- The problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.
Vehicle safety record
2006 Jeep Commander Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1,782 complaints about the 2006 Jeep Commander with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (753) and the engine & cooling (497). Those complaints describe 74 crashes, 12 fires, 53 injuries and 3 deaths. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in July 2014 for the switch. For comparison, the 2005 has 4 and the 2007 has 1,035.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Commander year, for its age
#2 most complained-about 2006 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1,782
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 74
- Fires
- 12
- Injuries
- 53
- Deaths
- 3
Most common 2006 Jeep Commander problems
Share of all 1,782 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2006 Jeep Commander recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- Rock krawler is recalling 44 performance suspension systems sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicle listed above. These suspension systems were produced with grade 2 carriage bolts instead of the proper grade 5 carriage bolts. The improper grade 2 carriage bolts could experience a loss of clamping force for the bottom strut fork.
- The risk
- This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on october 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied. Owners may contact rock krawler at 1-518-270-9822.
- The problem
- Chrysler is recalling 24,461 my 2006 jeep commander vehicles equipped with 4.7L v8 engines. The powertrain control module (pcm) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions.
- The risk
- THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- The fix
- Dealers will reprogram the pcm software in all 4.7L engine equipped my 2006 jeep commanders built prior to january 11, 2006. The recall began on may 19, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into the abs electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill during certain conditions.
- The risk
- THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- The fix
- Dealers will reprogram the abs electronic control module with new software that prevents this condition free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the integrated retractor bracket edge on the third row seat may contact the seat belt during certain operating conditions causing damage to the belt webbing.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain the third row occupant which can increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the third row seat belts for damage and replace any damaged belts. In addition, an injected molded cover will be added to the retractor bracket on both third row seating positions to prevent future damage from belt contact with the retractor bracket. The recall began on march 13, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners say
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1,782 complaints about the 2006 Jeep Commander
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 72.
Brakes failed completely. 2-3 car lengths between be and car in front of me with plenty of time to stop. My jeep did not even slow down when brakes we applied.
My jeep will shut off unexpectedly, it will do a up and down idle increase and decrease while at a idle the abs will lock up my wheel tight to where itll drag while trying to move forward. The 4x4 low will not engage at all says service 4x4
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was intermittent but a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had been replaced approximately 2 years ago due to battery drainage issues. The contact stated that the failure with the 12-Volt battery being drained and had...
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jumpstart the vehicle several times. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also replaced the ECM module independently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Seat Belts/Rear. The integrated retractor bracket edge on the third row seat may contact the seat belt during certain operating conditions. In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not properly restrain thee third row occupant. Service Brakes. Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited.: Control Unit/Module. On certain sport utility vehicles, the software programmed into this ABS Electronic Control Module allow a momentary delay in breaking when coasting up a kill during certain conditions. This has happened while wet conditions occur some.
Power Train. The (TCM/PCM/TECM) Chrysler is recalling 24, 461 Jeep Commander vehicles equipped with 407 V8 engines. Th powertrain control module (PCM) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions. This could cause a crash without warning. ( My Jeep turns on, but it is not able to be moved, it is stalled indefinitely). I asked the dealer @Rockwall Dodge, Rockwall TX to check the PCM/TCM/TECM. They refused. Said they were not able to check this situation....
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Didn't have that equipment. Electrical System. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The air bag lights comes on randomly. The engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems. I am unable to unlock the ignition on several occasions. Suspension. Rock Krawler recalled 44 performance suspension systems sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicle listed above. We have had suspension issues on our Jeep. No one can find the issue to fix it. The Jeep makes noise at the suspension system.
Radiator coolant system failed and caused the engine to overheat and loss of power while traveling on an interstate highway. Pulled over to side of highway. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic shop. The shop evaluated the engine could not start as it had seized from overheating. It was determined that the radiator plastic end caps suddenly failed causing the engine to overheat and seize. The radiator temperature is very high and the plastic and aluminum materials expand and contract at different rates...
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therefore weakening the connection between the two materials until the part fails. This is a bad design, application, and mix of materials in a part that does follow the basic principles of thermodynamics.
Abs, traction control, and another light come on and goes off intermittent. While reversing feels like brakes are locking up. Transmission shifts different intermittently. I have seen that there is recalls for other 06 commanders that reflect the issues I am having.
Vehicle randomly saying transmission over temp. Vehicle may or may not crank upon turning key Vehicle downshifts to second gear while driving and has caused me to run off the road/slam on brakes to stop Vehicle resets itself to where Jeep dealership cannot even trace wiring harness for shorts or check to see if transmission control module works properly after having my commander from August to December. Suspect faulty Transmission control module/short due to poorly designed wiring and parts on manufacturer's...
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behalf. Other issues include random codes with each new code reader, stereo wiring issues, vehicle changing from v8 to v4 randomly while driving, consuming excessive gas amounts only receiving 9 miles per gal of fuel Extremely dangerous to drive and do not feel safe
I had gotten my sepertine belt replaced and it started showing message transmission over heating it had not aloud my jeep to start and it made the starter go out to the alternator is now bad I have had it stall before I got the message and it about caused an accident several times until message. Brakes had skidded me about into a tree & other things and people when I had pressed on them two handful of times, it's Like that were be slammed or something.
There are 2 issues I am reporting. 1.) The passenger front seat belt tensioner does not allow you to buckle the seat belt. 2.) The vehicle will go into limp mode and shift into 3 gear. I disconnect the battery and wait about 15 seconds and the problem is magically resolved.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that the dealer had performed the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System) on the vehicle; however, after the repair, the key fob and the radio became inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the ignition switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer referred the contact to an independent technician for the reprogramming of the key Fob. The contact stated that he took the vehicle to a second...
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dealer, Chrysler of Lawrenceburg (1181 Bypass S, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342) instead; however, the dealer informed the contact that the key fob could not be reprogrammed. Additionally, the contact stated that the ignition switch failed, which required the contact to jiggle the ignition key inside the ignition switch several times to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,468.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing engine power and then the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after one attempt. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while latching the front driver's side seat belt, the seat belt would not latch securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Ignition switch
Transmission over temp is a never ending light that lights up daily. I've had 3 reprogrammed PCMs and the ECM replaced as well. The car was also reprogrammed at the dealership twice with the results the same. It will work for a couple days then right back to the original issue and including a few more. Recently the trans over temp came on and stalled in rush hour traffic. Resulting in a almost serious accident. Several attempts made to restart the car. Started and stalled immediately. After the 4th time and...
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reving the engine very hard it stayed running. I've called the recall line on this and several other recalls (1 that was under warranty) with no resolution. This is now a safety issue for me and others on the road. This car is a lemon and should be taken off the road. I've waisted money at the dealership being charged over $300 each time to reprogrammed with no improvement. Bought 3 PCMs at $1200 each. I replaced almost everything under the hood and car with no positive results.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that the radio would make an abnormal ticking sound while starting the vehicle with the ignition key. The contact also stated that the vehicle also had lost motive power and stalled while accelerating from a complete stop. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The contact stated while driving above 40 MPH uphill with his 8 months pregnant wife sitting in the front passenger's seat, the vehicle shuddered, stalled inadvertently, and...
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started rolling backward. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that he was unable to shift into park (P) as the gear shifter was stuck. The contact turned the vehicle towards a wall to avoid crashing into another vehicle, and the vehicle stopped. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that he would be charged a diagnostic test fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the seat belt warning light remained illuminated with the audible warning continuously chiming. The contact indicated that the audible chime was present with or without the seat belts being secured. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 116,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact researched the cause of the failure and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under the recall. A dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
Side curtain air bags didn't deploy during rollover
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while trying to enter the vehicle, the rear door handles were inoperable. The contact stated that the doors could only be opened from inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,700.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at 55-65 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle lost electrical power temporarily. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and the...
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vehicle would stall while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle would go into limp mode and would not shift out of third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The contact also stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the warning message "Passenger Air Bag Off" and the front passenger air bag warning light would illuminate when a lightweight passenger sat in the front passenger's seat. The dealer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under unknown recalls because the VIN was not included. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Ignition switch recall which was issued on my jeep commander was addressed and ultimately an appointment was made upon availability. However, since the recall, the jeep will not function normally upon initial start up attempt progressively into more attempts thereafter. Connection between key switch and cylinder not responding to connection, lack thereof. This occurred at first seldom to more and more random periodic "no signal, no start". Recalls are supposed to fix the initial severe problem, correct? Not result...
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into another problem that wasn't present before, right? Found my time fruitless in getting clarity of this issue resolved from dealer. What can I do? What should be done? As the consumer we will feel the job done wasn't done correctly. Fact is there were not any start up issues prior to the recall addressed and ignition switch replaced/fixed?
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while entering their vehicle and attempting to connect the front driver seat belt, it would not connect into the buckle. The contact had attempted several times to connect the seat belt until they pressed on the release lever on the seat belt to hook into place in the buckle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 180,000.
Jeep Commander: every year compared
All Commander years2006 Jeep Commander vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Jeep Commander | 1,782 | 6 | F | |
| 2006 Jeep Liberty | 1,371 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1,297 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2006 Jeep Wrangler | 730 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2006 Jeep Laredo | 20 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2006 Jeep Commander
Does the 2006 Jeep Commander have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2006 Jeep Commander: switch (July 2014); transfer case (4-wheel drive) (May 2013); suspension (June 2009); control module (tcm / pcm / tecm) (May 2008) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Jeep Commander?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (753), engine & cooling (497), transmission & drivetrain (315).
How many complaints has the 2006 Jeep Commander had?
1,782 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 16, 2005 and the latest on April 25, 2026. Of these, 74 describe a crash and 12 a fire, and together they report 53 injuries and 3 deaths.
Is the 2006 Jeep Commander a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 5 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Jeep Commander year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Jeep Commander years have the most complaints?
2006 (1,782), 2007 (1,035), 2008 (438). See every Jeep Commander year compared.
What should I do if my 2006 Jeep Commander has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data