2008 Jeep Commander Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#3 most-complained of 6 Commander years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2008 Jeep Commander has 326 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 60 out of 100 — #3 highest of 6 Commander model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is electrical system (202 complaints, 62% of the total). Complaints report 13 crashes, 3 fires, and 10 injuries.
- Complaints
- 326
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 13 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13.5 city / 19 hwy
Top 2008 Jeep Commander problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System202 (62%)
- Engine81 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain30 (9%)
- Airbags22 (7%)
- Brakes22 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers19 (6%)
- Other16 (5%)
- Structure & Body13 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (3%)
- Fuel System9 (3%)
2008 Jeep Commander recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V567000Sep 17, 2014Electrical System292,798 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
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, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. 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 and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.
- 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 08V059000Feb 6, 2008Electrical System1,338 vehicles
Electrical system
Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured.
Risk: This could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Engine stalling or inoperative wipers could cause a crash without warning.
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.
2008 Jeep Commander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13.5 MPG
- Highway
- 19 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.
2008 compared with other Commander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Jeep Commander a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Jeep Commander ranks #3 of 6 among Commander model years (Complaint Index 60/100, verdict: Caution). It has 326 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Commander?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (202 complaints), engine (81 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (30 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 84,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Jeep Commander have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Jeep Commander, most recently reported 2014, covering electrical system and brakes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Jeep Commander?
- EPA rates the 2008 Jeep Commander at 15 MPG combined (13.5 city / 19 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.