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Vehicle safety record

2009 Jeep Commander Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2009 Jeep Commander with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (28) and the engine & cooling (14). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2013 for the transfer case (4-wheel drive). For comparison, the 2008 has 438 and the 2010 has 45.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical Commander year, for its age

#123 most complained-about 2009 vehicle

Complaints
59
Recalls
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2009 Jeep Commander problems

Share of all 59 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2009 Jeep Commander recalls 3

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

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)

13V175000295,345 vehicles affected

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.

Suspension

09E03900044 vehicles affected

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.

Electrical system: wiring

09V1180004,314 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 dodge journey, jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag may not deploy as intended.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners say

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59 complaints about the 2009 Jeep Commander

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

Electrical systemAirbags

Was driving the speed limit when I started smelling an electrical burning smell several seconds later my passenger side airbag deployed while I was driving scaring me almost causing an accident I am almost 7 months pregnant!!! Now the airbag light is also on and I am terrified to drive!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11764087
Airbags

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag squid connector was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed the result from the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11451417
Electrical systemBrakesFuel system

The commander turns off on its own, brakes on its own, the alarm does its own thing, the esp/bas lights are on, buttons on dash don't work most of the time, sunroof drain is faulty, and leaks rivers of water into my car! Also had my brakes to seize up on me and I couldn't move from a danged stop sign. I just want a vehicle I can rely on.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11425040
Engine & cooling

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 jeep commander. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and driven to her destination. The contact called the local dealer warsaw chrysler dodge jeep ram (2771 n detroit st, warsaw, in 46582, (574) 306-5082) and sorg dodge inc (1811 elkhart rd, goshen, in 46526, (574) 533-8605) and the dealers were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not...

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informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The consumer stated 4 sensors were out causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle is running fine after the repairs were made.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11406673
Electrical system

Just like the 2008 model, when you put the car in park and try to turn the key off the will not turn off all the way. I have to turn the key from the auxiliary position to the on position for several minutes until the key finally goes into the off position. Only then will it release the key. When I look my car to the dealership, they replaced the ignition switch 2 different times. I later found out that there was a recall on the 2008 model for the same issue. I am still dealing with this problem today.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11389597
Electrical system

My jeep has periodic starting issues. All the lights work on the dash it just clicks. This is very random. If you jump it the vehicle will start. Sometimes if you wait a period of time it will start. Took it to the dealer they replaced starter but issue stills persist. It is very difficult to recreate. Dealers have no clue what is causing the issue.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11291345
Electrical system

The remote car starter starts my vehicle? But 5-10 seconds later it shuts back off and my radio turns itself on and off even while its not on. The display goes black, makes a click, shows the jeep logo, bars where the time should be, 12:00, then the real time, then does it all over again the entire time the vehicle is running. There is also a clicking noise sometimes when I unlock the doors even while the jeep is off, it also happens sometimes when turning the heat on. This is sometimes resolved by changing the fan...

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to cabin mode, other times it continues for random lengths of time. I see that there were other recalls regarding the electrical system on this model & am worried about driving it in case it turns into a more serious issue. When looking at recall information on kbb.Com it says my vin is a part of the electrical system recall for power train transfer case, but when I check it here it says there are no inrepaired recalls. I am not sure if it has already been fixed, or if my vehicle is y a part of it, but there is definitely something going wrong now.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11280632
Airbags

Driving down a residential street and all of a sudden my airbag light comes on and makes a chime noise. Now it does it off and on the whole time it is being driven. Also if your sitting steal and you turn the steering wheel it will do it as well. I'm thinking it may be due to the clockspring.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11235307
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep commander. The contact stated that the key was becoming stuck in the ignition. Perry chrysler dodge jeep ram (2340 national city blvd, national city, ca 91950, (619) 477-1234) acknowledged the failure and stated that the ignition needed to be repaired. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11230994
Electrical system

Vehicle was previously driven, parked, shut off, returned to vehicle and it failed to start. Lights, horn, alarm, radio, windows all power still works on the vehicle. Vehicle taken to in network car shop, all parts tested working properly (alternator, battery, starter) no intermittent starting with the vehicle at all. Vehicle has failed to start since incident. Vehicle will be towed to manufacture dealership tomorrow. Current mileage 100784

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11219159
Electrical system

A few weeks ago while driving down a country road going around a semi sharp turn the jeep just shut off. Lights, engine, brakes all power shut off. I was able to place the jeep in neutral and start it back up. Everytime since while driving the dash lights flicker as well as the headlights. It stalls at times and sometimes the traction control light comes on and stays on until I turn the car off and back on.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11216945
Electrical system

My fobik key is getting stuck in the own position and will not let me take the key out without unplugging the battery.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11189997
Engine & cooling

While driving the commander it stalls. The engines shuts off with no warning. Then I have to put it in park and start it again. Sometimes it happens wth the lights, radio and wipers on. And it sounds like it does not want to start. This has happened 5 times. And the dealer does not know what to do.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11171643
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

Air bag light comes on and goes off occasionally third row seat won't latch

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11166324
Engine & cooling

My 2009 jeep commander stalled and finally cut off while driving. Everything completely shuts down and have to restart the engine immediately. It has happened 4 times now in approximately last four months. This condition has happened twice while my daughter was driving, and twice while my wife was driving. It is at random, and at different speeds of 35mph to 45mph on a city street. So frightening. The vehicle was purchased used in august of 2010 with 38+k miles on it. It has 141000mile now. I have replaced the...

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ignition key a few months age. I have made an appointment to take it to the dealership. Any suggestions on what might cause this to happen? My wife is not driving the jeep anymore. Last incident was on 10/1/2018.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11139572
Engine & cooling

My vehicle shuts-off/ stalls while driving. Within the first 3-5 miles of driving in truck, stalls once per day when I slow to a stop in traffic on the highway. It stalled once on a city street when I put is in reverse. When this happens, the steering wheel loses power. I quickly put it in neutral and restart. This happens almost daily. To date, it has stalled 11-times. I found the an estimated 300,000 chrysler, dodge and jeep vehicles manufactured in 2007 and 2008 were recalled for the same stalling problem that I am experiencing. I am very concerned for my safety and others because I do not know if this is a progressive problem where the engine may stall while in motion.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11102915
Airbags

My airbag light comes on and goes off for long periods of time. Then it will stop for a while and start back coming on again.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11096448
Electrical systemAirbagsBody, doors & structure

The airbag light is on and after taking it to the mechanic, I was informed that it will not release in the event of an accident. I searched for a recall as the mechanic suggested and found nothing. Since I have never been in an accident that would set the airbag off, I do not understand why the light is on. The lights on the dashboard, interior lights, autostart, heated seats, rear sensors, and anti skid have all stopped working. Although my car is 9 years old, it has less than 60,000 miles and is well cared for....

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The mechanic has informed me that I have a faulty board. Faulty sounds like something jeep should be paying for not me. Bubbling of paint on the hood of the truck and its spreading. Again, all these issues should be covered by jeep. These issues are the result of poor or faulty manufacturing processes and should not be visited upon the consumer.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · StructureNHTSA 11075593
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

Identical issue as found with nhtsa # 10908927 vehicle stalls while driving and cannot be restarted without putting the vehicle in park. Purchased the vehicle used with 170,000 miles on it. Carfax shows great care into the vehicle, however within first 24 hours after purchase have found it to stall while driving and at idle near 6x. Have taken to auto repair shop/autozone/used ifixit code finder and nothing is found. This has created hazardous driving conditions as it will happen at random.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11025375
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep commander. After the contact inserted the key in the ignition switch, the vehicle operated independently. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning and restarted independently. The vehicle was taken to mike riehl's chrysler, jeep, dodge, ram (25800 gratiot ave, roseville, mi 48066) where it was diagnosed that the wiring, alternator, and battery harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 55,203.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11019484
Transmission & drivetrain

They vehicles conductor plate keep going out cause the vehicle to go into limp mode. The can happen at highway speeds suddenly causing the vehicle to decelerate suddenly in traffic. There are multiple reports on online forums of this happening even at low milage

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11002533
Other & unknown

While the vehicle was stationary and off, I am unable to start the car. All lights work properly, and the battery is new & working. After hitting the starter with a wrench, the vehicle started. This continues to happen.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10969252
Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle stalls while driving and cannot be restarted without putting the vehicle in park. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase. Dealership and chrysler have been no help. Car is a danger to drive.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10908927
SuspensionElectrical system

I cannot remove the key from the vec. The struts will not come off

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10905545
SteeringElectrical system

Vehicle will not start out of the blue. There has been a single occurrence when the vehicle was in motion and shut down.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 10881679

Jeep Commander: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201045403Electrical systemA
200959300Electrical systemA
20084385163Electrical systemD
20071,03562513Electrical systemF
20061,78267412Electrical systemF
20054000Electrical systemA
All Commander years

2009 Jeep Commander vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2009 Jeep Commander

Does the 2009 Jeep Commander have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2009 Jeep Commander: transfer case (4-wheel drive) (May 2013); suspension (June 2009); wiring (April 2009). 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 2009 Jeep Commander?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (28), engine & cooling (14), transmission & drivetrain (12).

How many complaints has the 2009 Jeep Commander had?

59 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 8, 2009 and the latest on September 14, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2009 Jeep Commander a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 90 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer 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 2009 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

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