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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2006 Jeep CommanderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 1,782 owner complaints for the 2006 Jeep Commander. Most complaints involve electrical system (753) and power train (315). The EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
14–16mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Jul 2014
Owner complaints
1,782
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: switch

Remedy pending

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Jul 21, 2014NHTSA 14V438000

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)

Free remedy

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Power trainReported May 7, 2013NHTSA 13V175000

Suspension

Free remedy

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.

SuspensionReported Jun 19, 2009NHTSA 09E039000
See all 6 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,782 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2005 – Apr 2026
  1. Electrical system753
  2. Power train315
  3. Engine and engine cooling283
  4. Engine214
  5. Structure205
  6. Vehicle speed control82
  7. Steering73
  8. Air bags67
  9. Seat belts66

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Commander model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20061,782
20071,035
2008438
200959
201045
Crashes reported
74
Fires reported
12
Injuries reported
53
Deaths reported
3
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

753 reports26 crashes8 fires
“My jeep will shut off unexpectedly, it will do a up and down idle increase and decrease while at a idle the abs will lock up my wheel tight to where itll drag while trying to move forward. The 4x4 low will not engage at all says service 4x4”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 12, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11710463

Power train

315 reports12 crashes3 fires
“The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was intermittent but a recurring failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the 12-Volt battery had been replaced approximately 2 years ago due to battery drainage issues. The contact stated that the failure with the 12-Volt battery being drained and had jumpstart the vehicle several times. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V203000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact also replaced the ECM module independently. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11694039

Engine and engine cooling

283 reports8 crashes2 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 JEEP COMMANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT WAS STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2018Engine and engine coolingODI 11115392
All 2006 Commander problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 4.7L 8-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Commander 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141816$3,900555
Commander 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
141816$3,900555
Commander 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141815$4,150592
Commander 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131815$4,150592
Commander 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
141815$4,150592
Commander 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131714$4,450635
  • Commander 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $3,900/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Commander 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $3,900/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Commander 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Commander 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Commander 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $4,150/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Commander 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,450/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Jeep Commander as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 1908
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Commander questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Jeep Commander have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 Jeep Commander problems?

Owners filed 1,782 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (753), power train (315), engine and engine cooling (283). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Jeep Commander get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Jeep Commander at 14–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026