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2010 Jeep Commander: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Jeep Commander, the fewest of any Commander model year in our data[1][2]. It also has 4 recalls, so check that each one was done before you buy[2].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 45 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Three mention a fire. None mention a crash, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.
Two groups lead the list:
- Electrical system: 18 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 70,050[4].
- Engine: 16 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 62,000[5].
The rest are small. Brakes and power train have 5 complaints each[6][7]. Steering and speed control have 4 each[8][9]. Exterior lighting and the fuel system have 2 each[10][11].
What owners describe. We read a small sample of the complaint texts. It is not a measure of how common any problem is.
In the electrical sample, owners describe key and ignition trouble. Keys that were hard to remove, engines that kept running after the key was out and warning lights that stayed on all show up, along with a replaced wireless ignition module[4]. Some of these owners say their vehicle was not covered by recall 10V200. Others describe the engine dying while driving[4].
In the engine sample, owners describe stalling at stops or while slowing down, often with dealers unable to find the cause[5]. A few describe a broken timing chain followed by engine damage on the 5.7-liter V8[5]. One text describes an engine fire[5].
In the power train sample, owners describe a transfer case that stopped shifting properly after the software update from recall 13V175[7]. The next section covers that recall.
The brake sample is mixed and has no single pattern[6].
Recalls
NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first. The data describes a remedy for each one.
- Transfer case software (13V175). Filed 2013-05-07[12]. It covers 295,345 vehicles, including Jeep Grand Cherokees as well as certain 2006 to 2010 Commanders built in a set date range[12]. An electrical failure in the transfer case can push it into neutral. The vehicle could then roll away and raise the risk of a crash or injury. Dealers reflash the final drive controller with new software, free of charge[12]. Some owners in our complaint sample say the transfer case shifted badly after this update[7].
- Ignition module (10V200). Filed 2010-05-11[13]. It covers 37,335 vehicles across several Chrysler models[13]. A wireless ignition node module can bind, so the key may come out before the shifter is in Park. The vehicle could move when it should not and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers inspect the module and replace it free of charge[13].
- Rear track bar (10V085). Filed 2010-03-05[14]. It covers 3,465 Commander and Grand Cherokee vehicles[14]. A badly made rear track bar can reduce stability and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers inspect the bushing retaining hoop and replace the track bar if it is out of position[14].
- Brake booster clip (10V009). Filed 2010-01-11[15]. It covers 20,045 vehicles across several Chrysler brands[15]. A brake booster input rod retaining clip may be badly formed or missing. That could cause brake failure without warning and a crash. Chrysler replaces the clip free of charge[15].
Some vehicles are covered and some are not, so a dealer can tell you whether a specific vehicle is included. Several complaint texts say an owner was told their vehicle was not part of a recall[4][7].
Fuel economy
EPA lists four versions, all with a 5-speed automatic and regular fuel[3][16][17][18].
| Engine and drive | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L V8, 2WD[3] | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| 5.7L V8, 4WD[16] | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| 3.7L V6, 4WD[17] | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| 3.7L V6, 2WD[18] | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
The fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Every version is rated at 16 combined mpg or lower[3][16][17][18].
Safety ratings
NHTSA's rollover rating for the 4 DR RWD/AWD version is 3 stars, with a rollover risk of 27.9%[19]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.
Engine and size
The EPA test car list shows a 3.7-liter engine rated at 210 hp and a 4.7-liter engine rated at 235 hp[20][21]. The fuel economy ratings above also list a 5.7-liter V8[3][16]. Our data does not give a horsepower figure for it.
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[22][23].
How 2010 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 complaint counts for the Commander fall every year in our data. They are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold[2].
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,635 | 5 |
| 2007 | 1,035 | 5 |
| 2008 | 437 | 4 |
| 2009 | 59 | 2 |
| 2010 | 45 | 4 |
The 2010 model year has the fewest complaints[2]. Its recall count is not the lowest. It has fewer recalls than 2006 and 2007, the same number as 2008 and more than 2009[2].
Should you buy a used 2010 Commander?
The complaint count is low next to earlier Commander years, but the 4 recalls still matter[2]. Ask for proof that each recall was done, especially the ignition module and brake clip recalls, because those failures affect keeping the car in Park and stopping it[13][15]. Owners in our sample describe stalling and ignition trouble, so a long test drive with several stops is a fair step[4][5]. Some owners say the transfer case misbehaved after the 13V175 update, so ask whether it was done and how the 4WD system works now[7]. Fuel economy is 16 mpg combined or lower, which will show up in the fuel bill[3][16][17][18].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Jeep Commander?
- Electrical system complaints (18) and engine complaints (16) are the largest groups among 45 on file[1][4][5]. In a small sample we read, owners describe ignition and key trouble and stalling[4][5].
- Does the 2010 Jeep Commander have any recalls?
- Yes, four: 13V175 (transfer case), 10V200 (ignition module), 10V085 (rear track bar) and 10V009 (brake booster clip)[12][13][14][15].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2010 Jeep Commander?
- EPA combined ratings are 15 to 16 mpg depending on engine and drive[3][16][17][18]. The 5.7L 4WD is the lowest at 15 combined[16].
- Is the 2010 Jeep Commander the best year of the model?
- It has the fewest NHTSA complaints of the five years in our data, at 45[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales[2].
- What is the rollover rating of the 2010 Jeep Commander?
- NHTSA gives the 4 DR RWD/AWD version 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 27.9%[19].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Jeep Commander (0 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Jeep Commander model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Commander 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 18 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,050). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 13V175, filed May 7, 2013: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V200, filed May 11, 2010: Electrical System › Ignition › Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V085, filed March 5, 2010: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V009, filed January 11, 2010: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Commander 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-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, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-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, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 27.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Jeep Commander with electric motor: rated 210 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Jeep Commander with electric motor: rated 235 hp. www.epa.gov
- 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 5,198 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 4,720 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov