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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Jeep Commander powertrain problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Jeep Commander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
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
Owners report multiple hard failures across the 2009 Commander powertrain that create real hazards. Engine stalling while driving—requiring Park to restart—shows up repeatedly. One owner experienced it six times within 24 hours of purchase; another says it's an ongoing problem since they bought the vehicle, rendering it dangerous to drive.
Transmission and transfer case issues include unwanted 4WD engagement at 40 mph, failure to shift into FWD Low (despite three dealer reflashes), gear seizure at highway speed, and conductor plate failures that dump the vehicle into limp mode during highway driving—a sudden deceleration in traffic.
Ignition system defects prevent key removal: two owners report keys stuck in the ignition, requiring shifter manipulation to release them. One waited on parts for a scheduled fix.
Other reported failures: no-start despite good battery, power loss and bucking under acceleration (Check Engine light on), and OMI warning lights preventing 4WD engagement. One Commander wouldn't exceed 25 mph after a power loss event.
Notably, at least two vehicles had already been serviced under recall 13V175000 (Electrical System, Powertrain) yet still failed afterward. Dealers encountered backorders on remedy parts, leaving vehicles unrepaired. Owners report finding no diagnostic codes despite major drivability problems.
Same Jeep Commander powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transfer case shift failure and FWD warning light
Transfer case fails to shift into FWD Low range while driving; FWD warning indicator illuminates. Control module reflash attempted multiple times but remedy part remained on backorder.
When: 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: FWD warning indicator illuminates; transmission fails to shift into FWD Low range; occurs while driving at 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Drive controller reflashed three times at dealer; remedy part backordered, vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 13V175000 (Electrical System, Powertrain)
Unwanted 4WD engagement
Transmission independently shifts into four-wheel drive while driving at normal speeds without driver input. Issue resolved after repair, though VIN was not included in associated recall.
When: Mileage unavailable
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shifts into 4WD independently at 40 mph; condition resolves after engine shutdown and restart; failure recurs numerous times
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired (specifics not stated)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 13V175000 (Electrical System, Powertrain) — VIN not part of recall
Engine stalling while driving
Engine stalls repeatedly during driving and at idle without warning. Cannot be restarted until vehicle is placed in Park. Occurs randomly creating hazardous driving conditions. No diagnostic trouble codes found despite multiple diagnostic attempts.
When: 170,000 miles (second owner); occurred within 24 hours of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: engine stalls while driving; engine stalls at idle; cannot restart without placing in Park; occurs randomly 6+ times; no trouble codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Checked at auto repair shop, AutoZone, and with code finder — no codes found
Loss of power and hesitation under acceleration
Vehicle loses power, bucks, and hesitates when attempting to accelerate from 35 to 65 mph on highway. Check Engine light illuminates. Speed cannot exceed 25 mph after incident.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle slows down and bucks; hesitation under acceleration; Check Engine light illuminates; speed limited to 25 mph after failure; condition persists after shutdown and retry
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to garage for repair
4WD engagement failure with OMI warning
Attempt to engage 4-wheel-drive function triggers OMI warning light instead of engaging the mode. Vehicle had been serviced under recall 13V175000 prior to failure.
When: 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: OMI warning light illuminates when attempting 4WD engagement; 4WD fails to engage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior service under NHTSA Recall Campaign 13V175000 (Electrical System, Powertrain)
Key stuck in ignition with shifter assembly issue
Ignition key sticks and will not return to OFF position. Requires removing vehicle from Park and shifting back to Park to allow key removal. Worsens with driving time throughout day.
When: Occurring since mid-September (mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: key sticks in ignition; key does not return to OFF position; allows engine shutdown but blocks key removal; condition worsens with increased driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed shifter assembly replacement required; part ordered, replacement scheduled
Key unable to disengage from ignition
Key will not disengage from ignition when attempting to turn off vehicle. Dealer diagnosed floor shifter assembly failure.
When: 80,206 miles
Symptoms owners cite: key will not disengage from ignition when turning off vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed floor shifter assembly repair needed; vehicle not repaired
No-start condition despite good battery
Engine will not crank despite fully charged battery and all electrical systems functioning normally. Owner reports chatter on Jeep forums indicating this is a widespread issue.
When: Low mileage (exact mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: engine will not start; battery at 100%; all lights and electrical systems work normally; no engine crank
Transmission gear seizes while driving
Transmission gear seizes without warning during normal driving at highway speed, leaving vehicle immobile.
When: 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission gear seizes suddenly at 45-50 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to residence
Conductor plate failure causing limp mode
Conductor plate fails repeatedly, forcing vehicle into limp mode and causing sudden deceleration. Can occur at highway speeds without warning. Multiple reports indicate this occurs even at low mileage.
When: Low mileage (exact mileage not stated)
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle enters limp mode; sudden deceleration at highway speeds; conductor plate fails repeatedly
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Key sticks in ignition. The more it is driven in one day, the worse it sticks. Will allow engine to shut off but does not allow key to go back to off position without taking out of park and shifting back to park. Took to dealership for diagnostic. Was told that shifter assembly needed replaced. Part was ordered, replacement is scheduled for next week. Has been happening off and on since mid…
Was driving through town with no problem. Road turns into highway and speed limit is 65 MPH. Tried to increase speed from 35 MPH (town speed limit) and vehicle started slowing down and bucking and hesitating. Pulled off road and turned engine off for a few minutes. Could not increase speed to more than 25 MPH. Towed home. Left alone for an hour and retried. Still have same problem. Tried…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep commander. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the key would not disengage from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the floor shifter assembly needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,206.
Identical issue as found with NHTSA # 10908927 vehicle stalls while driving and cannot be restarted without putting the vehicle in park. Purchased the vehicle used with 170,000 miles on it. Carfax shows great care into the vehicle, however within first 24 hours after purchase have found it to stall while driving and at idle near 6x. Have taken to auto repair shop/autozone/used ifixit code…
Vehicle stalls while driving and cannot be restarted without putting the vehicle in park. This has been an ongoing problem since purchase. Dealership and Chrysler have been no help. Car is a danger to drive.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Jeep Commander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 59,353 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 80,206. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,353; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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 $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/2009/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.