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.
I purchased my 2006 Jeep Commander in Oct. 2005 from mccune Chrysler Jeep in national city, ca. Initially, I started noticing my brakes shimmying as I came to a stop. I reported to my dealership a few times but no good came out of it. Then, last Thursday, Sept. 13, I noticed my dashboard lights (electrical system, brakes and transmission lights) flashing on and off as I accelerated from a stop and headed uphill. It felt as though the Jeep wanted to stop and go at the same time. I reported it to my dealership and brought in the vehicle the next week. The dealership quoted me $190 to analyze it (since my Jeep was about 8,000 miles beyond the warranty period). Then, they told me that it would cost me over $400 to repair the vehicle even though they did not know what was wrong with it. I began to research the internet about recalls on this make and model and found that Chrysler had issued a recall on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007. I printed the article and brought it to my service rep at mccune. The rep insisted that it was not my problem and that his dealership had not heard of a recall on my make and model. So, I called Chrysler's customer service department in oak ridge, tn. The representatives there insisted that there was no recall. Frustrated, I accepted the dealerships offer to repair my vehicle. They quoted me a $100 deductible to place the vehicle under warranty. As I drove off, the same thing happened all over again. I called the service advisor and explained what had happened. He insisted that he test drove the vehicle and the lights never came on. I didn't believe him. I feel that he mislead me and that his dealership never repaired my vehicle. I will bring my vehicle back to mccune Monday morning (9/24/07) and I will see what will happen. I paid for a rental vehicle last week (over $100 and the dealership never offered to cover my expenses. I am so frustrated.
I purchased my 2006 Jeep Commander in Oct. 2005. First, my brakes would shimmy when I came to a stop. Then, beginning Sept. 13, I noticed my dash board lights flashing on and off as I accelerated after a stop and drove uphill. Now, it doesn't matter if I am drivig the vehicle uphill or on level areas on the highways and freeways. It gets worse and worse everyday. On Monday, Sept. 17, I called tony mccune Chrysler Dodge Jeep and arranged for an appointment to bring my vehicle for a check up. The dealership wanted to charge me $190 to analyze it. Then, they called me in the afternoon and said it would cost me over $400 to repair the Jeep eventhough they still did not know what was wrong with my vehicle. Before I went in the next day, I surfed the internet and learned that Chrysler was recalling my model for the conditions I explained above (malfunction of the computer system, which affects the braking system). The dealership insisted that my Jeep was not part of the recall. Calling Chrysler in oak ridge, tn, I experienced the worst customer service from a representative who insisted there was no recall in place for my model. The dealership called me back and said that Chrysler would extend my warranty (since it had already expired) if I would pay $100 deductible. Ater I picked up my Jeep and drive off, I noticed the same thing happening as I drove onto the freeway. I called the dealership and explained the situation. The representative (bruce) insisted that the it should have been repaired. I don't believe the dealership ever repaired my Jeep. I am very concerned about the run-around I am receiving from Jeep, Chrysler and the local service reps. I am also gravely concerned for my family's safety in this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. When the contact started the vehicle, the headlights and instrument panel gauges would not illuminate. He stated that the instrument panel gauges failed to work as well. When the steering wheel was turned in either direction without applying the brakes, the ABS would engage and the vehicle decelerated. The contact felt the pulsating vibration through the steering wheel and heard the ABS engage. The failure occurred while driving 25 mph and greater. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the failure, however, they reset the codes in the vehicle. Two weeks later, while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer and they replaced the remote start module. The contact also stated that the check engine and four wheel drive lights would often illuminate and dim automatically. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.
Jeep Commander stalls at slow speeds when coming to a stop. Started to pull into traffic and had no power. This could be a fatal problem if this happens in busy traffic. Please investigate this! I have heard and read story after story of this same problem happening to other Jeep Commander owners.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving 25 mph uphill, the electronic stability warning indicator light illuminated. The vehicle decelerated and then regained speed when traveling downhill. There was not a loss of steering or brakes. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The failure mileage was 50 and current mileage was 22,500. Updated 10/03/07
- Ottawa, IL, USA
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The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and all of the instrument panel lights blinked on and off. She stated that there was no stability while driving. The vehicle swerved and then shut off when the brakes were applied. The electrical system shut down intermittently and the contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle. The failure occurs at various speeds. She has been to the dealer 8 times concerning the stalling. The contact stated that she was afraid to drive the vehicle because she fears she will crash. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 32,500 and failure mileage was 12,000.
Car stalls on the highway. Have to rent a car until the dealership can figure out the problem. Was initially told that it was a powertrain issue and a new computer was put in but it still sits at the dealership because no one knows what is wrong with it.
I have had numerous issues with my 2006 Jeep Commander stalling on me. I have had it serviced three times for the same issue and each time I am told that the problem can not be duplicated and no action was taken. Most recently the vehicle stalled on me in stop and go rush hour traffic on the freeway. I no longer feel safe driving this car.
1) driving on the interstate with the cruise control on; brake was applied to disengage the cruise control. 2) headlights shut off, speedometer and tachometer and fuel gauge shut off; a moment after, the tires locked up and the vehicle spun 180 degrees, then collided with a guard rail and bounced off and returned to the interstate in oncoming traffic facing the wrong way 3) independent inspector was hired by Chrysler; the report found no mechanical defect nor did it find any computer codes that would indicate a malfunction; Chrysler denies there is a problem and recommended we contact our insurance company for repairs.
My wife was driving at approximately at 35 mph when she made a right hand turn into a parking lot and the vehicle completely died. All power steering and brakes were lost, which nearly caused her to wreck into an on coming car. The dealership replaced an ignition switch as the only probably cause, but can not guarantee that this will not occur again. Obviously this is not a fatality however this is something that could very easily lead to a serious accident.
I have a 2006 Jeep Commander. I was driving my 7 year old son to camp. I was driving about 45 mph on a 2 lane road. Suddenly and without any warning the engine, as well as all electrical items completely shut off. I also lost all assist functions. When I was applying the brakes I got the noise that usually you hear when the ABS system has taken control. After pulling to the side of the road I restarted the car and the engine warning light came on. After dropping my son off I attempted to restart the car. I had no instrument panel functions (gas gauge, water temp, odometer, etc.). I will be taking the car in to the dealership on 7/5/2007 for analysis.
We own a 2006 Jeep Commander which was having electrical problems. All of the dashboard lights, air conditioning, interior, and exterior lighting flashed off and on like an electrical surge. This happened usually once a day. It has been to the local Jeep dealership four times for the same problem. They could not replicate the problem, so they stated that they could do nothing to repair it. This was a dangerous problem because it impaired one's driving ability. They will not write on the service report that we feel it is dangerous. They said that if we felt that way, then we shouldn't drive it. The first two times it was in for the electrical malfunction, they didn't write it up on the service reports because they couldn't replicate it. After the last trip to the repair shop (it is still sitting there) they told us that they will not accept it for service again for the same problem because then it would possibly fall under the lemon law. Upon research into the problem, we saw the number of other complaints and even the open engineering review required by the ODI. We spoke to a representative at daimler Chrysler who was going to put us in contact with a case manager. They need to repair the problem before something more serious happens. We have fortunately not been involved in an accident due to the malfunction, but others have. The field in the bottom portion of the report will only accept numbers, so I will write here that it is an ongoing problem, happening on almost a daily basis.
My wife was preparing to merge into traffic from a parking lot on a busy street in our hometown. In this particular parking lot there is a telephone pole near the egress portion of the parking lot. As she was pulling out the vehicle stalled, causing complete loss of control of steering and braking causing the vehicle to strike the telephone pole causing some damage to the Jeep. We purchased this vehicle because we felt it would be safe for our family of 5, myself, my wife and my three young girls under the age of 8. I have lost all confidence in the safety of this vehicle and I refuse to put my family in jeopardy with this vehicle, this vehicle has done this many times before and the dealer can not find a fix. I have contacted an attorney and he has taken my case as a lemon law claim will be filed. This vehicle has had numerous other problems since the week we brought it home. I have always owned Jeep, from CJ's to Cherokee and now the Commander, I have always been happy with the Jeep legacy but I have lost all faith in the new Jeep. Please help before someone gets killed in this Jeep.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving at 10, 25, and 70 mph the vehicle failed without warning. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked, the instrument panel lights dimmed, and the radio continued to operate. After each failure, the vehicle would operate normally. Currently, the failures were occurring more frequently and twice per week. The weather was not a factor. The current mileage is 27,800, and failure mileage was 21,000.
- the contact stated that the 2006 Jeep Commander stalled/lost power while driving at any speed. She stated that when this happened there was no indication that the vehicle was about to stall. She stated took the vehicle to the dealership, and was informed that they could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle has been to the dealership on three occasions. The contact stated that this vehicle currently had 8,400 miles, and it needed to be resolved. She filed a complaint with diamler /Chrysler. The failure mileage was 300.
- the contact stated that the 2006 Jeep Commander ltd had problems with losing power while driving. The contact stated that while driving at any speed the vehicle lost power. She took the vehicle to the Jeep dealership on 08/17/06, and they replaced the idle control module. The contact stated that she hasn't had any problems with losing power until 3-9-07. She stated that when the vehicle lost power nothing happened to the instrument panel. The radio stayed on and nothing on the instrument panel showed that the vehicle shut down. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer, and will submit the case number from Chrysler. The failure mileage was 1000 and the current mileage was 9800.
I purchased 2006 Jeep Commander Dec '06. Had continuous issues w/the performance -service dept can't fix the problem. Approx three months after purchase, I was pulling off from a parking space -car cut off completely. I assumed that I hit the gear or didn't have completely engaged. B/C a new car, I thought it was strange but not a real issue. In Aug '06, taking my car in for routine service, backing up in the dealership lot & the car cut off completely. Added the request to have the issue checked. I explained this wasn't the 1st time the car cut off and there must be a problem. Was told that nothing found. In Sept '06, I was driving to work in stop & go traffic - my car cut off completely. I was able to apply the hazard lights to warn other drivers. I was able to start the car and took it into the dealership for service. I explained that this was the 3rd time that the car completely shut off, and something needed to be done. I was told that they could not replicate the situation and was asked to pick up my car. I told the service advisor that I was not picking up my car until something was done. My car cuts off while driving! that is not safe. I can't wait until I am in a tragic accident to say see, it happened again. The service department reported that they contacted the star hotline and replaced the PCM and installed a control program. I have continued to experience stalling and hesitation while driving but the car has not completely shut off. I have no confidence in accelerating to merge into traffic, nor pass other vehicles. I feel totally vulnerable that the Commander will shut off while driving. During my last scheduled maintenance 1/31/07, I informed the service advisor that I am still experiencing hesitation/stalling. They did not find anything. I have been advised to set up a time to leave my vehicle for overnight road test.
Jeep Commander 2006 4X4 (my wife jennifer ivester on 1.28.2007) in drive going down the street 25 mph, she has foot on accelerator and the vehicle dies. Full power and vehicle failure. Vehicle was stranded in intersection with cars coming toward vehicle. All the cars slam on breaks. While this is happening vehicle is placed in neutral and ignition turn back on. She quickly maneuvered across the intersection and avoided an accident. She contacted dealer and setup appointment to look at vehicle on 1.30.2007. Vehicle has 7K miles on it. My wife is certain that she didn't hit the ignition and cause the vehicle to loose power. I have investigated this occurrence on many Jeep Commander forums and this is happening to lots of folks. This incident should be investigated before something serious happens. Regards, rodney ivester.
- the contact called regarding a 2006 Jeep Commander, while driving 35 mph the vehicle lost power without any warnings. The vehicle restarted easily. The contact took the vehicle to DaimlerChrysler dealer on 1/31/07 for a diagnosis. This will be the third stalling failure. The road conditions were wet once and dry on two occasions. The contact called daimler Chrysler dealer when the vehicle stalled before, and was told it may have been bad gasoline. During the second incident the power steering and power brakes failed. Updated 03/13/07.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chula Vista, CA, USA