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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-JEEP-COMMANDER NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Jeep

2006 Jeep Commander problems

The 2006 Jeep Commander has 1,782 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 6 active recall campaigns.

The 2006 Jeep Commander has 1,782 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 582 complaints, typically surfacing around 86,899 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Jeep Commander owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2006 Commander (this page) 1,782 6
2007 Commander 1,034 6
2008 Commander 436 5
2009 Commander 58 3
2006 Jeep Commander
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · representative photo of the Jeep Commander
0 5 10
Reliability score
5.2 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 Commander?
Avoid — the cruise-control

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2006 Jeep Commander? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 86,899 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 5.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2006 Jeep Commander

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2006-jeep-commander/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2006 Jeep Commander reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2006-jeep-commander/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2006 Jeep Commander reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
582 reports · fails ~86,899 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
355 reports · fails ~47,957 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
276 reports · fails ~89,660 mi · avg $2,500
severe
body
172 reports · fails ~70,041 mi · avg $1,500
severe
steering
73 reports · fails ~90,812 mi · avg $700
severe
seatbelts
43 reports · fails ~101,283 mi · avg $500
moderate
cruise control
36 reports · fails ~78,629 mi · avg $600
critical
airbags
34 reports · fails ~108,234 mi · avg $1,100
critical

Your road ahead on this 2006 Jeep Commander

When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.

  1. ~13,000 mivisibility~$350
  2. ~30,502 miengine~$3,100
  3. ~32,000 mibrakes~$450
  4. ~42,638 mifuel system~$1,200
  5. ~56,070 milighting~$250
  6. ~70,000 mibody~$1,500
  7. ~79,000 mitires~$150
  8. ~80,000 micruise control~$600
  9. ~86,000 misteering~$700
  10. ~87,000 mipowertrain~$2,500

"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.

Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2006 Commander's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2006 Commander?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Commander · steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep commander. While driving 10 MPH, the power steering seized and the instrument panel lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v438000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed for the repair was…
12/31/2015 · at 62,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10817275.0 · see steering pattern →
2006 Commander · electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep commander. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on multiple occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the part was not…
2006 Commander · electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep commander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v438000 (electrical system) and stated that the part was not available. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer…
2006 Commander · electrical
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep commander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v438000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
View all 1,782 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2006 Jeep Commander? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 6

severe NHTSA 14V438000 July 21, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system

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.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.
severe NHTSA 13V175000 May 7, 2013

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

If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 09E039000 June 19, 2009

Rock krawler is recalling 44 performance suspension systems sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicle listed above

This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.

Fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on october 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied. Owners may contact rock krawler at 1-518-270-9822.
View all 6 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2006 Jeep Commander reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.2 out of 10 based on 1,782 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Jeep Commander has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2006 Jeep Commander?

On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Jeep Commander is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 18 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Cruise-control: 36 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 46,624–100,000 mi; Reliability score 5.2/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2006 Jeep Commander?

Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 582 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 86,899 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2006 Jeep Commander a good used car to buy?

It scores 5.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,782 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 86,899 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Jeep Commander?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 582 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 86,899 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 78,629 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Jeep Commander has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Jeep Commander?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,782 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Jeep/Commander. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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