2007 Jeep commander has stalling problems. It has been quitting unexpectedly while driving, causing steering and brakes to go out. Very close to having a head on collision in an intersection and other close calls. Dealer has been trying to fix for almost 3 months. *tr
2007 Jeep Commander engine problems
critical 229 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
229
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
2fires
4injuries
3fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 229 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Jeep Commander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 229 engine 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.
Among the 5 model years of Jeep Commander in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2007 Jeep Commander has a documented and unresolved stalling epidemic affecting hundreds of owners—the engine shuts down without warning at highway speeds, cutting all electrical power and creating lethal loss of steering and brakes. Repair attempts by dealers universally fail, owners report 100+ incidents over years, and Chrysler refuses accountability; avoid this model unless you can accept the risk of sudden, uncontrollable shutdown.
2007 Jeep Commander owners report overwhelming problems with sudden, unpredictable engine stalling at speeds from idle to 75 mph on highways. In many cases, the engine shuts down completely, killing electrical power to steering, brakes, and dash lights—a catastrophic safety failure. Some stalls last seconds and the engine restarts; others leave drivers stranded. Owners document dozens or even 100+ incidents over years of ownership, often with children aboard.
Dealerships consistently tell owners they cannot replicate the problem without the vehicle actively failing on their scanner, then release it unfixed. When repairs are attempted—PCM reprogramming, ignition switch replacement, fuel pump swap, coil and plug changes, transmission module replacement—the stalling either persists or recurs within days. Dealers deny knowledge of the issue despite multiple online forums detailing identical complaints across hundreds of 2007 Commanders.
Secondary failures include rough idling with violent engine shaking, loss of acceleration (vehicle slows from 70 to 40 mph unprompted), overheating and coolant loss, and electrical faults (ignition cutoff without key manipulation, spontaneous engine running, random light activation). One owner's engine catastrophically failed (piston head cracked) at 73,000 miles with no explanation; Chrysler had already discontinued the engine and offered no assistance.
Owners repeatedly cite a known power control module software recall (Campaign 08V203000) that does not cover their VINs. An ignition switch recall (Campaign 14V567000) exists but parts remain unavailable years later; owners are told to pay privately and hope for reimbursement. Throughout, Chrysler denies widespread defects despite clear patterns of identical failures across model year 2007 Commanders.
Same Jeep Commander engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling while driving
Engine cuts out without warning at various speeds (5–75 mph), most common on highway. Electrical systems may lose power. Loss of power steering and brakes creates extreme hazard. Most owners restart by turning key off/on or shifting to neutral.
When: Occurs 5–100+ times over months to years; some clustering at cold temperatures; worsens over time in many cases
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while in motion; Loss of power steering and braking; No warning lights or intermittent check engine light; Loud clunking or metallic sound before shutdown; Vehicle slows from highway speed to 30–35 mph before restarting; Electrical components (lights, radio, dash) go off during stall
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0430, P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempt reprogramming ECU/PCM, replacement of ignition switch, fuel pump, alternator, coils, spark plugs, wiring harness, electronic shift module, transmission control module. No single repair resolves issue. Many owners report repairs costing $300–$1,330. Dealers often unable to replicate problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claims no known fix; refused warranty coverage on many claims; denies stalling issues exist despite hundreds of reports. Power Control Module software recall (NHTSA Campaign 08V203000) exists but does not cover all VINs. Ignition switch recall (Campaign 14V567000) available but parts delayed.
Rough idling and stalling at stops
Engine shakes and sputters while idling at traffic lights or in park. Vehicle may stall completely or lurch forward unexpectedly when stopping.
When: Occurs at idle and low-speed maneuvers; may be worse in cold or after extended driving
Symptoms owners cite: Rough/violent shaking while idling; Engine misfiring sensation (putt-putt-putt); Sudden lunging forward at stops if foot not firmly on brake; Engine hesitation at stop lights; Stalling while vehicle is parked or stopped
Codes mentioned: P0300, Multiple cylinder misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include spark plug replacement, fuel rail cleaning, O2 sensor cleaning/replacement, fuel injector cleaning, battery replacement, water pump replacement. Initial repairs ($607) often ineffective; owners report returning multiple times with same issue persisting.
Loss of power and acceleration drop
Vehicle cannot accelerate beyond 20 mph or loses acceleration at highway speed (60–75 mph). Service Park Assist warning light often appears. Vehicle may decelerate uncontrollably and require pull-over.
When: Occurs intermittently; worsens gradually over time and mileage
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration despite pressing gas pedal; Vehicle slows automatically from 70 mph to 40 mph; Check engine light illuminates; Service Park Assist/brake warning appears; PRND transmission indicators light up and flash on dash; Hesitation upon acceleration from stop
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0430, P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replacement ($1,329.59 reported); gear shifter console replacement ($600+). Many dealers claim no defect found. Turning off park assist system sometimes masks symptom temporarily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state 'Service Park Assist' warning is unrelated to actual shifting problem and advise disabling feature. Warranty did not cover used purchases.
Engine overheating and shutdown
Temperature gauge creeps into red/hot zone; engine shuts down. Low coolant or coolant loss reported with no apparent leak. One case of catastrophic engine failure at 73k miles (blown piston head).
When: Occurs after 1.5–2 hours of driving; sudden onset with no prior warnings in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rises into hot/red zone; Engine sputtering and misfiring as temps rise; Loud metallic clanking from engine; Copious smoke from tailpipe; Flashing check engine light; Engine complete shutdown; Coolant reservoir low despite no visible leak
Codes mentioned: Temperature gauge readings
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required in at least one case (piston head cracked/damaged). Dealers unable to find cause of coolant loss or overheating. One owner stranded 45 minutes in 5°F weather awaiting tow; another spent $1,000s in diagnosis and repairs without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler discontinued 5.7L HEMI engine production in July 2022; no new engines in inventory for 73k-mile vehicles. No recall, explanation, or offer of assistance provided to owners.
Engine not starting or intermittent starting
Vehicle cranks but takes multiple attempts or long delays (5–20 minutes) to start. No issues with battery, starter, or alternator per diagnostics. May happen after short drives or at work.
When: Occurs sporadically; may happen multiple times on same day
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not turn over on first try; Long delay (5–20 minutes) before engine catches; No electrical issues detected in battery/starter/alternator testing; Lights and AC work normally when not starting; Problem resolves on its own after multiple attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and starter recently replaced ($4,000+ invested) without resolving issue. Auto parts store diagnostics show battery/starter/alternator are functioning.
Unintended acceleration and forward lunging
Vehicle accelerates on its own while parked or at stop light. Engine revs up as if pedal is fully depressed. Vehicle may lurch forward suddenly.
When: Occurs at stop lights and while vehicle is in park
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs uncontrollably while parked or stopped; Vehicle lurches forward at stop light; Engine behaves as if gas pedal fully pressed; Hesitation and rev spikes at idle
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reset performed; problem recurred within days. Dealers found nothing wrong and offered no solution.
Ignition switch failure (electrical cutoff during driving)
Engine and electrical systems cut off completely while driving as if ignition key was turned off, though key remains in ignition and not touched. No check engine light appears. Steering and brakes lose power.
When: Occurs at various speeds and traffic conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine cutoff with no warning; Electrical systems go dark (no dashboard lights, radio, etc.); Steering wheel becomes hard to control; Brakes require extreme pressure; Key remains in ignition untouched; Vehicle restarts immediately after turn of key
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement performed; problem persists. Recalled ignition switch parts were unavailable at time of complaint; owners told to pay for repair privately and hope for reimbursement when parts become available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Campaign 14V567000 (ignition switch) exists but parts unavailable; Chrysler will not issue parts or reimburse pre-recall repairs.
Electronic control unit (ECU/PCM) malfunction
Engine stalling and performance issues traced to faulty ECU or power control module. Reprogramming or replacement attempted but issues persist or recur within days.
When: Problem emerges intermittently over weeks to months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling; Misfiring and rough running; Erratic gear shifting; Check engine light on/flashing; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0430, P0420, Electronic position sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: ECU/PCM reprogramming ($300–$500 diagnostic + labor); full ECU/PCM replacement performed. Failures recur within days to weeks. Multiple replacements reported; problem persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claims to be unaware of widespread ECU issues. Dealers state issue is unrelated to available recalls; advise waiting for next recall or problem to 'replicate' on scanner.
Fuel system issues (fouled plugs, fuel rail blockage, water in fuel)
Spark plugs fouled or contaminated; trash found in fuel rail; water detected in fuel tank. Fuel pressure or delivery compromised.
When: Occurs early in ownership; may recur after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle and stalling; Smell of gasoline on cold start; Low fuel economy (declining from 19 to 13 mpg); Engine shaking; Check engine light on
Codes mentioned: Multiple cylinder misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel rail cleaning, spark plug replacement ($607 reported); fuel tank emptied and cleaned; fuel injector cleaning. Issues recur within days to weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blame dirty fuel or low fuel level (keeping tank above half-full); deny any component defect.
Oxygen sensor fouling and catalytic converter efficiency codes
O2 sensors become clogged or fail, triggering catalyst codes (P0420, P0430). May be secondary issue resulting from fuel system or ignition problems.
When: Occurs years into ownership after fuel rail cleaning attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with efficiency codes; Rough running; Stalling and misfiring
Codes mentioned: P0430, P0420
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensors replaced; catalytic converter replaced ($1,000+); PCM reprogrammed. Codes return after warranty expires. Owners left with out-of-warranty bills.
Erratic transmission shifting and electronic shift module failure
Transmission shifts hard or with clunking; electronic shift module (ESM) fails. Vehicle may not shift into proper gear or stays stuck in one gear.
When: Occurs intermittently; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Hard downshifting in certain gears; Transmission clunks into gear; Vehicle stuck in park or unable to shift; ESM failure lights on
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic shift module replacement ($1,000+); transmission control module replacement. New parts fail or issue recurs.
Spontaneous electrical activation (engine runs, lights on without ignition)
Engine remains running after key is removed and ignition switched off. Lights turn on/off spontaneously. Remote start feature not engaged. Electrical system loses control.
When: Occurs unpredictably
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running in garage after key removed; Engine will not shut off despite attempts; Single headlight, single brake light, or all lights turn on without user input; Electrical components activate spontaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Brought to dealer 4 times; engine shutdown issue did not recur but electrical gremlins persisted. No permanent fix identified.
Synthesized from 229 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
2007 Jeep commander stalls without warning at idle and road speeds. *tr
Original owner of this vehicle. Has 73,000 on 5.7 hemi engine. Engine blew up on 12/25/2022. Only warning was the gauge went to overheat high red. Stopped vehicle, at fuel station and added more anti freeze. Gauge dropped to while normal range. Got back on highway drove 7 miles and enginle like came on and heat gauge went to high red then dropped to nothing. Got vehilcle off the road and it…
My 2007 Jeep commander has stalled and lost various vehicle functions. This has happened a few times with no prior warnings from the instrument panel. I have the extended warranty and had it towed to the dealership for repair. My commander has only 33k miles on it. The dealer said the problem was some sort of "electronics board", they replaced it. However, the Jeep has stalled again and now…
The check engine light came on after the engine stalled out several times in a row. I had it tested, and they said it was an idle air control valve. The idle air control valve does not exist on this vehicle, but yet its the only code that it is giving off. I'm still having stalling issues which are dangerous when pulling out of intersections. Another issue that is ongoing that I'm having, is…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Jeep commander. While driving approximately 70 MPH on normal road conditions; the engine stalled without warning. The engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired and the cause of failure has not been determined at this time. The failure mileage was 56,000
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Jeep commander. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shut off. The road conditions were not a factor. While decelerating, all of the indicators on the instrument panel flashed and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently and the dealer could not find any failures. After the failure…
Had engine trouble with your 2007 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 engine problem on the 2007 Jeep Commander?
It's a serious issue. 229 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 3 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 205 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 34,000 and 91,000 miles, with the median around 55,126. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 91,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2007/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.