The 2007 Jeep Commander shows a stubborn cluster of electrical and shift-control failures that span the entire model population. The most frequent complaint is engine stalling at random speeds and conditions—highway cruising at 65 mph, turns in parking lots, traffic lights—with vehicles restarting only after key cycles or gear shifts. Cold weather amplifies the problem. A parallel issue involves the ignition switch unexpectedly rotating during driving, cutting all electrical power (steering locks, brakes lose assist, dashboard goes dark) until the driver jiggles the key. Chrysler issued recall 14V-438 in 2015 to replace the ignition switch, but parts shortages delayed repairs by months to over a year, leaving owners unsafe and unable to proceed.
Transmission control failures compound the safety picture: the electronic shift module intermittently disables acceleration, forcing all PRNDL lights to illuminate while the engine revs uselessly. Owners report replacing this module for $1,100+, only for identical failures to recur at higher mileage. Starter failures also cluster, with one owner replacing the starter four times in under four years. Dashboard gauges flicker erratically or show false readings (fuel gauge reading empty despite fuel in tank, triggering stalls). Knock sensors fail repeatedly even when replaced with OEM parts. Throughout these complaints, dealerships cannot replicate issues during service visits, Chrysler engineers have reached dead ends, and owners describe being advised to trade the vehicle in rather than repair it. Water leaks from the roof and sunroof destroy electrical components and interior.
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling at various speeds and conditions
Complete engine shutdown while driving at highway speeds (55-70 mph), low speeds (under 45 mph), during turns, in parking lots, and at traffic lights. Vehicle typically restarts after being placed in Park, key cycled, or occasionally after sitting. Incidents increase in frequency during cold weather.
When: Reports span 2007-2020 across model years; some owners report onset after 30k-55k miles, others at higher mileage (100k+)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power with no warning; Temporary loss of power at highway speeds; Stalling during low-speed maneuvers and intersections; Vehicle restarts after key cycle or gear shift; Hesitation or attempt to stall followed by recovery; More frequent in cold weather conditions
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Service Park Assist warning (PRNDL lights highlighted)
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reprogramming attempted without resolution. Multiple shops unable to diagnose. Owners report $5,000+ in module replacements (electronic shift module, fuel pump, sensors, control modules) without fixing root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-438 (P41/NHTSA14V-438) issued April 2015 for ignition switch replacement; however, parts unavailable for extended period, repairs delayed. Investigation PE07009 closed with 76 complaints noted.
Ignition switch malfunction and loss of electrical power
Unintended changes in ignition switch position while driving, causing complete loss of electrical power (all systems fail except sometimes power train). Loss of power steering, braking assist, and dashboard illumination. Vehicle recovers by jiggling ignition switch or key cycle.
When: Reported from 2007 model year onward; incidents occur at any speed, any time of day; some owners waited over one year for recall parts
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical systems fail except engine in some cases; Loss of power steering and braking assist; Dashboard lights and gauges go dark; Vehicle responds to ignition switch jiggle or key cycle; A/C and other electrical components shut off; Occurs while driving at any speed
Codes mentioned: Service Park Assist, All dash warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair required replacement of ignition switch; cost covered under recall when parts available. Post-repair issues include misfit switch cover requiring forced key insertion. Recall part shortage delayed repairs by months to over one year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V-438 (P41) issued September 3, 2014 for ignition switch replacement. Remedy stated as free repair, but parts not initially available. Recall incomplete due to parts distribution disconnect. Some owners reported dealer refusal to perform work pending manufacturer parts arrival.
Electronic Shift Module (ESM) failure
Electronic shift modulator malfunction causing loss of acceleration, inability to shift, and complete power loss. Service Park Assist light illuminates along with all PRNDL lights; vehicle will not respond to accelerator input. Requires park/neutral shift or key cycle to recover.
When: Failure reported as early as 55,000 miles; recurrence at 115,000+ miles on some vehicles. Some owners replaced module at 55k and again at 115k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Park Assist light and all PRNDL lights illuminate; No acceleration response despite depressing gas pedal; Loss of throttle control; Engine revs but vehicle will not move; Check Engine Light illuminates; Repeated failures requiring multiple replacements
Codes mentioned: Service Park Assist, Electronic Shift Control Module fault, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic Shift Module replacement cost $851–$1,100+ labor. Owner reports replacing module at 55k miles, again at 115k miles. Multiple replacements required on some vehicles; not covered by extended warranty on some vehicles. Parts require dealership installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for this defect despite over 145 documented complaints and previous recalls of 1.3 million Cherokees and Commanders in 2008 for similar issues. Dealership advised some owners to trade vehicle in; Chrysler engineers unable to permanently resolve.
Intermittent starting failure
Vehicle cranks but will not start, or fails to crank at all despite full electrical power (lights, radio on). Intermittent pattern: works some days, fails other days, sometimes fails after restart at same location. Mechanic observed 'Transmission Over Temp' error on display, suggesting programming or sensor issue triggering fuel pump disable.
When: Reported at various mileages; one owner noted issue began approximately January 2021 after purchasing used 2007 model. Frequency and pattern unpredictable.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cranks but will not ignite; No fuel delivery despite cranking; All lights and power systems functional; Intermittent pattern over days/weeks; Transmission Over Temp code or message displayed; Wiggling gear shifter sometimes initiates start; May start in Neutral (unsafe condition)
Codes mentioned: Transmission Over Temp error message, No fuel signal to engine
Repairs/costs cited: New fuel pump installed without resolving issue. Multiple mechanics unable to identify root cause. Owner reports mechanic believes issue is software/programming (TCM/ECU conflict) but no solution available. No covered repair identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB identified by mechanics. Forums show widespread reports of same issue with no manufacturer solution provided.
Transmission shift control and limp-home mode activation
Vehicle enters limp mode or loses transmission responsiveness: all PRNDL lights highlight, vehicle slows dramatically or refuses to accelerate, Service Park Assist warning displays. Vehicle loses ability to shift or accelerates uncontrollably in some cases. Requires key cycle or gear shift manipulation to restore function.
When: Reported at 40k–188k miles. One owner experienced incident 3 weeks after purchase, another at 85k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Park Assist light and all transmission lights illuminate; Vehicle will not accelerate or loses power mid-drive; Forced downshift or complete loss of gear selection; Vehicle jerks or hesitates during shifting; Inability to exit first gear or stuck in one gear; Requires manual intervention (park/drive cycle) to restore
Codes mentioned: Service Park Assist, PRNDL illumination (all gears), Check Engine Light, Transmission error codes
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter mechanism/shift lever housing replaced on some vehicles at roughly $600; Electronic Shift Modulator replacement $1,100 reported. Repairs often ineffective; same issues recur. One vehicle had shifter components destroyed requiring replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged as 'common issue in this model and earlier models' but often not covered by powertrain warranty. No recall issued. Previous 2006 model recalls exist for same issue but not all 2007 VINs covered.
Dashboard and instrument panel electrical failures
Instrument panel lights flicker erratically or extinguish completely while driving. Gauges provide inaccurate readings (fuel level, temperature, RPM). Speedometer and fuel gauge malfunction, causing false low-fuel warnings and stalling despite fuel in tank. Lights reset after several minutes or key cycle.
When: Reported in rain/wet weather conditions; intermittent throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Panel lights flicker on and off; Speedometer and fuel gauge display incorrect readings; Fuel gauge shows empty despite fuel in tank; Temperature gauge reads incorrectly; RPM gauge reads 2500–3500 while cruising at constant speed; Lights reset to normal after minutes or key cycle; Issues worse in rainy or wet conditions
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Auto Zone diagnostic provided codes for manufacturer-only parts. No specific repairs documented as successful. One owner noted significantly lower MPG (13.9 vs expected) during electrical failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for this issue. Manufacturer not aware of failures; dealer unable to diagnose when failure not actively occurring.
Knock sensor replacement loop (repeated failures)
Knock sensors fail repeatedly: original aftermarket sensors fail, replaced with OEM Jeep dealer sensors, which also fail. Check Engine Light returns within weeks of replacement. Root cause unidentified despite dealer investigation.
When: Initial failure reported; replacement sensors fail within weeks to months. Pattern of repeated failure over multiple years.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illuminates; Vehicle runs normally except for warning light; Identical failure pattern after each replacement
Codes mentioned: Knock Sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket knock sensors replaced, then OEM dealer sensors installed; both failed. Dealer diagnostic costs $94–$300 (labor only, no root cause found). No solution identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims 'never had a problem with knock sensors,' despite documented repeated failures on this vehicle and similar complaints in database.
Starter motor repeated failures
Starter fails or stalls vehicle while driving; replaced multiple times on same vehicle. Slow cranking with dimming lights; burning electrical smell on some failed start attempts. One owner replaced starter 4 times in under 4 years (less than 40k miles).
When: First failure reported mid-winter (after vehicle sitting); subsequent failures at red lights, intersections, and during attempted restarts. Pattern of repeated failures at similar intervals.
Symptoms owners cite: Slow or failed cranking with dimming dash lights; Starter motor does not turn engine; Burning electrical smell during failure; Vehicle shuts off at red light or while starting; Starter rebuilt, but fails again at same location
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic code mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Starter motor replacement; one owner replaced 4 times in less than 4 years with less than 40,000 miles. Rebuilt starters also failed at same locations. Cost not specified but described as repeated expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB identified. Dealership reportedly suggested trading vehicle in rather than repeated repairs.
Water leaks from roof/sunroof and interior electrical failures
Persistent water leakage from roof and sunroof into vehicle interior: seat belts wet, water on floor and in cup holders, water in electrical panels. Vehicle develops mildew smell. Associated electrical failures: radio will not turn off, windows will not operate, door locks fail.
When: Reported as early as 2006 model year (per one complaint dated 2008 referencing 2-year-old problem); continues through 2020s model years
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking from roof and sunroof during rain; Seat belts wet; Water on floor and in cup holders; Mildew smell in interior; Radio stuck on; Power windows inoperative; Door locks inoperative; Electrical components failing
Codes mentioned: None mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle labeled as 'lemon' by dealership but no effective repair performed. One owner unable to take possession due to dealership/financial/third-party handling issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; Chrysler described as unresponsive to lemon law complaints. Issue dated back to 2006 on some vehicles, suggesting known chronic problem.
Uncontrolled acceleration and self-stalling at traffic lights
Vehicle accelerates on its own while stopped at traffic lights or in park; stalls while driving without warning. Self-accelerating behavior unusual and dangerous; coupled with stalling creates unpredictable drivability.
When: Reported for years after purchase (one owner purchased 2007 in May, complained for months/years thereafter)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input at traffic lights; Engine self-shuts off while driving; Random stalling during normal driving; Front panel lights flicker erratically
Codes mentioned: None mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented as effective. Owner considered possibility of vehicle being 'hacked' (remote control/cybersecurity issue) and contacted insurance and state police.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer asked if recalls existed; dealer denied awareness of recalls. Manufacturer not contacted directly per this complaint.
Synthesized from 408 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.