Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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 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.
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.
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. 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. …
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. …
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 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.
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.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Remedy: 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.
Transmission complaints in other Commander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2006 Jeep Commander?
NHTSA has 315 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2006 Jeep Commander, 18% of the model year's 1,782 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (57 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Jeep Commander transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-203 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), May 6, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Jeep Commander transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.