Most common 2009 Jeep Commander problems
Share of the 59 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Commander complaints by model year
Best Commander years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
2009 Jeep Commander recalls (2)
Electrical system
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 › Wiring
Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 Dodge journey, Jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring May be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag May not deploy as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2009 Jeep Commander owners say
Electrical system all 28 →
The commander turns off on its own, brakes on its own, the alarm does its own thing, the esp/bas lights are on, buttons on dash don't work most of the time, sunroof drain is faulty, and leaks rivers of water into my car! Also had my brakes to seize up on me and I couldn't move from a danged stop sign. I just want a vehicle I can rely on.
Was driving the speed limit when I started smelling an electrical burning smell several seconds later my passenger side airbag deployed while I was driving scaring me almost causing an accident I am almost 7 months pregnant!!! Now the airbag light is also on and I am terrified to drive!
Engine & cooling
My 2009 Jeep Commander stalled and finally cut off while driving. Everything completely shuts down and have to restart the engine immediately. It has happened 4 times now in approximately last four months. This condition has happened twice while my daughter was driving, and twice while my wife was driving. It is at random, and at different speeds of 35mph to 45mph on a city street. So frightening. The vehicle was purchased used in August of 2010 with 38+k miles on it. It has 141000mile now. I have replaced the ignition key a few months age. I have made an appointment to take it to the dealership. Any suggestions on what might cause this to happen? My wife is not driving the Jeep anymore. Last incident was on 10/1/2018.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and driven to her destination. The contact called the local dealer warsaw Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2771 n detroit st, warsaw, in 46582, [phone]) and sorg Dodge inc (1811 elkhart rd, goshen, in 46526, [phone]) and the dealers were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The consumer stated 4 sensors were out causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle is running fine after the repairs were made.
Transmission & drivetrain
Identical issue as found with NHTSA # 10908927 vehicle stalls while driving and cannot be restarted without putting the vehicle in park. Purchased the vehicle used with 170,000 miles on it. Carfax shows great care into the vehicle, however within first 24 hours after purchase have found it to stall while driving and at idle near 6x. Have taken to auto repair shop/autozone/used ifixit code finder and nothing is found. This has created hazardous driving conditions as it will happen at random.
Was driving through town with no problem. Road turns into highway and speed limit is 65 MPH. Tried to increase speed from 35 MPH (town speed limit) and vehicle started slowing down and bucking and hesitating. Pulled off road and turned engine off for a few minutes. Could not increase speed to more than 25 MPH. Towed home. Left alone for an hour and retried. Still have same problem. Tried this morning, still same problem. Will need to tow it to a garage. Check engine light also came on.
2009 Jeep Commander engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 16 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Jeep Commander a good car?
Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Commander rates better than average: 93% 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 2009 Jeep Commander?
The electrical system — 28 complaints, 47% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (14) and transmission & drivetrain (12).
How many recalls does the 2009 Jeep Commander have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Jeep Commander, the most recent from May 7, 2013 (electrical system). 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 2009 Jeep Commander problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 20% 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.