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2008 Jeep Commander: key fob or push-button start problems

8 of the 327 complaints about the 2008 Jeep Commander describe key fob or push-button start problems.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
95,260
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 14 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Key fob or push-button start problems by model year

  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    8
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    3

What owners say

Filed Aug 11, 2016 · Electrical · 98,402 miles · MI

The ignition would not turn off and let the key fob be removed. We finally had to have it towed to the dealership as the key would not do anything. Could not get the key to turn on in order to put the commander in any gear in order for it to be placed on the flatbed. The win module had to be replaced and new keys bought. I do see where the win module is on recall but not the VIN # of my 2008 commander.

Filed Dec 23, 2015 · Electrical · GA

2008 jeep commander. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall notice. *smd the consumer stated when he attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. After several attempts a diagnostic message displayed "key damaged". The consumer had the vehicle towed to his home, where he used the spare key fob, but the vehicle would not start. The doors locked and the consumer attempted to open them using the key, but the alarm went off and the battery had to be disconnected to stop it. The consumer contacted the dealer and informed them about the recall he had received in november 2014. However, the dealer stated the parts were not available.

Filed Aug 25, 2015 · Electrical · 58,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep commander. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part needed to do the repair. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wireless ignition module and key fob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed May 2, 2015 · Electrical · 106,615 miles · WV

On 1 may 2015 I drove my 2008 jeep commander on errands, making several stops. Returning to the vehicle after my last errand, it refused to start when the ignition key was properly inserted and turned. After several attempts and noticing that the dashboard indicator lights, interior lights, headlights and electric windows all functioned properly, I concluded there was a starter or alternator problem. I had the tow truck operator attempt to jump the vehicle just in case it was the battery, which it was not, and was subsequently towed 30 miles home at the cost of $175. The next morning, I wondered if something could be amiss with the electronic key fob. I tried the spare key and the car started immediately. I then tried my original key again and the car also started. We did receive a ignition switch recall notice from chrysler in the fall of 2014 that indicated we would be notified when parts became available, so I called their 1-800 number for an update. Chrysler cannot provide any specific time frame for when the replacement parts will be available. The only thing they will do is add your email to the "special notification list" so that you will receive an email when the parts are available rather than waiting for a physical letter to arrive via usps. I now have to drive this vehicle knowing that it could shut down while I am driving and cause an accident - presumably with disabled air bags due to the ignition being "off" - or strand me by not starting. As a biologist, I do research in some pretty inaccessible places, so this is a huge safety issue for me. Chrysler should be compelled to engineer a fix and make it available now!

Filed Apr 30, 2015 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · OR

I was notified of the manufacturer recall late 2014, I took it to the local dealership at that time and was advised that they did not have the parts in and that they would be in at some point this year. I asked what the actual risk was they explained the biggest risk was associated with the engine shutting off while driving and was advised to remove my keys off of my key fobs. On april 9, 2015, I parked my car turned the ignition off and then realize that there was a window down. At that point I attempted to restart the car to roll up the window and there was no power. After having the car towed to a local shop and being told they couldn't bring up anything on the computer because the electrical system was shut down, the vehicle was transported to local dealership where they identified that the win module or the wireless ignition node was defective. Now, I have been without a vehicle since that time and they are reporting that the replacement parts will be expected around may 14 of this year however ever since april 16, I have been getting different dates every single time I talk to the dealership. I believe chrysler has exceeded a fair amount of time to replace this since they knew about it in the summer of 2014 and they have failed to provide a quality replacement part for their product. I have been in contact with both the local dealership and the 1-800 number for chrysler(888) 327-4236 and they continue to pass me around and inform me that I'm welcome to rent-a-car and have been offered the dealerships discount. Further, they report that they are not sure when the replacement parts will be available but I will be notified as soon as they are.

Filed Feb 27, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 82,000 miles · WY

In jan 2015 our key fob got stuck in the ignition of our 2008 jeep commander. A day later,we were able to free it. On 2/19/15 it would not start and we had to have it jump started twice. Once started it drove without issues for 3 days. Then on 2/23/15, the jeep would not start and the key fob got stuck in the ignition. The jeep could not move and could not be taken out of park. The only thing that worked were the lights. We tried to jump start the vehicle and tried everything we could think of to release the key from the ignition. The fob would not release so we had to have the jeep towed to the dealership where we purchased it. The mechanic tested the jeep (battery tested fine). They called chrysler to see if they had any parts to fix the issue and discovered that the issue with our jeep was a faulty ignition. The mechanic got the fob released from the ignition by unplugging the battery. He could not guarantee how long this would work. We called the recall hotline and confirmed our jeep commander was listed on recall p57. However, chrysler has no fix at this time. The hotline advised us to get a hold of a chrysler dealership and get a rental car free of charge through them until the jeep could be fixed (at an unknown future date). The local chrysler dealership refused to give us a rental and said they could not look at the jeep for a few weeks. On 2/28 the jeep would not start again so we had to purchase a new battery (at our expense). Because of the p57 ignition recall we are worried that we have an unreliable vehicle and that it could also stall while driving and cause an accident with injury or death. We feel unsafe in the jeep! We want chrysler to fix these unsafe ignitions immediately and in the meantime provide us free alternative transportation and reimbursement for our expenses.

Filed Dec 22, 2014 · Electrical · 95,260 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep commander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the key fob failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the win module and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 95,260.

Filed Sep 19, 2013 · Electrical · 86,000 miles · IN

On september 17th, 2013 at 10:00am, I went to start my 2008 jeep commander and it would not turn over. I was getting a "damaged key" or "wrong key" error message. My husband came from his job to also start it. He was able to get the car to start very intermittently. We decided that I would leave work to take the car home to try the spare key. It also did not work. At 1:00pm on september 17th, we were able to get the car to the jeep dealership. The dealership diagnosed the car as needing a new key fob. I let them know that I firmly believed they were incorrect and that it was the wireless ignition module. They proceeded with the key fob. On september 18th, I called the dealership to follow up on the status of my car. They noted that it was not the key fob, but the wireless ignition module like I said the day prior. The dealership let me know the part was on back order and I was number 103 on the waitlist. After a lot of research on the internet, it appears the issue with the wireless ignition module is very common with jeeps. I have now called jeep four times (september 18th - twice; september 19th - twice) and have not received a single return call to bring resolution to this issue. I now have a car that does not run and no answers on when to expect a part....a part that has had a lot of issues for jeep owners. Where is jeep's responsibility to their customers? The lack of customer service and answers is very disheartening.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported September 17, 2014 · 292,798 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 14V567000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported May 7, 2013 · 295,345 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 13V175000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported February 6, 2008 · 1,338 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 08V059000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 Jeep Commander key fob

Is key fob or push-button start problems a common problem on the 2008 Jeep Commander?

8 of 327 owner complaints about the 2008 Jeep Commander (2%) mention key fob or push-button start problems. The model year with the most reports is 2008.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Jeep Commander?

There are 3 recalls and 14 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 Jeep Commander

Stalling 81Won't start 31Check engine light 16Loss of power 15Airbag light 13Warning lights 13Headlights 9Wipers 9Engine failure 8Windshield crack 6ABS 5No deployment 5Water leak 5

All model years of the Jeep Commander

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