2006 Jeep Commander Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 6 Commander years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Jeep Commander has 1,635 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 6 Commander model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (704 complaints, 43% of the total). Complaints report 70 crashes, 12 fires, 51 injuries, and 3 deaths.
- Complaints
- 1,635
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 70 / 12
- Injuries / deaths
- 51 / 3
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 14 city / 18 hwy
Top 2006 Jeep Commander problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System704 (43%)
- Engine510 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain295 (18%)
- Structure & Body216 (13%)
- Brakes105 (6%)
- Other98 (6%)
- Steering68 (4%)
- Airbags62 (4%)
- Seat Belts59 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers48 (3%)
2006 Jeep Commander recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V438000Jul 21, 2014Electrical System649,353 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.
- NHTSA 13V175000May 7, 2013Electrical System295,345 vehicles
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. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
Risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
- NHTSA 08V203000May 6, 2008Transmission & Powertrain24,461 vehicles
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.
Risk: This could cause a crash without warning.
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.
2006 Jeep Commander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Commander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Jeep Commander a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Jeep Commander ranks worst among Commander model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 1,635 complaints and 5 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Jeep Commander?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (704 complaints), engine (510 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (295 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 74,500 miles.
- Does the 2006 Jeep Commander have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2006 Jeep Commander, most recently reported 2014, covering electrical system, transmission & powertrain, brakes, and seat belts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Jeep Commander?
- EPA rates the 2006 Jeep Commander at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.