CarComplaints.com Notes: Whenever a new product is introduced, there's bound to be some problems. And man oh man, does the 2006 Commander have some problems.

It's the plight of the 1st-generation adopter: you get the newest and shiniest in exchange for a handful of issues that get ironed out in future versions. But what happens when that handful of issues becomes a bucketload? The 2006 Commander has quality control issues like the door handles breaking off and the sunroof leaking. But what's truly worrisome is the electrical problems like the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, gauges going crazy or the cruise control having a mind of its own.

Bottom line: if you want a Jeep Commander, you're better off looking at a later model year.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 2
Average Mileage:
69,330 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Jeep Commander engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Jeep Commander Owner Comments (Page 4 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Sep 212010

Commander

  • 90,356 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle stopped accelerating while the rpms increased excessively. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and shut off. Upon restarting the vehicle it began to move at a very low speed. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where he was informed that water was getting into the transmission and it was repaired. The failure mileage was 90,356 and the current mileage was unknown.

- Florence, SC, USA

problem #16

Feb 162010

Commander

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact was exiting a residential driveway at low speed when the vehicle sputtered abnormally. The failure progressed and the vehicle began to stall without warning when driving at least 55 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a defect in the air conditioning system. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure persisted. The contact also experienced unintended acceleration and hesitation in the vehicle. Most recently, the gear shift selector became stuck in neutral. The contact called the manufacturer and was awaiting a return call. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000 and the current mileage was approximately 75,000.

- Jonesboro, AR, USA

problem #15

Nov 102008

Commander

  • 67,000 miles
Had cruise control set to 65 mph on the freeway. Out of nowhere the car began accelerating on its own to reaching speeds of 85 mph. If cruise control is turned on now it accelerates on its own and I MA not able to control the speed at all. Have taken car to dealership but they say nothing is wrong. Front windshield leaks and lets in too much air. I should not have to pay for repairs since it is a defect. Driver side window does not go down. Now rear passenger side window is starting to get stuck. Have replaced driver side switch and the problem still exists. Front passenger window goes down but the driver side which has controls to all the windows does not work for any of the windows. My car accelerates on its own on a daily basis. It can go from 35 mph to uncontrollable speeds. Taken to dealership several times but they never find the problems. Dealership cant even figure out what is wrong with the electrical windows.

- Salinas, CA, USA

problem #14

Jul 102009

Commander

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Acceleration does not stop when cruise control is engaged; accelerates past requested speed as if gas pedal is stuck. Contacted local mechanic, explained problem, they said it sounded as if it were a safety issue and would not touch it. Contacted Chrysler, basically told me there was no recall, sorry, and to have it looked at by a Jeep dealership. Began researching online, has happened to several people across the country with 2006 Jeep Commanders around the same mileage. One owner commented that he invested $600 in parts that were not the problem to begin with, there are no codes for this issue. Finally, the people working on it decided it was the powertrain control module and that seemed to fix the problem.

- Harrisville, WV, USA

problem #13

Mar 212010

Commander

  • 46,624 miles
The cruise control has a mind of its own to give you the best idea of what I'm talking about. It consistantly speeds up to 20mph over what I intend it to be set at. For example, if I set it at 40mph it will speed up to 60mph instantly on its own. 1. there were no events leading up to this 2. it happens everytime the cruise control is set to any speed. The vehicle fails to maintian the set cruise speed by speeding up on its own. The most likely consequence will be a rear end collision with the car in front of me. 3. the dealer is being contacted today for report and possibility of repair.

- Quantico, VA, USA

problem #12

Dec 232009

Commander

  • 27,350 miles
Cruise control sometimes accelerates severely.

- Clovis, CA, USA

problem #11

Nov 102006

Commander

  • 19,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it began vibrating and making a loud grinding noise. The vehicle failed to start. Once it finally restarted, all of the electrical components failed. The vehicle accelerated automatically and crashed into a pole. The contact was uninjured. The vehicle was unable to be driven away from the scene and was towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the entire computer system failed, including the clock, heating and cooling system, speedometer, and all other electrical components of the vehicle. On a separate occasion, the emissions warning indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that they did not know why the emissions indicator illuminated and they replaced the ignition switch. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 19,000 and current mileage was 27,500.

- Wadmalaw Island, SC, USA

problem #10

Jul 102008

Commander

  • 15,771 miles
Jan. 1., 07--replace windshield; at 20,853 mi. Rotors warped, needed to be resurfaced; 25,000 air only works on high and low--resistor motor ordered; 30,500, front and rear rotors warped, resurfaced; 32,000 car won't start--nothing found; 36,063, car started, then shut off and would not restart; security control module replaced; 39049, car would not start--towed to dealer replaced immobolizer control module; resistor blower motor finally replaced; resurfaced both front and rear rotors again; 48,010 car won't start; starter replaced starter; resistor blower motor again faulty, replaced motor, resistor and wiring; 50,831won't start again, towed to dealer, battery dead due to unfounded short, cause unknown, installed new battery; 58,0573 won't start, no crank, battery dead would not charge--suspected radio was the culprit replaced battery and radio; 61,5932 towed to dealer will not start battery voltage low checked all charging systems, replaced battery again; 61,700 car would not start--towed to dealer where it remains. I have a car that I owe 18K on that I cannot trade in because of this history it is only worth 8K. Throughout ownership I have had intermittent stalling, constant hesitation in acceleration. Additionally, the rear seat belt has let go and caused my son to hit his face on the back seat. Problems with seat belt latch sliding so that belt will not hook. Cannot see when backing up when my 5 kids are in the car. Tire pressure light comes on often, as does the air bag light. Exterior headlights are tilted so that they look like highbeams. This car is a danger.

- Milford, PA, USA

problem #9

Oct 182007

Commander 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,500 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. While driving 40 mph, the engine revved on its own and the vehicle accelerated to approximately 50-60 mph. The contact applied the brakes and turned off the engine. The contact shifted into park and restarted the vehicle. The engine immediately revved up again. The contact attempted to place the vehicle in gear, but when the shift lever reached reverse, the vehicle jerked backwards and struck another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact spoke with daimler Chrysler and they stated that they would conduct an investigation. The current and failure mileages were 16,500.

- Big Bear Lake, CA, USA

problem #8

Jul 172007

Commander

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle shut off. This always happened while slowing. It has normally been when slowing into a slight turn the speed dropped, and then trying to accelerate into the turn. Once or twice when just coming to a start/stop. Haven't taken it to the dealer yet. Thought I would check online to see if anyone else was having this problem. And here I am.

- San Antonio , TX, USA

problem #7

May 132007

Commander 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,145 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Sudden acceleration - car wash. Attendant entered vehicle at end of jax car wash in rochester hills, Michigan. I personally observed event - when driver put vehicle in gear in suddenly violently accelerated. The quick reaction of the jax driver prevented a major accident. He nearly missed a vehicle in front of the car wash being dried off by other employees and several employees by the dry towel containers - managing to go between them. He ended up running over a sidewalk curb, but managed to get it into neutral and shut the engine off before entering the main highway. The violent acceleration I observed was just short of a miracle that he managed to avoid personnel, vehicles, and to stop the vehicle before it entered the highway. After shutting it down for several minutes, the vehicle was restarted and performed normally. This vehicle had been through this car wash previously with no acceleration problem. It had just turned over 18,000 miles and had never had this happen previously. This is an extremely dangerous situation.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 072006

Commander

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I purchased 2006 Jeep Commander Dec '06. Had continuous issues w/the performance -service dept can't fix the problem. Approx three months after purchase, I was pulling off from a parking space -car cut off completely. I assumed that I hit the gear or didn't have completely engaged. B/C a new car, I thought it was strange but not a real issue. In Aug '06, taking my car in for routine service, backing up in the dealership lot & the car cut off completely. Added the request to have the issue checked. I explained this wasn't the 1st time the car cut off and there must be a problem. Was told that nothing found. In Sept '06, I was driving to work in stop & go traffic - my car cut off completely. I was able to apply the hazard lights to warn other drivers. I was able to start the car and took it into the dealership for service. I explained that this was the 3rd time that the car completely shut off, and something needed to be done. I was told that they could not replicate the situation and was asked to pick up my car. I told the service advisor that I was not picking up my car until something was done. My car cuts off while driving! that is not safe. I can't wait until I am in a tragic accident to say see, it happened again. The service department reported that they contacted the star hotline and replaced the PCM and installed a control program. I have continued to experience stalling and hesitation while driving but the car has not completely shut off. I have no confidence in accelerating to merge into traffic, nor pass other vehicles. I feel totally vulnerable that the Commander will shut off while driving. During my last scheduled maintenance 1/31/07, I informed the service advisor that I am still experiencing hesitation/stalling. They did not find anything. I have been advised to set up a time to leave my vehicle for overnight road test.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #5

Jul 232006

Commander 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
1st occurrence of the stalling/dying: 7/23/06. Vehicle was moving at a slow speed making a right hand turn. The vehicle lost power (no response when pushing on the gas pedal and the power steering also failed). Driver had to put the vehicle into park from drive, turn the key to the off position and then back to the start position. The 2nd occurrence was on 8/9/06 12:30 pm. At a stoplight on a hill waiting to turn left. The light turned, the car in front of her accelerated and when driver took her foot off of the brake to apply the gas and the car began to roll backwards. After this occurrence, driver called the dealership and spoke with a svc advisor. Driver described the symptoms and they said they had heard of this happening on some other Commanders and that they knew the part that typically fixed it. Driver made appt to bring in for service. Vehicle dropped off 8/10/06. Call from svc dept. 8/11/2006 and stated tech tested found a bad map sensor. They replaced the sensor and said the problem should be resolved. The 3rd occurrence happened on 8/15/06 7:40 am. Driver was stopped waiting for traffic to clear to make a right turn onto highway 212 from 222nd drive. At this point, driver called dealership and asked to speak with a service adviser and said she would be bringing the vehicle back in as it wasn't fixed. The 4th occurrence happened 8/15/06 5:50 pm while the vehicle was in motion on highway 217 driving to the northwest Jeep dealership. Driver was in slow rush hour traffic- 5-10 ph. Depressed the gas pedal to accelerate to keep up with traffic and the car just continued to coast with no acceleration. She had to put the vehicle in park, turn the key to the off position, start the car again and then stop on the highway to put car back into drive.

- Gresham, OR, USA

problem #4

Aug 012006

Commander 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
: the contact stated the vehicle stalled on three occasions. All incidents occurred during acceleration while traveling 35 mph. There were no warnings prior to the incidents and the vehicle had no problems restarting. The dealer could not duplicate or resolve the problem.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #3

Dec 022005

Commander 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,700 miles
Petition for the continuation of a defect investigation into unintended acceleration of the 2006 Jeep Commander vehicle, her mother was killed while operating her 2006 Jeep Commander.

- Coatesville, PA, USA

problem #2

Dec 022005

Commander 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,700 miles
On December 2, 2005, my mother was killed in an automobile accident in stanton, Delaware. She was operating my 2006 Jeep Commander, and the incident was caused by unintended acceleration. The Delaware state police contacted the office of defect investigation as part of their investigation. The Delaware state police have recently advised me that the office of defect investigation is closing this inquiry. Further, the Delaware state police have advised me to contact you because I disagree and respectfully request and petition that the office of defect investigation go forward with and aggressively pursue this investigation.

- Coatesville, PA, USA

problem #1

Apr 242006

Commander 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles
Well... "you're never going to believe to this? about 20 minutes ago I was driving sheri and myself back home from an appointment and went to pull out of a tee junction-, rossway road and the road was wet, I dabbed the throttle and pulled out gently, unfortunately a Cadillac came over the brow of the hill traveling fast and stamped on the gas to accelerate out of the way- nope he refused to move, I had my foot on the gas, flat to the floor- zero just min power, after what seemed like 1 seconds it picked up- full throttle ? went sideways spinning the tires and was at that point on the shoulder- it then left off up the road like a drag car- 5000+RPM. Now the scary bit, such a maneuver should have turned the esp light on at least, nothing, I've got to tell you at this point I am done with this thing. I just called chris xxx at the dealership and he says that he can?T do anything for me except call DCC and a lawyer- he needs to hear from them what to do. But he says as there are no error codes stored he will have no data to work with anyway. I?M on hold with DCC now and I?M on hold waiting to talk to the next dept? chief, they will do nothing for me I?M sure. I've copied Mr. Martin lee, who is my attorney on this message and I'm going to wait to see what he says" please add this to my file, thanks- another emergency has been narrowly avoided... while driving 54 mph with the cruise control on the vehicle's headlight went out and the vehicle stalled. The consumer turn the key to the off position then back to on and the vehicle started right up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the found nothing wrong. Updated 05/02/06.

- Salt Pointe, NY, USA

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