2008 Jeep Commander Problems & Complaints

Average21% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Commander at the same age

Owners have filed 437 complaints about the 2008 Jeep Commander with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Commander at the same age. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (269 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles). 4 recalls cover this model year.

437complaints
4recalls
16crashes
3fires
16injuries
2deaths

Most common 2008 Jeep Commander problems

  • Electrical system~82,000 miles
    26962%
  • Engine & cooling~77,000 miles
    10123%
  • 4410%
  • 317%
  • Air bags~97,000 miles
    317%
  • 205%
  • Other / not specified~91,000 miles
    194%
  • Brakes~99,000 miles
    143%
  • Stability & traction control~87,000 miles
    133%
  • Steering~80,000 miles
    133%
  • Body & structure~88,000 miles
    123%
  • Seat belts~120,000 miles
    113%
  • Suspension~80,000 miles
    92%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~83,000 miles
    92%
  • Seats~75,000 miles
    82%
  • Lights~68,000 miles
    72%
  • Wheels & tires~108,000 miles
    41%
  • Locks & latches~43,000 miles
    20%
  • Equipment & accessories
    10%
  • Driver assistance~130,000 miles
    10%

Share of the 437 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Jeep Commander complaints by model year

200620072008200920101.8k1.0k4375945
Owner complaints per model year, Jeep Commander. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Commander years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →

2008 Jeep Commander recalls (4)

Electrical system › Ignition

NHTSA recall 14V-567 · Sep 17, 2014 · 292,798 vehicles

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12,…

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 13V-175 · May 7, 2013 · 295,345 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 08V-059 · Feb 6, 2008 · 1,338 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 Jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module May have been incorrectly manufactured.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper

NHTSA recall 07V-415 · Sep 12, 2007 · 28,755 vehicles

On certain sport utility vehicles, front brake calipers in a certain lot May have been manufactured from gray iron instead of ductile iron as designed and could fracture without warning.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake calipers to see if they fall into this lot and, if so, will replace them free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2007. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What 2008 Jeep Commander owners say

Electrical system all 269 →

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while at a standstill, the vehicle stalled randomly and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was not diagnosed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V200000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

240,000 miles · Sep 2021

Codes U1403 and U1411. Driving down highway all gages stopped working, air conditioning stopped working, abs light going off, locks won't operate, windows won't open or close, rear door remained locked couldn't get my child out of the car due to the rear door remaining locked. Technician unable to locate source of the problem. Jeep dealer has 1 month wait. Put my family at risk as it was 110 degree day. When it all occurred could smell electrical burning smell.

Jun 2024 · fire

Engine & cooling all 101 →

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the ABS, Traction Control, Check Engine, and ESP BAS warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, on some occasions while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the driver's seat, causing the seat to vibrate. The contact stated that she also observed oil under the oil filter when she inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted but the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,948.

161,000 miles · Apr 2023

2008 Jeep Commander, 4.7L, QDII system. Vehicle experiences a sudden an unexpected loss of power and braking action while driving at speed. After loss of power, ABS, Stability Control, Brake, Check engine light, dash board warning lights illuminate and flash. Park assist and service 4wd error messages flash intermittently. Vehicle begins to buck and surge, accelerator becomes unresponsive. Has occurred at highway speed of 70mph, 50mph, 35mph. Loss of control of vehicle is sudden an unexpected with no advance warning. Vehicle has been to my local jeep dealer 4 times for repair (in under 1000 miles) multiple components replaced with no correction to issue.

May 2023

Transmission & drivetrain all 44 →

Electrical System is failing. Began with the Electrical sunroof will not open/OR slide all the way open, the sunroof Electrical problem has been this way since 10 years before i purchased it in 2019. Next the panel for the radio and screen panel for AM/FM, Then the CD Player quit working all together. Will not play any CD. Airbag warning light is showing on dash,however, vehicle has never been wreaked. No airbag been deployed. Starting the vehicle, within the past 6 months 2008 commander has failed to start over 20 times after continuously checking alternator, starter, ect. Informed it is the Electrical System failing; By professional. Vehicles Electrical system has caused the gears to slip and it is a v6 but drives as a 4 cylinder. Driving on Highway is dangerous when Electrical system breaks down without warning. …

May 2020

2008 Jeep Commander, 4.7L, QDII system. Vehicle experiences a sudden an unexpected loss of power and braking action while driving at speed. After loss of power, ABS, Stability Control, Brake, Check engine light, dash board warning lights illuminate and flash. Park assist and service 4wd error messages flash intermittently. Vehicle begins to buck and surge, accelerator becomes unresponsive. Has occurred at highway speed of 70mph, 50mph, 35mph. Loss of control of vehicle is sudden an unexpected with no advance warning. Vehicle has been to my local jeep dealer 4 times for repair (in under 1000 miles) multiple components replaced with no correction to issue.

May 2023

2008 Jeep Commander engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.7L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD14 / 19 / 16
3.7L 6-cyl5-speed automatic4WD/AWD14 / 19 / 16
5.7L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD13 / 19 / 15
4.7L 8-cyl5-speed automaticRWD14 / 19 / 15
5.7L 8-cyl5-speed automatic4WD/AWD13 / 17 / 14
4.7L 8-cyl5-speed automatic4WD/AWD13 / 18 / 14

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Commander a good car?

Based on 437 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Commander rates average: 21% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Commander at the same age. It is one of the best Commander years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Jeep Commander?

The electrical system — 269 complaints, 62% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the engine & cooling (101) and transmission & drivetrain (44).

How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Commander have?

There are 4 recalls for the 2008 Jeep Commander, the most recent from September 17, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Commander?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Jeep Commander years comparison.

At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Commander problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.