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 2008 Jeep Commander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
The Vehicle will completely shut down (stall) randomly while driving in motion. This happens randomly but consistently. This has happened while driving on highways in speeds of excess of 55mph and on other roads going as slow as 10mph or while in reverse. When this happens, the oil light and Check engine light come on and the vehicle locks up with no power steering. The vehicle will start back up again after a few seconds when you turning the key.
Woke up and it wouldn't crank, been driving it every day, Ignition module front control module May be bad like stated in the recall, won't turn over or crank, transmission input output sensors idk maybe transmission module, wouldn't go over 40 I'm wondering if my Jeep has problems like stated in the recall. Technicians at James Ceranti Chrysler dodge Jeep says it's electrical
I had the vehicle towed into the dealership with issues and was charged given the vehicle back and not fixed. I have attempted to reach out several times and I feel discriminated against with being told that I will receive a call back and they continue to ignore my calls and no call back at all. I have had to spend money on a rental during this entire situation.
After owning the vehicle for several months I had a car accident where a man ran into the back of my 2008 Jeep Commander due to the vehicle stalled on a street and then shut off. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with the engine. I have driven the vehicle for years without major incident. However here lately the vehicle has stalled and then shut off while driving at speeds between 45-55mph. I have had 2 types of recall work done. However that has not corrected the problem and the car right now is back at the dealer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine started revving and the temperature gauge began to rise. The contact stated the air bags, traction and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she continued to drive the vehicle but experienced the failure and shifted to 4th gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure and associated the failure with manufacturer communication number: p57. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Commander. While driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle failed to start. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the engine warning light had previously illuminated and the cruise control was activated but independently deactivated and over time failed to function. The vehicle had been taken to a dealer but the contact was unsure about what needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
I have been the owner of 2008 Jeep Commander limited edition for almost 5 years. When I first purchased this vehicle it was my dream truck.. However it has now become my bomb waiting to go off killing me and my children. This truck randomly shuts off during high speeds, doesnt allow me break sometimes for read lights and put my life at risk daily when I drive. I have continually contact the dealership and headquarter about how dangerous my truck has become. I have missed countless days of work and be left stranded when the engine wont turn over. I have begged for help and nobody seems to care. Will it take a me being killed or hurting another for some to finally help. They continue to tell me the recall ignition piece isnt in and that they cant help me. I'm at risk of losing my job because the truck I pay for monthly isnt safe to drive. Please can someone please help me.
Traveling approximately 65 MPH on I-85 when the Jeep Commander made a clunk sound and the vehicle stopped. There was no power and it was unable to start. This occurred around 10 pm when I was heading home after work. It was a scary experience since it was dark. I was extremely thankful for law enforcement presenting and stayed with me until the tow truck arrived. I took it to a first mechanic who stated the engine was totaled. I went for a second opinion to another mechanic since the car was made in 2008 and has about 112,000 miles but was also informed the engine was totaled. This was a shock and disappointing since I do not have the funds to purchase another vehicle.
Engine complaints in other Commander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Jeep Commander?
NHTSA has 101 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Jeep Commander, 23% of the model year's 437 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Commander engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Jeep Commander, though it has 4 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 2008 Jeep Commander engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.