Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Jeep Commander engine problems
moderate 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 49 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Jeep Commander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 49 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 5 model years of Jeep Commander in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Random engine stalling without warning is the overwhelming problem across these narratives. Owners describe the engine shutting off at traffic lights, intersections, highway speeds from 45 to 70 mph, and while parked—sometimes 5 to 20+ times over ownership. The vehicle usually restarts after pulling the key out and back in, but some require multiple attempts or extended cranking. Dealers rarely find any diagnostic trouble codes and most cannot duplicate the stall, leaving owners stranded with no fix.
Owners have endured multiple dealer visits where technicians replaced fuel pumps, throttle bodies, spark plugs, ignition modules, crank sensors, O2 sensors, and transmission software—with no lasting resolution. A recall for a wireless ignition module created a 1,700-person waiting list with extended parts delays.
A smaller but serious subset reports catastrophic internal engine failure: one owner's 3.7L engine threw a piston rod through the block due to an oil pickup tube clogging with sludge; another experienced complete engine lock-up from a broken valve spring. One case shows hard-start/no-start conditions with no diagnostic codes present.
Some owners mention transmission disengagement (feels like the vehicle comes out of gear, then jerks back in), coolant circulation problems, electrical gremlins (nav screen blackouts, DVD failure), and exhaust manifold bolt failure. Dealers frequently tell owners there is nothing wrong despite repeated failures—several have been in the shop 8+ times for the same stalling issue.
Same Jeep Commander engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling (random, intermittent)
Engine shuts off without warning at various speeds (5–70 mph), often while driving on highways, at intersections, or coming to a stop. Engine usually restarts after key cycle or multiple attempts. Owners report 5–20+ stalls over vehicle ownership. Dealers frequently find no diagnostic trouble codes and cannot duplicate the issue.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; reported as early as 2,000 miles to 200,000+ miles; some owners report increased frequency over time
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power without warning; No check engine light or diagnostic codes present in most cases; Engine restarts after key removal and reinsertion or multiple attempts; Occurs at stop lights, intersections, highway speeds, or parking situations; Often accompanied by loss of power steering when stall occurs at speed
Codes mentioned: P57 (manufacturer communication code mentioned in one narrative), No codes found in majority of reports
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have tried: fuel pump replacement, throttle body replacement, throttle position sensor replacement, spark plug replacement, ignition module replacement (wireless ignition module), crank sensor replacement, power train control module replacement, O2 sensor replacement, transmission software update, MAP sensor diagnostics, relay switch replacement, wiring repairs, and ignition system repairs. No single repair consistently resolves the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaign 14V567000 (electrical system) issued, but many affected owners report vehicle not covered by recall or parts unavailable. Wireless ignition module recall created waiting list of 1,700+ customers with long delays in parts availability.
Transmission disengagement and jerking
Transmission disengages while driving (feels like vehicle comes out of gear), then suddenly reengages with violent jerk. RPM increases but vehicle does not gain speed. Occurs intermittently, sometimes leading to engine stall.
When: Reported across various mileages; one specific incident at 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission feels like it disengages while driving; RPM rises but vehicle loses speed/momentum; Violent jerk when transmission reengages; Can progress to complete engine stall; Loss of power steering when failure occurs at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted transmission solenoid pack replacement in at least one case; no repair details provided in other cases.
Catastrophic internal engine failure (piston/rod failure)
Engine develops severe internal damage, with piston rod breaking through engine block and into oil pan. Owners report oil pickup tube clogging with sludge, leading to inadequate oil circulation and piston/rod seizure. Occurs in 3.7L engine (VIN 8th digit K).
When: One report at unspecified mileage; owner maintained oil changes at 50,000 miles / 6 months intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic knocking sound from engine; Complete loss of engine compression; Physical damage visible: piston rod protruding through block and oil pan
Repairs/costs cited: Engine required complete removal from vehicle; cannot be field-repaired. Requires engine replacement or full rebuild.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned; owner alleges Chrysler knew of oil pickup tube defect but did not issue recall or proactive solution.
Engine lock-up (valve spring failure)
Engine becomes completely locked and unable to turn over. Disassembly revealed factory defect: broken valve spring allowed valve to drop into cylinder, locking engine.
When: One report at unspecified mileage; vehicle had 16 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not crank or turn over; Only clicking sound at starter; All electrical systems functional (radio, lights, windows, etc.)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially suggested $400 starter replacement. Upon teardown, internal valve spring breakage discovered. Repair cost exceeded $6,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler case manager assigned but slow response (3 weeks to initial contact). Dealer performed diagnosis at no cost. Chrysler case manager questioned why owner should receive free engine replacement.
Engine surge / loss of power / ETC/ESP light illumination
Engine revs abnormally or surges while driving, temperature gauge rises, check engine light and traction control light illuminate. ETC and ESP warning lights appear. Vehicle loses power, decelerates abnormally, or shifts to higher gear unintentionally.
When: Reported at 21,000–95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revving at speeds above normal idle; Temperature gauge rising during normal driving; Loss of normal acceleration / power; Check engine, traction control, airbag, ETC, and ESP warning lights illuminate; Vehicle may shift to higher gear unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: P57 (manufacturer communication code)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body assembly replaced twice in one case without resolving issue. Transmission solenoid pack replacement attempted. Computer reset attempted. Multiple visits to dealer with no resolution in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign P57 issued; dealer completed recall repair but failure persisted. Transmission solenoid pack replacement recommended but not completed in reported case.
Hard start / no-start condition
Vehicle fails to start or starts after multiple attempts. Lights and electrical systems work normally, but engine will not crank or turn over. Issue may be intermittent or consistent.
When: Reported at 14,000 miles (new purchase) and higher mileages up to 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not crank when key is turned; Electrical systems (lights, radio, windows) function normally; May hear clicking sound or silence when turning key; Takes multiple key cycles or extended cranking to start
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced: ignition switch, ignition modules, fuel pump, starter, wiring, and completed software updates. Multiple repair attempts over extended periods without consistent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Wireless ignition module recall created massive parts shortage with 1,700+ customer waiting list.
Electrical gremlins (nav system, rear DVD, radio communication loss)
Navigation system display goes dark intermittently, requiring engine restart to restore. Rear DVD system fails completely. Dealer reports open short causing loss of communication with radio. Unrelated to engine stalling but occurring simultaneously in some vehicles.
When: Occurring within first few months of ownership in one report
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation system display goes dark; Navigation settings lost when display resets; Rear DVD system complete failure; Radio loses communication intermittently
Codes mentioned: Open short code (dealer diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; owner notes these as potential electrical source issues related to stalling problems.
Poor acceleration / inadequate engine power
Vehicle feels underpowered during acceleration, insufficient for emergency acceleration situations.
When: Reported in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: Slow or weak acceleration response; Insufficient power for emergency maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer offered to have engineer contact owner; no follow-up reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Promised engineer contact but owner reported no follow-up received.
Cooling system failure (hoses, thermostat, pressure)
Cooling system hoses become tight, restricting water circulation. Radiator cap runs cold. Gauge shows overheat condition (red zone) after idling 15 minutes, then cools. Check gauges warning appears.
When: Reported in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant hoses become tight/restricted; Poor water circulation; Radiator cap remains cold despite gauge showing overheat; Gauge swings into red zone after idle period; Check gauges warning light
Low compression / worn pistons
Engine develops low or zero compression in one or more cylinders due to worn pistons or internal damage.
When: One report; rough start condition while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle while parked; Low compression reading in 4th cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine repair or replacement; second opinion confirmed piston wear/damage.
Exhaust manifold bolt failure
Exhaust manifold bolts are undersized and weak, breaking during normal operation. Dealer claims resulting engine knocking noise is normal on Commander.
When: Reported in at least one case
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust manifold bolts break/fail; Engine knocking noise
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told customers knocking engine noise is normal on Commander (disputed by owner as false claim).
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep commander. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and was able to be restarted. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Traveling approximately 65 MPH on I-85 when the Jeep commander made a clunk sound and the vehicle stopped. There was no power and it was unable to start. This occurred around 10pm when I was heading home after work. It was a scary experience since it was dark. I was extremely thankful for law enforcement presenting and stayed with me until the tow truck arrived. I took it to a first mechanic who…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep commander. While attempting to start the vehicle, it would start and then shut off without warning. The check engine and oil warning indicators illuminated and the steering wheel locked. The failure also occurred whenever the vehicle was driven at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and a dealer, but the failure could not be…
Traveling on the interstate hwy at 70 MPH no warning the vehicle shut off. I pulled over to the emergency lane. Shut off engine and it started back up. This has been an ongoing monthly issue, sometimes it shut off 10 to 15 minutes after I have been driving. Sometimes the engine comes on for a few days and goings off. It has become a dangerous situation, when driving I have stay in the right lane…
Had engine trouble with your 2008 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 2008 Jeep Commander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 30,900 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 62,001. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,900; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/2008/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.