Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Jeep Commander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 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. …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and all lights on the instrument cluster illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. However, the failure recurred and the contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The contact was unsure about what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the crash scene to an auto body repair center for body repair and replacement of the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a cement driveway wall, which caused significant damage to the front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the head, chest, and leg that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000. ...updated 02/19/16
My Jeep was hit by another car traveling about 40 MPH in a t-bone manner causing my vehicle to spin around and begin barrel roll two revolutions before nose-over landing on the roof. The collision resulted in both vehicles being totally destroyed. No fatalities but serious injuries were sustained by me. I am a former traffic cop and have work many, many traffic crashes with all types of vehicles with all types of injuries / fatalities reporting so I feel qualified to say I am surprised that the air bags on my Jeep never deployed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander 4x2. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and crashed into a cement mailbox. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The failure occurred on three separate occasions. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, while making a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact crashed into to a brick wall. The crash was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system). The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. Medical attention was not required. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was 138,000.
I was in an accident and the airbags did not deploy. I was in town traveling about 30-35 MPH, the car I was following switched lanes and I hit a car that was completely stopped. The airbag warning light had been going on and off for about 6 months. I didn't think too much of it because it is not the only warning light that sometimes does that. I figured the electronics probably didn;t like all the water that pours into the frame and onto the drivers floor.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, the contact swerved to avoid hitting an animal and crashed into a jersey barrier. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
My airbags in my vehicle would shut off on there own then my lights started turning on and off as I drove.. Thats the start ..one day im driving home with my kids and my car stalls out in the middle of the road tryed everything wouldnt start but windows worked except front and lights but no power. I had it towed to Jeep and they insisted it was my battery.I go get my truck and as im driving all my lights come back on and all my gauges no longer worked,airbags no longer worked. They put it on the computer and p41 code came on which is my ignition switch recall from Chrysler.Jeep had me contact Chrysler and they said that part wont be available no time soon and they were going to put me in a rental . …
Airbag complaints in other Commander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2006 Jeep Commander?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 Jeep Commander, 4% of the model year's 1,782 complaints. The component named most often is side/window (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Jeep Commander airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2006 Jeep Commander, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Jeep Commander airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 23 crashes, 0 fires and 19 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.