,800[4][16].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the four-door Commander 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 27.9%[20].
Engine and size
The Commander came with 3.7L 6-cylinder, 4.7L 8-cylinder and 5.7L 8-cylinder engines in the EPA listings[4][19][15]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications[21].
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,635 | 5 |
| 2007 | 1,035 | 5 |
| 2008 | 437 | 4 |
| 2009 | 59 | 2 |
| 2010 | 45 | 4 |
NHTSA's counts for each Commander year are below[3]. They are not adjusted for how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,635 | 5 |
| 2007 | 1,035 | 5 |
| 2008 | 437 | 4 |
| 2009 | 59 | 2 |
| 2010 | 45 | 4 |
The 2008 model has fewer complaints than 2006 and 2007 and more than 2009 and 2010[3]. Its 4 recalls match 2010, trail 2006 and 2007 at 5 each, and top 2009 at 2[3].
Should you buy a used 2008 Commander?
The file is mixed. Stalling and electrical trouble show up in the complaint samples we read, and the air bag group has the most serious outcomes[2][7]. On the plus side, all four recalls have a described remedy[11][12][13][14]. Run the VIN through NHTSA and ask for proof that the ignition, transfer case and brake caliper work were done. A test drive that checks for stalling and warning lights is wise, and the 3.7L is the lightest on the pump at $4,200 a year, against up to $4,800 for other versions[4][16].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Commander?
- The electrical system has the most complaints at 269 of 437[1][2]. Engine has 101 and power train 44[5][6]. In the samples we read, owners describe stalling.
- Does the 2008 Jeep Commander have recalls?
- Yes, 4 recalls are on file[3]. They cover the ignition switch, transfer case, front control module and front brake calipers[11][12][13][14].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Jeep Commander get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 16 MPG[16][4]. The 3.7L 6-cyl gets 16 combined[4].
- What is the rollover rating of the 2008 Jeep Commander?
- NHTSA gives it 3 stars for rollover, with a 27.9% rollover risk[20].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 437 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Jeep Commander (16 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 16 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 269 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Commander model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Commander 2WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 101 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 44 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,756). NHTSA vehicle records
- 31 complaints name the air bags component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,456). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 14V567, filed September 17, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V175, filed May 7, 2013: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V059, filed February 6, 2008: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 07V415, filed September 12, 2007: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Commander 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Commander 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Commander 4WD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Commander 2WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Commander 4WD, 4.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/4WD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 27.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COMMANDER 4DR SUV 4WD LIMITED: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 5,128 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COMMANDER 4DR SUV 4WD SPORT: length 189 in, width 75 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 110 in, curb weight 4,828 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov