RoadVitals

2006 Jeep Commander Powertrain (other) Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Powertrain (other) reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
221
Latest Jan 12, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 1,635 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

What this page shows

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2006 Jeep Commander submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 221 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming powertrain

The 25 most recent of 221, in the owner's own words

BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 12, 2026

My jeep will shut off unexpectedly, it will do a up and down idle increase and decrease while at a idle the abs will lock up my wheel tight to where itll drag while trying to move forward. The 4x4 low will not engage at all says service 4x4

NHTSA ID
11710463
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was intermittent but a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had been replaced approximately 2 years ago due to battery drainage issues. The contact stated that the failure with the 12-Volt battery being drained and had jumpstart the vehicle several times. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also replaced the ECM module independently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11694039
Incident
Aug 16, 2024
Mileage
200,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2025

Power Train. The (TCM/PCM/TECM) Chrysler is recalling 24, 461 Jeep Commander vehicles equipped with 407 V8 engines. Th powertrain control module (PCM) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions. This could cause a crash without warning. ( My Jeep turns on, but it is not able to be moved, it is stalled indefinitely). I asked the dealer @Rockwall Dodge, Rockwall TX to check the PCM/TCM/TECM. They refused. Said they were not able to check this situation. Didn't have that equipment. Electrical System. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The air bag lights comes on randomly. The engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems. I am unable to unlock the ignition on several occasions. Suspension. Rock Krawler recalled 44 performance suspension systems sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicle listed above. We have had suspension issues on our Jeep. No one can find the issue to fix it. The Jeep makes noise at the suspension system.

NHTSA ID
11687370
Incident
Sep 13, 2025
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 22, 2025

Abs, traction control, and another light come on and goes off intermittent. While reversing feels like brakes are locking up. Transmission shifts different intermittently. I have seen that there is recalls for other 06 commanders that reflect the issues I am having.

NHTSA ID
11656154
Incident
Mar 21, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 4, 2025

Vehicle randomly saying transmission over temp. Vehicle may or may not crank upon turning key Vehicle downshifts to second gear while driving and has caused me to run off the road/slam on brakes to stop Vehicle resets itself to where Jeep dealership cannot even trace wiring harness for shorts or check to see if transmission control module works properly after having my commander from August to December. Suspect faulty Transmission control module/short due to poorly designed wiring and parts on manufacturer's behalf. Other issues include random codes with each new code reader, stereo wiring issues, vehicle changing from v8 to v4 randomly while driving, consuming excessive gas amounts only receiving 9 miles per gal of fuel Extremely dangerous to drive and do not feel safe

NHTSA ID
11640684
Incident
Apr 11, 2024
BrakesPowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jan 24, 2025

I had gotten my sepertine belt replaced and it started showing message transmission over heating it had not aloud my jeep to start and it made the starter go out to the alternator is now bad I have had it stall before I got the message and it about caused an accident several times until message. Brakes had skidded me about into a tree & other things and people when I had pressed on them two handful of times, it's Like that were be slammed or something.

NHTSA ID
11638268
Incident
Jan 24, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 24, 2023

Transmission over temp is a never ending light that lights up daily. I've had 3 reprogrammed PCMs and the ECM replaced as well. The car was also reprogrammed at the dealership twice with the results the same. It will work for a couple days then right back to the original issue and including a few more. Recently the trans over temp came on and stalled in rush hour traffic. Resulting in a almost serious accident. Several attempts made to restart the car. Started and stalled immediately. After the 4th time and reving the engine very hard it stayed running. I've called the recall line on this and several other recalls (1 that was under warranty) with no resolution. This is now a safety issue for me and others on the road. This car is a lemon and should be taken off the road. I've waisted money at the dealership being charged over $300 each time to reprogrammed with no improvement. Bought 3 PCMs at $1200 each. I replaced almost everything under the hood and car with no positive results.

NHTSA ID
11528651
Incident
Jun 5, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact researched the cause of the failure and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under the recall. A dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.

NHTSA ID
11489727
Incident
May 1, 2022
Mileage
265,000 mi
AirbagsEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at 55-65 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated and the vehicle lost electrical power temporarily. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and the vehicle would stall while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle would go into limp mode and would not shift out of third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The contact also stated that the transmission was shifting hard. The contact stated that the warning message "Passenger Air Bag Off" and the front passenger air bag warning light would illuminate when a lightweight passenger sat in the front passenger’s seat. The dealer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under unknown recalls because the VIN was not included. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11460417
Incident
Apr 11, 2020
Mileage
170,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was stalling while driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

NHTSA ID
11454824
Incident
Mar 1, 2022
Mileage
215,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 24, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID
11430357
Incident
Jul 24, 2021
Mileage
170,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 5, 2021

2006 Jeep Commander Limited 5.7L V8 Message as appears on dash - TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP While driving a short distance the message TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP appears, the fan kicks on HIGH & is very loud, and it feels like the transmission disengages like being thrown into neutral, but is still drivable. About 2 weeks prior, I noticed smoke coming out from under hood & the engine coolant tank was almost empty. There were no visible leaks on carport. I refilled the tank & immediately called Kilby Automotive repair shop, then took it in. They said that the radiator cap needed to be replaced. The also said the valve cover gasket was leaking. They replaced the radiator cap & made an appointment for June 3rd to replace the valve cover gasket. Before that appointment the vehicle started displaying the TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP message. I took it into Kilby Automotive on May 27, 2021. They said it was a faulty transmission temperature sensor, but they could not repair. They have done a lot of repairs on the vehicle for several years. I called Ultimate Luxury Auto Service explaining the issue. The man said that he could put a new sensor in & there is a broken transmission mount. He replaced the sensor. Fix mount later. When I was driving home, the same message appeared & the fan kicked on as before. I messaged the shop & took the vehicle back in. They put a 2nd sensor in, drove it & received the same TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP message. They returned the 2 new sensors & put my original sensor back in. They said they were sorry they could not fix it & dropped the price of repairs. I entered the make, model, & message online & found out a lot of people have the same problem. Some people have said they replaced numerous parts & it did not fix it, and others say they replaced the PCM. I am disabled and do not want to be stranded or have a vehicle fire. I am afraid that it would pose a risk to me & others, as transmission oil can ignite on hot surfaces and cause a fire in the engine.

NHTSA ID
11419726
Incident
May 27, 2021
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Mar 6, 2021

MY VEHICLE DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF ME DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS ON A MAIN ROAD TURNING INTO A MCDONALD'S WHEN MY CAR DIED. I WAS GOING ABOUT 20 WHEN MY CAR DIED. MY STEERING LOCKED UP, COULDN'T BRAKE OR ACCELERATE, AND HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN MY CAR OFF TO AND BACK ON TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ONCE I GOT MY CAR STARTED AGAIN THE IDLE KEPT PULSATING ABOVE ONE THOUSAND RPM AND WOULD HAVE TO KEEP IT IN NEUTRAL AT A STOP SO IT WOULD LURK FORWARD.

NHTSA ID
11399505
Incident
Mar 6, 2021
Mileage
174,100 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 9, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 JEEP COMMANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE RPM FLUCTUATED AND DROPPED TO ZERO. THE VEHICLE STALLED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. GADDIS CHRYSLER DODGE (1717 N WHEELING AVE, MUNCIE, IN 47303, (765) 273-4728) WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V203000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 146,000.

NHTSA ID
11395393
Incident
Jan 19, 2021
Mileage
146,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 26, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 JEEP COMMANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 285,161.

NHTSA ID
11390081
Incident
Jan 23, 2021
Mileage
285,161 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 6, 2020

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL SHIFT OFF FOR NO REASON. IT APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG I HAVE A NEW BATTERY AND DON'T NOW WHY IT'S LOSING POWER.. IT CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN I MADE A TURN BUT ALSO WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT . ALSO THE WHEELS FEELS LIKE THEY ARE WOBBLY WHILE DRIVING IN THE FRONT. *TR

NHTSA ID
11362979
Incident
Oct 4, 2020
Mileage
1 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 5, 2020

I HAVE A 2006 JEEP COMMANDER THAT I BOUGHT 2 MONTHS AGO. IT HAS BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER. FIRST OF ALL THE FIRST DAY IT RAINED THE WHOLE ENTIRE CAB WAS SOAKED, COME TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE OF THESE JEEPS. THE DRAIN LINES DON'T STAY CONNECTED TO THE FLOOR AND WHEN THAT OCCURS THE CARPET GET DRENCHED. I HAD TO PULL ALL OF THE CARPET OUT OF THE JEEP BECAUSE OF MOLD CONCERNS. SECONDLY SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE FIRST TIME I DROVE THE JEEP. TOOK IT TOO A MECHANIC AND THE CODE SHOWED A CRANK SENSOR AND A CAM SENSOR. GOT BOTH OF THOSE REPLACED AND IT REQUIRED A DRIVESHAFT REPAIR KIT. ANOTHER DAY LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AGAIN. THE TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY SO WE HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE. TOOK IT INTO ANOTHER MECHANIC THAT WAS CLOSER TO WHERE I WAS HAVING THE ISSUES AND THEY PUT ANOTHER SET OF CRANK AND CAM SENSORS IN AGAIN. SUPPOSINGLY I WAS GOOD TO GO BUT JUST 2 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON.WENT BACK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC THAT WAS CLOSE IN PROXIMITY TO WHERE I WAS HAVING TROUBLE IN WHICH THE TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY AGAIN. THIS MECHANIC FOUND A SHORT TO THE GROUND IN ALTANATER UNIT WHICH REQUIRED A NEW ALTANATER BECAUSE THE OTHER ONE WASN'T PULLING ENOUGH VOLTAGE. TODAY (SEPT 5TH) WENT TO START THE TRUCK AND IT STALLED AGAIN AND WHEN I RESTARTED IT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. I HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $2000 ON THIS SITUATION AND IT STILL ISN'T FIXED. I HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL AS WELL AS OTHERS WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS FROM CHRYSLER TO FIX WHATEVER ISSUES THESE CARS ARE HAVING. THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING AWAY WITH THIS CRAP WAY TOO LONG NOW. GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY 70 PLUS MILES AN HOUR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.

NHTSA ID
11353289
Incident
Jul 1, 2020
Mileage
120,500 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 16, 2020

WHEN I ACCELERATE IT SOMETIMES SAYS SOMETHING LIKE TRANSMISSION TEMP HIGH AND BEEPS

NHTSA ID
11349637
Incident
Aug 15, 2020
Mileage
168,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 11, 2020

WORST VEHICLE EVER! WE GOT IT WITH AROUND 98K MILES ON IT, AND IT NOW ONLY HAS 103K MILES ON IT AND IN THE LAST 4K WE'VE PUT OVER $5K INTO IT TRYING TO GET IT TO RUN. WE HAD TO PUT A NEW TRANSMISSION IN ($2K) AND HAVE THE LIFTERS IN THE ENGINE REPLACED ($2,600). CURRENTLY IT'S BEEN SHUTTING OFF ON ITS OWN A FEW SECONDS AFTER I START IT AND GIVING RANDOM "TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP" AND "SERVICE 4X4 SYSTEM" MESSAGES EVEN THOUGH THERE'S NOT A PROBLEM WITH THOSE SYSTEMS. I TURN THE KEY, IT RUNS FOR 3 SECONDS, THEN SHUTS OFF. SOMETIMES IT DOES THIS SEVERAL TIMES IN A ROW AND THEN WON'T START AT ALL. OTHER TIMES IT STARTS FINE SO IT'S RIDICULOUSLY HARD TO DIAGNOSE. SOMETIMES WHEN IT'S DOING IT'S SHUT DOWN BIT, YOU CAN GET IT TO STAY ON A LITTLE LONGER BY REVVING THE ENGINE, AND IT WILL LET YOU PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, BUT THEN SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE SUN ROOF LEAKS HORRIFICALLY, EVEN AFTER I'VE TRIED THE "CLIP THE NIPPLES OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE HOSES" TRICK.

NHTSA ID
11348514
Incident
Jul 25, 2020
Mileage
103,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 1, 2020

TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP KEEPS APPEARING AFTER FLUID, SHIFT SOLENOID, AND FILTERS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. SHIFT SOLENOIDS WHERE NEW FROM CHRYSLER AND STILL IT STATES TRANSMISSION IS OVER TEMP.

NHTSA ID
11342711
Incident
Aug 1, 2020
Mileage
113,311 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2020

CAR ROLLS IN PARK FROM TIME TO TIME UNLESS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS SET. MAKES VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN IN REVERSE AFTERWARD. HAS "SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM" MESSAGE. NO MECHANIC HAS BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
11341801
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
139,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 5, 2020

MY JEEP LOSES POWER EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING (SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY) AT TIMES IT STOPS SHIFTING AND THEN SLAMS LIKE THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION FELL OUT OF JEEP.

NHTSA ID
11297234
Incident
Aug 8, 2019
Mileage
112,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 4, 2019

REPEATED TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP ERROR MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON DASH. ERROR IS INTERMITTENT, OCCASIONALLY CAUSING VEHICLE TO TURN OFF UNEXPECTEDLY DURING OPERATION. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ID
11278107
Incident
Sep 17, 2019
Mileage
120,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 29, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 JEEP COMMANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO THIRD GEAR AND THE VEHICLE SIMULTANEOUSLY JERKED FORWARD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V203000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11276957
Incident
Oct 22, 2019
Mileage
160,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 22, 2019

TL* THE MECHANIC'S CUSTOMER OWNS A 2006 JEEP COMMANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A FAILURE CODE WAS DISCOVERED FOR THE POWER TRAIIN. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V203000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH CROWN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM GREENSBORO (3710 W WENDOVER AVE, GREENSBORO, NC 27407, (336) 790-9850) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT MORE INFORMATION WAS NEEDED TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT FOUND ON THE INTERNET THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER THE RECALL ON MAY 5, 2008. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AFTER THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

NHTSA ID
11270165
Incident
Jul 1, 2019
Mileage
141,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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