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2009 Jeep Commander problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Jeep Commander is electrical system, typically around 87,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Commander model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
94/100
Owner complaints
46
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
15-16mpg

The worst 2009 Jeep Commander problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    21
  • Engine
    10
  • Transmission
    8
  • Airbags
    6
  • Body
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Jeep Commander

Stalling 14Airbag light 6

Recalls 2

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

Air bags: frontalReported April 9, 2009 · 4,314 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 09V118000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2009 Jeep Commander

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Jeep Commander 51

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 51 bulletins for the 2009 Jeep Commander

2009 Jeep Commander fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.7L 6‑cylRWD152016
3.7L 6‑cyl4WD141916
5.7L 8‑cylRWD142016
4.7L 8‑cylRWD141915
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD131915
4.7L 8‑cyl4WD131815

What 2009 Jeep Commander owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · MI

Was driving the speed limit when I started smelling an electrical burning smell several seconds later my passenger side airbag deployed while I was driving scaring me almost causing an accident I am almost 7 months pregnant!!! Now the airbag light is also on and I am terrified to drive!

Filed Feb 10, 2022 · Airbags · 138,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag squid connector was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed the result from the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · AL

The commander turns off on its own, brakes on its own, the alarm does its own thing, the esp/bas lights are on, buttons on dash don’t work most of the time, sunroof drain is faulty, and leaks rivers of water into my car! Also had my brakes to seize up on me and I couldn’t move from a danged stop sign. I just want a vehicle I can rely on.

Filed Apr 6, 2021 · Engine · 110,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 jeep commander. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted and driven to her destination. The contact called the local dealer warsaw chrysler dodge jeep ram (2771 n detroit st, warsaw, in 46582, (574) 306-5082) and sorg dodge inc (1811 elkhart rd, goshen, in 46526, (574) 533-8605) and the dealers were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The consumer stated 4 sensors were out causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle is running fine after the repairs were made.

Filed Jan 23, 2021 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · AR

Just like the 2008 model, when you put the car in park and try to turn the key off the will not turn off all the way. I have to turn the key from the auxiliary position to the on position for several minutes until the key finally goes into the off position. Only then will it release the key. When I look my car to the dealership, they replaced the ignition switch 2 different times. I later found out that there was a recall on the 2008 model for the same issue. I am still dealing with this problem today.

Filed Dec 26, 2019 · Electrical · 131,000 miles · MO

My jeep has periodic starting issues. All the lights work on the dash it just clicks. This is very random. If you jump it the vehicle will start. Sometimes if you wait a period of time it will start. Took it to the dealer they replaced starter but issue stills persist. It is very difficult to recreate. Dealers have no clue what is causing the issue.

Filed Nov 17, 2019 · Electrical · 198,000 miles · MI

The remote car starter starts my vehicle? But 5-10 seconds later it shuts back off and my radio turns itself on and off even while its not on. The display goes black, makes a click, shows the jeep logo, bars where the time should be, 12:00, then the real time, then does it all over again the entire time the vehicle is running. There is also a clicking noise sometimes when I unlock the doors even while the jeep is off, it also happens sometimes when turning the heat on. This is sometimes resolved by changing the fan to cabin mode, other times it continues for random lengths of time. I see that there were other recalls regarding the electrical system on this model & am worried about driving it in case it turns into a more serious issue. When looking at recall information on kbb.com it says my VIN is a part of the electrical system recall for power train transfer case, but when I check it here it says there are no inrepaired recalls. I am not sure if it has already been fixed, or if my vehicle is y a part of it, but there is definitely something going wrong now.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep commander. The contact stated that the key was becoming stuck in the ignition. Perry chrysler dodge jeep ram (2340 national city blvd, national city, ca 91950, (619) 477-1234) acknowledged the failure and stated that the ignition needed to be repaired. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2019 · Electrical · IL

Vehicle was previously driven, parked, shut off, returned to vehicle and it failed to start. Lights, horn, alarm, radio, windows all power still works on the vehicle. Vehicle taken to in network car shop, all parts tested working properly (alternator, battery, starter) no intermittent starting with the vehicle at all. Vehicle has failed to start since incident. Vehicle will be towed to manufacture dealership tomorrow. Current mileage 100784

Filed May 30, 2019 · Electrical · 134,000 miles · PA

A few weeks ago while driving down a country road going around a semi sharp turn the jeep just shut off. Lights, engine, brakes all power shut off. I was able to place the jeep in neutral and start it back up. Everytime since while driving the dash lights flicker as well as the headlights. It stalls at times and sometimes the traction control light comes on and stays on until I turn the car off and back on.

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Questions about the 2009 Jeep Commander

Is the 2009 Jeep Commander reliable?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2009 Jeep Commander, fewer than a typical Commander model year.

What is the 2009 Jeep Commander year score?

The 2009 Jeep Commander scores 94 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Jeep Commander: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Jeep Commander?

Electrical system, with 21 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles. Next is engine (10).

How many recalls does the 2009 Jeep Commander have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system and air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Jeep Commander electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 13V175000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Jeep Commander have the most electrical problems?

The Jeep Commander model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (687 complaints), 2007 (371 complaints) and 2008 (201 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Jeep Commander get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Jeep Commander range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 20 highway.

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