CarComplaints.com Notes: Whenever a new product is introduced, there's bound to be some problems. And man oh man, does the 2006 Commander have some problems.
It's the plight of the 1st-generation adopter: you get the newest and shiniest in exchange for a handful of issues that get ironed out in future versions. But what happens when that handful of issues becomes a bucketload? The 2006 Commander has quality control issues like the door handles breaking off and the sunroof leaking. But what's truly worrisome is the electrical problems like the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, gauges going crazy or the cruise control having a mind of its own.
Bottom line: if you want a Jeep Commander, you're better off looking at a later model year.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
21 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
10 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,991 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
There is a serious electrical problem with the SUV which started within. The dealers looked at it, I paid for computer diagnostics and still nothing. Besides all the lights flashing on and off, the speedometer fluctuating, actually all the instruments going on and off while I am driving; also, the temperature control panel does not light up when the headlights are on. I have never had an automobile with all these electrical problems that no one can fix. Please recall this vehicle before someone dies. I try not to drive long distances alone because of this problem.
I wrote about this problem several times and realize others also have similar problems. When will Chrysler be forced to recall and fix the problem. Does someone have to die first for this to be considered serious? there is a serious electrical problem with the SUV which started within 3 yrs of having the truck. The dealers looked at it, I paid for computer diagnostics and still nothing. Besides all the lights flashing on and off, the speedometer fluctuating, actually all the instruments going on and off while I am driving; also, the temperature control panel does not light up when the headlights are on. I have never had an automobile with all these electrical problems that no one can fix. Please recall this vehicle before someone dies. I try not to drive long distances alone because of this problem.
2006 Jeep Commander 4.7L V8 stalls when coming to a stop. Multiple instances (over 12) between the first occurrence approximately mid December 2013 and today 11 January 2014. All stalls happened when coming to a stop except for one instance when it stalled while in reverse. A drop in rmps and lighting/instrument failure accompanies the stall. Chrysler's recall N32 was completed October 2013. Vehicle has been owned since early 2011 with no stalling of this type having occurred prior to this. No instrument panel indication (e.g. check engine light) accompanies the stall. Vehicle restarted on all occasions after shifting to park or neutral.
Chrysler released the N23 recall to update the final drive controller, this update has affected the transfer case motor function. My 2006 Commander has had a catastrophic failure and cannot be fixed. The Jeep dealer informed me that Chrysler has pulled all the replacement parts from the supply system (transfer case motor) and there is no timeline for availability. There is no substitute parts to fix, nor aftermarket option. My car is worthless now!
All lights on the dash flip off and on in succession and the odometer and tachometer drop to 0 while maintaining speed. Highbeams and headlights also seem to be effected. Happened first on December 31 and has continued happening since this time at random times.
- Bethesda, MD, USA
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Had recall N23 performed in October. During last snow storm went to use 4lo and got a "service 4wheel" and 4lo would not engage. After doing some research on Jeep forums found this to be a recurring problem with many folks who have this recall/re-flash done on the final drive.
The vehicle will suddenly lose power to the headlights, taillights, instrument panel, speedometer, odometer, and the interior some lights will turn themselves on without cause or warning. In the most recent event, vehicular damage and possible personal injury nearly occurred when driving in the dark, almost striking a utility pole. Also, the automatic window control will not function properly when trying to roll up the window itself. It will stop halfway and bring itself back down. It usually takes 3-4 times to roll the window up. This has occurred numerous times, so many that I can't keep track. The local dealership cannot pinpoint the issue and this vehicle is not safe to be on the road.
Approximately 40 miles from home, on a day with the temperature well below zero degrees Fahrenheit, we rolled our front windows down to talk to our neighbors, who were shopping at the same mall as us. After visiting with them, our windows would not roll back up. Our family had to drive in freezing weather back home, on a Sunday, with the windows rolled down. On the way, by rapidly depressing the windows lock button, while my wife repeatedly pulled up on the front passenger window switch, we got her window to roll up. We never could get the drivers front window to roll up. I replaced the master switch assembly on the drivers door panel, but that did not help. The dealership told me that I probably have multiple broken wires in the wire bundle in the door hinge area. Jeep has not, to my knowledge, addressed this problem at all. The internet forums are chock-full of hundreds and hundreds of consumers that have had, and are having this same problem.
2006 Jeep Commander electrical system recall 13V175000 NHTSA: Action number: N/a service bulletin number: 13V175000 I had my Commander taken to the local Jeep dealer to perform the recall. After the recall was performed my car would not shift into 4lo, and I got a service light. I returned my car to the dealer twice more to redo the recall. My 4lo would work for a few days then it would again not work and the service light would return. My dealer then ordered a transfer case shift actuator under warranty, and assured me this would fix the problem. After the actuator was installed, I had no problems for about 2 months. I really thought it was fixed for good. Then, the problem returned. I have since talked to others who have had this recall done, and they also complain about the loss of 4lo, and a service light afterward. These problems were non existent prior to the recall in most cases. I believe this recall should be looked at, and recalled again to fix this recall induced problem.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, all of the warning lights illuminated intermittently and the vehicle decelerated independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis however, the technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that after servicing the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system, power train), the four wheel drive feature failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was advised that the transfer case motor actuator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 118,000.
2006 Jeep Commander. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle transfer case motor actuator recall notice and seeks compensation for repairs. The consumer stated the service 4WD system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where they replaced the transfer case motor actuator at a cost of $ $708.95. The consumer received a recall notice, several months later and applied for compensation under the recall. However, Chrysler informed the consumer that a fix for the recall had not been found and he would received another recall notice when the decision was made on how to fix the problem. In September, the consumer received a second recall notice and contacted Chrysler about his compensation. He was assigned another case number and was informed the refund would be paid out in four weeks. In later October, he again contacted Chrysler about the status of his refund. He was informed, the claim was denied since it had nothing to do with the shifting into neutral addressed in the recall.
In may, 2013 I received recall, N23. Soon after I had the recall applied. On the first attempt to use the 4 wheel drive feature it failed. I went to another dealer who disconnected the transfer case, checked the connections and voltages and found them ok. They reconnected the transfer case and reported it operational. A few weeks later, while traveling, I received another warning that the transfer case failed. I went to a local Jeep dealer who diagnosed the problem as needing an actuator. When I returned home I went to the dealer that applied the original recall which was a software update. After they cleared the error codes they said they found a broken connector on the actuator. I assume all the manual handling of the actuator probably caused the connector to brake. I was told that the actuator had to be replaced but was on backorder. I have paperwork that indicates that the original problem found was a cracked circuit board in the actuator. How can a software update fix a cracked circuit board" could that be why there are no new actuators available? were they pulled off the market" there are many Jeep owners that I am in contact with that are having the same problem as I am and are being told the same thing by Chrysler that I am: That the recall did not cause the damage to the actuator. Something needs to be done to resolve this problem. Someone outside of Chrysler and the owners needs to investigate to get to the bottom.
2006 Jeep Commander. Consumer writes in regards to reprogram final drive controller module recall notice and seeks reimbursement for repairs. The consumer stated the vehicle shifted into neutral at the bottom of a hill and would not move out of neutral. She had the vehicle towed to a local repair shop who informed her there was a problem with the transfer case and recommended replacement. The consumer stated she was unaware of the final drive controller module software issue at the time. The recall notice was issued in May 2013, but she wasn't notified until September. The consumer submitted the documents along with the contact information from the repair shop, only to be told she was not eligible for reimbursement, because it was not the same issue as the recall described. She asked for clarification on the factors contributing to that determination and was informed the repair shop could not verify the issue caused by the drive controller module.
Car dash lights radio and headlights went on and off 5 times in a 1 mile drive. Car also shifted into neutral on its own. Called Jeep. They said that even though these things are on the recall list my car is not eligible due to my VIN number. And if I want these things fixed I would have to pay.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that the dashboard gauges failed sporadically. An unknown warning indicator illuminated followed by all of the indicators on the instrument panel illuminating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 89,000.
2006 Jeep Commander. Consumer writes in regards to transfer case actuator recall notice. The consumer stated the vehicle slipped into neutral, leaving her stranded on the highway. She was unable to drive the vehicle, so it had to be towed to the dealer. A week prior, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the consumers husband a new transmission was needed and the cost would be between 5,000 and 6,000 dollars. The consumer went to an independent repair shop, where the transmission was replaced.
We were traveling home on the interstate going about 75 mph, and all of a sudden everything lights up on the dashboard, and my Jeep Commander starts shutting down without warning! we had to coast off of a exit ramp, and were thankful we did not get smacked from behind or killed! this is the third time that this happened to me. One other time I was taking my child to school, and it just shut off without warning while the truck was in motion, and I had to coast off to the side to a cvs pharmacy parking lot! another problem with this particular truck is that the door handles are poorly made. All of my door handles just started crumbling one by one and will not open from the inside. I have already put in a complaint about the door handles to NHTSA. The last complaint that I have is when it rains heavily, a huge puddle will dampen my passenger side because water is backed up in the sunroof drains. Jeep has cheated a lot of people with this Jeep Commander! it has too many problems to count and everything cost more than what the Jeep is worth! I will never deal with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge again! they are a bunch of crooks! NHTSA please do something ! this broken door handle issue and shutting off without warning is going to get someone seriously hurt or killed!
My 2006 Jeep Commander seemed to lose power or shift to neutral while driving on the interstate. It has happened to me 2 times. I had my 3 children traveling in the vehicle with me one of those times. I had to recrank the vehicle while driving. It comes without warning. When I saw recall N23 I was relieved that I would have recourse to have this repaired, but when I call today, they tell me my vehicle is not covered and I would have to pay out of my own pocket for any repairs because Chrysler determined my vehicle wasn't covered. I have recently had other problems with this vehicle, that I now see many other owners have had. The door handles are all broken from flimsy plastic. It requires the whole door panel to be replaced to repair. Also I am now having starting problems that are unable to be diagnosed. I have been a proud Jeep owner and have enjoyed this vehicle however, now I am very disappointed by Chrysler. I will not be a repeat customer.
I purchased my 2006 Jeep Commander in July 2013 8/3/13 I was driving on the freeway when all the warning lights started flashing. The gauges stop working. Head lights went out, ac fan shut down, radio went off. Everything electrical shut down. Then it just came back on, then off. It continued to do this until I shut the car off and waited for a few minutes. But it started again after a few minutes of driving. I have taken back to dealer where I purchased it. They have replaced the ECU, and the pcu but it's still doing it. It's been in out of the shop 4 times so far. They have had my car longer than I have. As of now they are unable to determine what's wrong with it. So I am paying for a car that I can't drive and I can't get out of my loan because the cars not worth what I paid for it and it's not drivable!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Loves Park, IL, USA