Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Jeep Commander powertrain problems
severe 276 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
276
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
10crashes
3fires
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 276 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Jeep Commander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Jeep Commander we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 276.
Owners have filed 276 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Mechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗4WD Lamp Illuminated and Diagnostic Trouble Code C140F Active in Final Drive Control Modules (FDCM) Memory This bulletin involves verifying FDCM software level and then flash reprogramming of the FDCM with new software. Customers may indicate that the ?Service 4WD? indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated. They may also indicate that the transfer case will not shift from 4WD High, 4WD Low, and/or Neutral once the lamp is illuminated. Further investigation identifies that a Diagnostic Trouble Code C140F is stored or active in the Final Drive Control Modules (FDCM) Memory
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗4WD Lamp Illuminated and Diagnostic Trouble Code C140F Active in Final Drive Control Modules (FDCM) Memory This bulletin involves verifying FDCM software level and then flash reprogramming of the FDCM with new software. Customers may indicate that the ?Service 4WD? indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated. They may also indicate that the transfer case will not shift from 4WD High, 4WD Low, and/or Neutral once the lamp is illuminated. Further investigation identifies that a Diagnostic Trouble Code C140F is stored or active in the Final Drive Control Modules (FDCM) Memory
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Jeep Commander's powertrain system is the source of widespread, recurring failures that owners describe as unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. The most common complaint is unexpected stalling—vehicles losing all engine power at highway speeds (45–70 mph), traffic lights, parking lots, and inclines. Owners report loss of power steering and braking when this happens, creating serious safety hazards. Many stalls occur without warning lights; some trigger check engine lights, transmission over temp messages, or service 4WD warnings. After stalling, vehicles typically restart after a pause or several attempts.
Transmission problems are chronic: vehicles shift into neutral unexpectedly, refuse to shift gears, lock into a single gear, slip under acceleration, surge at low speeds, or drift backward on inclines. The "transmission over temp" warning appears frequently and intermittently—sometimes daily—even when the engine coolant temperature reads normal and the transmission isn't actually overheating.
Electrical system failures compound the issue. Dashboard lights flash or illuminate erratically; headlights cycle on and off; gauges behave erratically; cruise control malfunctions or causes uncontrolled acceleration; windows and climate controls fail intermittently. Some owners report complete electrical shutdowns while driving.
Owners frequently cite faulty sensor replacements (temperature sensor, MAF sensor, crank/cam sensors), transmission repairs or full replacements, ECM/PCM/TCM reprogramming, and module replacements. Despite these repairs, problems recur within days or weeks. Multiple dealers and independent shops have been unable to replicate or diagnose issues. Several recall attempts (N23, N26, H19, 08V203000, 13V175000, 14V438000) have either failed to resolve problems or created new ones—notably the N23 transfer case actuator recall, which owners report disabled 4WD functionality afterward. Parts shortages have delayed or prevented recall completion for years.
Same Jeep Commander powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling at highway and variable speeds
Engine shuts down completely while driving with no warning, loss of power steering and braking. Typically restarts after pause or multiple attempts. Occurs at 30–70+ mph and at traffic stops.
When: At various speeds, no consistent pattern; some owners report frequent occurrences over years
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; Loss of power steering; Loss of power braking; Check engine light may illuminate; Occasional service 4WD warning; Vehicle restarts after waiting or multiple restart attempts
Codes mentioned: U1400 (TCM module code), 08V203000 (powertrain/TCM/PCM recall), 08V059000 (V8 recall)
Repairs/costs cited: ECM/PCM/TCM module replacement attempted; reprogram/flash of control modules; battery cable replacement; MAF sensor replacement; starter replacement; fuel pump replacement; crank/cam sensors replaced. No permanent fix achieved in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 08V203000 (ECM/PCM/TCM update), 08V059000 (V8 stalling). Parts frequently unavailable or backlogged. Some recalls did not include all affected VINs. Dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose many stalling incidents.
Transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly
While driving, transmission disengages into neutral without driver input. Vehicle loses acceleration; loss of control on hills or in traffic. May also refuse to shift out of neutral or into proper gears.
When: At various speeds; on inclines; while driving in traffic; happens intermittently over months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission enters neutral while driving; Loss of acceleration despite gas pedal input; Vehicle coasts; Strong jerking or pulling sensation; Loud noise from transmission; Check engine light may illuminate
Codes mentioned: 13V175000 (electrical system/powertrain recall), Related to transfer case actuator and final drive controller module
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement attempted multiple times in some cases; transfer case replacement recommended; solenoid pack replacement; final drive controller module software update; TCM reprogramming. Parts (transmission solenoid packs, actuators) on factory backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V175000 and final drive controller module software update. Some owners denied warranty coverage; recall deemed unrelated to reported failures. Parts shortages prevent completion.
Transmission over temp warning message
Dashboard message 'TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP' appears frequently and intermittently, often when transmission is not actually overheating. Engine coolant temperature reads normal. Transmission may feel rough or jumpy when message appears.
When: At any driving condition or sitting parked; appears multiple times daily in some cases; at 62,000–125,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: TRANSMISSION OVER TEMP warning on dash; Transmission feels disengaged or jumpy; Engine cooling fan runs on high; Message appears despite normal engine coolant temp; Smoke from under hood reported in some cases; No pattern to appearance (highway, traffic, short trips, parked)
Codes mentioned: Temperature sensor fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator cap replacement; transmission temperature sensor replaced (multiple times in some cases); coolant flushed twice; PCM reprogrammed (multiple times); new PCM purchased ($1,200 each in one case, 3 purchased). Most repairs did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall for this specific warning. Dealerships unable to replicate. Sensors returned as original after replacement attempts failed.
Transmission hard shifts, surging, or slippage
Transmission shifts roughly or with jerking; vehicle surges under light throttle at low speeds (10–20 mph); transmission slips or loses drive temporarily under acceleration; must shift to park and back to drive to regain drive.
When: At low speeds during acceleration; under light throttle; at 62,000+ miles; intermittently recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerky gear shifts; Transmission surges at low speeds; Loss of drive while accelerating (must re-shift to recover); Transmission slippage; Vehicle shakes when shifting; Check engine light may illuminate
Codes mentioned: Misfire or transmission codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced at 62,000 miles in one case; torque converter replaced; injectors and spark plugs replaced; induction service performed. Issues recurred after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied due to mileage on some vehicles. No specific recall.
Four-wheel drive system failure after N23/N26 recall
After N23 transfer case actuator recall (software update), 4WD system fails to engage. Low-range (4WD Low) becomes inoperable; SERVICE 4WD warning illuminates. Reprogramming attempts fail to restore function. Issue affects hundreds of thousands of Grand Cherokees and Commanders.
When: Shortly after N23/N26 recall performed; reoccurs after reprogramming attempts; at any mileage
Symptoms owners cite: SERVICE 4WD warning light illuminates; 4WD system will not engage or switch to low range; Warning message SERVICE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE; Transfer case appears to fail intermittently
Codes mentioned: N23 (transfer case actuator recall—software update), N26 (transfer case recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case inspected and connections checked; transfer case motor actuator replacement ($708.95 in one case); reprogramming/software flash attempted multiple times; circuit board crack found in actuator. Actuators on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N23 and N26 (software update). Chrysler denies parts unavailable initially; later states parts on backorder. Reprogramming does not fix issue permanently. Chrysler claims not related to recall despite issue appearing immediately after recall service.
Electrical system failures—dashboard lights, gauges, power loss
Instrument panel lights flash or illuminate erratically; all gauge lights box or surround with square light (cannot read); headlights cycle on/off or switch to high beams involuntarily; speedometer and fuel gauge behave erratically; interior lights turn on/off independently. Severe cases result in complete electrical shutdown.
When: While driving at various speeds; intermittently recurring; can last seconds to minutes
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster warning lights flash erratically; All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously; Headlights flicker or cycle on/off; Headlights shift to high beams involuntarily; Speedometer and fuel gauge malfunction; Horn activates independently; Dome lights turn on/off involuntarily; Complete electrical shutdown (loss of all power); Engine stalls during electrical failure in severe cases
Codes mentioned: 08V203000 (powertrain/electrical), 14V438000 (electrical system recall), 13V175000 (electrical system/powertrain recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; electrical harness inspected; control module and tire harness replacement recommended; battery cables replaced; ECM module replaced. Many repairs unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 08V203000 and 14V438000 exist but parts unavailable or VIN not included. 6-cylinder models excluded from some electrical recalls despite same symptoms.
Cruise control malfunction—uncontrolled acceleration or loss of function
Cruise control accelerates vehicle uncontrollably to dangerous speeds (up to 85 mph from 65 mph set speed) or becomes inoperable. Dealerships unable to diagnose or replicate.
When: While cruise control engaged on highway; intermittent; some cases ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control causes uncontrolled acceleration; Speed increases from set speed to dangerous levels; Cruise control becomes completely inoperable; Driver unable to control speed increase; Check engine light may accompany stalling-related incidents
Codes mentioned: Related to ECM/PCM control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to find problem or replicate issue. No repairs documented as successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state nothing found wrong. No recall specific to cruise control malfunction.
Transmission drifts backward on inclines (transmission hold failure)
When stopped on an incline with foot off brake, transmission does not hold vehicle; it drifts backward continuously until driver applies brake. In one case, vehicle drifted 15 feet backward, causing stall and requiring restart.
When: When vehicle stopped on incline at traffic lights or stop signs; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts backward when stopped on incline; No holding power from transmission; Vehicle may stall after drifting; Requires restart after stalling
Codes mentioned: TCM flash recommended
Repairs/costs cited: TCM flash/reprogramming performed; issue persisted with same results after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin recommended TCM flash based on transmission/TCM part number. Dealership performed flash; problem recurred.
Check engine light comes on repeatedly with multiple sensor failures
Check engine light illuminates frequently and intermittently; diagnostic testing reveals multiple sensor codes (crank sensor, cam sensor, MAF sensor). Sensors replaced multiple times but check engine light returns within days.
When: At 84,000+ miles; first day of rain in some cases; recurring within days of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on and flashing; Vehicle shakes and shimmies; Vehicle hesitates and has poor acceleration; Rough idle; Engine stalls (in some cases); Difficulty starting in cold weather
Codes mentioned: Crank sensor codes, Cam sensor codes, MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Crank sensor replaced multiple times; cam sensor replaced multiple times; driveshaft repair kit required; MAF sensor replaced; alternator replaced (short to ground); spark plugs replaced; injectors replaced. Owner spent over $2,000; issue unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall. Dealerships performed repairs under warranty or out-of-pocket by owners.
Water leaks from sunroof and doors
Sunroof drain lines disconnect or fail, allowing water to drain into cabin during rain. Driver and passenger doors leak water. Water accumulates on floor (up to 3 inches reported), causing mold, wiring shorts, and electrical failures.
When: First time it rains after purchase; recurring; affects multiple door seals
Symptoms owners cite: Entire cab soaked after rain; Water pooling on floor (up to 3 inches in severe cases); Mold growth from wet carpet; Wiring shorts due to water damage; Electrical shorts affecting speakers, AC, gauges; Foul odor from mold
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof drain lines manually reconnected as temporary fix. Carpet pulled and dried. Dealership stated structure is the defect and Jeep would not repair. Doors could not be fixed; repair shop unable to get parts from Jeep.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to repair; stated it is structural issue and Jeep will not address it.
Vehicle starting difficulties and battery drain
Vehicle fails to start or requires multiple attempts; improves after sitting, then recurs. Parasitic battery drain suspected in some cases.
When: At 115,000+ miles; intermittently recurring; happening after repairs in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start on first attempt; Requires multiple start attempts; Battery drain even when parked; Jump-start needed several times; Weak starter response
Codes mentioned: Battery and starter-related
Repairs/costs cited: Starter assembly replaced; battery replaced. Problems persisted in some cases, suggesting deeper electrical issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs performed under warranty (23-point inspection). No underlying electrical problem addressed.
Transmission control module and related component failures after recalls
After recall service (H19 and other PCM/TCM reprogramming recalls), transmission solenoid or control components fail. Transmission locks into single gear (commonly 3rd gear) or refuses to shift. Solenoid packs on factory backorder.
When: Immediately or within days/weeks after recall service; at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks into single gear (e.g., 3rd gear); Transmission refuses to shift; Vehicle will not move or operates in limp mode; Transmission jerks when shifting down; Check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: H19 (powertrain control module software recall), 13V175000, Solenoid pack fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission solenoid pack replacement required but parts unavailable/backorder. Dealership unable or refused to complete repair. One owner paid $4,000 for transmission replacement after recall 'fix' destroyed original transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall H19 software update cited as cause of solenoid failure by owners. Chrysler denies warranty coverage, claiming solenoid failure not covered under recall. Parts unavailable.
Synthesized from 276 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Was driving to work and was accelerating to about 55mph, when my 2006 Jeep commander stopped accelerating and had apparently jumped into neutral. The check engine light also came on at that time. I had to pull over put the vehicle in park and then back into drive, and then it was fine. This exact same thing has occurred about 3-4 times. Always with the check engine light going off soon after.…
My 2006 Jeep commander stalls. I purchased the vehicle 2 months ago and the Jeep has stalled around 10 times to date. I took the commander to barton Jeep here in spokane...they said they "flashed" the computer. They said this should fix the problem. Nope! Stalled 3 times in the last week (which is when we got the Jeep back from barton Jeep). My concern is that my wife could get into a serious…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep commander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into neutral. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the transfer case electric shift motor was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep commander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shifted into neutral independently. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13v175000 (electrical system, power train) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician confirmed that the transfer case…
While driving down the road, the entire cluster of instrument warning lights begins to flash intermittently, creating a distraction and safety hazard while driving. In addition, the fuel gauge drops to "e", the speedometer drops to zero and then goes up and down and all gauges go up and down erratically. Also, the heated seats turn off as does the fan for the heater/ac unit. Verified with…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Jeep Commander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Jeep Commander?
It's a meaningful issue. 276 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 234 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 60,000 and 115,616 miles, with the median around 87,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 115,616. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Jeep/Commander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.