Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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. …
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 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 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.
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 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. …
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 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.
2006 Jeep Commander Limited 5.7L V8 Message as appears on dash - TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP While driving a short distance the message TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP appears, the fan kicks on HIGH & is very loud, and it feels like the transmission disengages like being thrown into neutral, but is still drivable. About 2 weeks prior, I noticed smoke coming out from under hood & the engine coolant tank was almost empty. There were no visible leaks on carport. I refilled the tank & immediately called Kilby Automotive repair shop, then took it in. They said that the radiator cap needed to be replaced. The also said the valve cover gasket was leaking. They replaced the radiator cap & made an appointment for June 3rd to replace the valve cover gasket. Before that appointment the vehicle started displaying the TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP message. I took it into Kilby Automotive on May 27, 2021. …
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 owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brakes did not respond. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. After the crash, the contact's vehicle stalled without warning. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v43800 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
While driving the vehicle on a slippery road during a snowfall, my wife observed all of the indicator lights on the dashboard light up simultaneously. Shortly thereafter, the engine shut off, causing a loss of power steering and consequently a loss of control of the vehicle on the slippery roadway. As a result, the vehicle slid into a highway maintenance marker along the shoulder of the road, causing minor damage to the license plate holder and bumper of the vehicle. Our concern is that this incident is apparently due to a defective ignition switch, which is the subject of a current recall (14v-438) issued by the manufacturer on 9/3/14. However, the manufacturer has not provided a remedy for this defect, citing the unavailability of repair parts, and as of this morning the manufacturer has no idea as to when these repair parts will be available. …
My family and I were driving down the highway at 75 MPH and without any warning, the engine died. When the engine died, the engine indicator light came on. Power steering and braking were fine at first. I steered the car to the side of the road. Before coming to a stop, the power steering stopped working. Once on the side of the road, I turned the ignition off and then tried to restart the vehicle. The car re-started immediately, however, the engine light remained on. I have taken the car into the shop and the technician was unable to find any problems with the vehicle. ...updated 09/22/15 about one week prior to the above event, I was driving home from the train station on a perfectly dry and clear day and when I was driving, the various traction control lights came on and the car would periodically buck while the RPM's would rev higher for a moment. …
NHTSA investigations
Petition re: unintended acceleration
Odi received a petition requesting a defect investigation concerning unintended acceleration in the 2006 Jeep commander stemming from a fatal incident that occurred in delaware in December 2005.after a careful review of the circumstances surrounding this incident, odi finds no evidence to indicate the influence of a manufacturing defect.likewise, no similar complaints concerning this model exist in the odi complaint…
Engine complaints in other Commander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Jeep Commander?
NHTSA has 497 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Jeep Commander, 28% of the model year's 1,782 complaints. The component named most often is engine (77 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Jeep Commander engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to engine & cooling 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.