Photo: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
Power
Top speed (180 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2010
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 6 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentChronic electrical system failures
Encompassing window switches, wiring shorts, audio amplifiers, and general "gremlins.".
- Very frequentEngine-specific problems
Early Hemi (pre-2008) catastrophic failures; 4.7L V8 head gasket failures; 3.7L V6 camshaft position sensor (CPS) failures and underpowered performance.
- RecurrentTransmission failures
Reports of complete rebuilds needed, hard shifting, and slippage, particularly at higher mileages.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentSunroof/Moonroof leaks
Pervasive leaking issues across multiple roof panels.
- RecurrentFront suspension/steering component failures
Weak stock upper control arms, CV joint failures, particularly when modified or used off-road.
- RecurrentDifferential failures
Rear differential rebuilds required, front differential spider gear failures.
- RecurrentPoor build quality
Hard, cheap interior plastics; poor paint quality prone to fading and scratching; materials that degrade quickly.
- RecurrentWater pump failures
Common failure point, often resulting in complete coolant loss.
The version owners recommend
2008 or newer models with the 5.7L Hemi V8. Owners strongly advise avoiding early Hemi models (pre-2008) due to catastrophic engine issues, and the 4.7L V8 due to head gasket problems. The 3.7L V6 is noted as underpowered. The "Overland" or high-trim "Limited" models are praised for their luxurious interiors (saddlebag leather, reclining rear seats, multiple sunroofs) and comprehensive features. A model equipped with the Quadra-Trac II (QTII) or Quadra-Drive II (QDII) 4WD system with a low-range transfer case (identified by a chrome T-handle near the shifter) is considered essential for serious use.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover Discovery 2, Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ, WK), Jeep Cherokee (XJ) and Toyota Highlander.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of well-maintained examples, particularly those with the 5.7L Hemi V8, report high satisfaction, praising the vehicle's robust towing capability, comfortable and feature-rich interior, off-road competence for light to moderate trails, and commanding road presence. Many report achieving high mileage (200,000+ miles / 322,000+ km) with diligent maintenance. However, a very frequent and dominant criticism centers on widespread reliability and build quality issues, especially for models from the late 2000s. These include chronic electrical problems, premature failures of major components (engines, transmissions, differentials), and poor-quality interior materials and paint. The consensus indicates the vehicle is a "love/hate" proposition: a capable, comfortable, and stylish SUV that demands a high tolerance for repairs, significant maintenance diligence, and mechanical aptitude from its owner.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more spacious, three-row alternative to the contemporary Jeep Grand Cherokee, sharing many mechanical components. Frequently compared unfavorably to Toyota 4Runners and Land Cruisers for long-term reliability and aftermarket support, with those vehicles described as "indestructible" in contrast. Seen as offering a more premium and comfortable interior feel compared to utilitarian competitors like the 4Runner, but at the cost of higher repair frequency and cost. Considered less off-road capable and modifiable than a Jeep Wrangler or Cherokee (XJ) due to independent front suspension and limited aftermarket parts availability.
Recommended configurations
5.7L Hemi V8 engine (2008+ model year). QTII or QDII 4WD system with low range. Factory tow package for improved cooling. Avoid models with sunroofs/moonroofs due to pervasive leaking issues. Inspect under plastic rocker covers for hidden rust. Check window switches and wiring for electrical shorts. If modified, ensure aftermarket upper control arms are installed, as stock ones are known to fail. Consider carrying a portable battery starter due to electrical gremlins.
General recommendations
Only recommended for mechanically inclined owners who enjoy working on vehicles and can perform their own repairs. Essential to obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, 4WD system, and undercarriage rust. Budget significantly for ongoing repairs beyond routine maintenance. Not recommended as a primary, worry-free daily driver for those with limited repair budgets or tolerance for downtime. Excellent value if purchased cheaply with a known service history and treated as a project or secondary vehicle. Ideal for owners who value its unique boxy styling, interior space, and V8 power for towing or camping, and are prepared for its shortcomings.
Remarks
Owner experiences are heavily bifurcated, creating the "love/hate" dynamic. Positive reports almost exclusively come from long-term owners who are deeply familiar with their vehicle's quirks, perform proactive maintenance, and have the skill to address repairs. Negative reports often stem from owners experiencing cascading failures without the means or desire to manage them. The platform suffers from extremely limited aftermarket support for parts like lift kits, bumpers, and suspension components, restricting modification potential compared to other Jeeps. The vehicle's reputation for unreliability is strongly tied to the broader perception of Chrysler's poor quality control in the mid-to-late 2000s. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2006. Years to avoid: 2007, 2006Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Jeep Commander years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 45 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 59 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 437 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 1,035 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 1,782 | 6 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices24 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2010 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 13V175000
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.
2010 · electrical system:ignition:modulecampaign 10V200000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER 300, DODGE CHALLENGER, CHARGER, JEEP COMMANDER, GRAND CHEROKEE AND DODGE RAM VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE EXHIBITING A BINDING CONDITION OF THE SOLENOID LATCH.
2010 · equipmentcampaign 10V085000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 JEEP COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THEY MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED REAR TRACK BAR.
2010 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 10V009000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
2009 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 09V118000
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.
2009 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 13V175000
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.
2009 · suspensioncampaign 09E039000
ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.
2008 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V567000
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.
2008 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 13V175000
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.
2008 · electrical systemcampaign 08V059000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,338 MY 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND COMMANDER VEHICLES. THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED.
2008 · suspensioncampaign 09E039000
ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.
2008 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 07V415000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS IN A CERTAIN LOT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED FROM GRAY IRON INSTEAD OF DUCTILE IRON AS DESIGNED AND COULD FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.
2007 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 14V438000
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.
2007 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 13V175000
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.
2007 · suspensioncampaign 09E039000
ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.
9 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: XK
5.7 i V8 Limited
5.7L 8-cylinder · 334 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2006–2010