Wrench.Pro

2009 Jeep Commander Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Jeep Commander has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Intermittent failure to start.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Jeep Commander.

Reported to NHTSA

Intermittent failure to start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-12 → 2019-12

“MY JEEP HAS PERIODIC STARTING ISSUES. ALL THE LIGHTS WORK ON THE DASH IT JUST CLICKS. THIS IS VERY RANDOM. IF YOU JUMP IT THE VEHICLE WILL START. SOMETIMES IF YOU WAIT A PERIOD OF TIME IT WILL START. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY REPLACED STARTER BUT ISSUE STILLS PERSIST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291345
“CAR HAS HAD STARTING PROBLEMS LEFT US STRANDED. IF YOU LET IT SET OVER NIGHT USUALLY STARTS HAVE TAKEN TOO DEALER 3 TIMES THEY HAVEN'T FOUND PROBLEM. REPLACED STARTER AND WIRE WITH NEW END WITH NO LUCK. LIKE CAR TIERED OF GETTING STRANDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668147
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND OFF, I AM UNABLE TO START THE CAR. ALL LIGHTS WORK PROPERLY, AND THE BATTERY IS NEW & WORKING. AFTER HITTING THE STARTER WITH A WRENCH, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10969252

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Four-wheel-drive transfer case electrical malfunction

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2017-06

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMMANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FWD WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE FWD LOW RANGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10565319
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMMANDER 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE TRANSMISSION INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10520856
“THEY VEHICLES CONDUCTOR PLATE KEEP GOING OUT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO LIMP MODE. THE CAN HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS SUDDENLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE SUDDENLY IN TRAFFIC. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTS ON ONLINE FORUMS OF THIS HAPPENING EVEN AT LOW MILAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002533

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire pressure sensor valve stem corrosion

TIRES, WHEELS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 → 2014-09

“I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2009 JEEP COMMANDER. IN THE FALL OF 2013 I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES,AND WAS TOLD 2 VALVE STEMS WERE CRACKED SO I HAD THEM REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10632966
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMMANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE BECAME DEFLATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, FINDING THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS FRACTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490257
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP COMMANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10445547

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalls without warning while driving

ENGINE

21 NHTSA complaints · 2009-06 → 2021-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10908927
“I PULLED OUT OF A GAS STATION AFTER FILLING UP MY TANK AND WAS TRYING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND MY TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER. THE TRUCK ROLLED ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC, RESTING ON THE CONCRETE DIVIDER OF THE STREET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10497768
“MY VEHICLE SHUTS-OFF/ STALLS WHILE DRIVING. WITHIN THE FIRST 3-5 MILES OF DRIVING IN TRUCK, STALLS ONCE PER DAY WHEN I SLOW TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. IT STALLED ONCE ON A CITY STREET WHEN I PUT IS IN REVERSE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOSES POWER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11102915

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key sticks or fails to release

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2021-01

“JUST LIKE THE 2008 MODEL, WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TRY TO TURN THE KEY OFF THE WILL NOT TURN OFF ALL THE WAY. I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY FROM THE AUXILIARY POSITION TO THE ON POSITION FOR SEVERAL MINUTES UNTIL THE KEY FINALLY GOES INTO THE OFF POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389597
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10806823
“2009 JEEP COMMANDER - START CAR AND ABLE TO REMOVE KEY - CAR WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE/RUN AS NORMAL WITHOUT KEY IN VEHICLE. ALSO KEY FOB WILL GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND NOT COME OUT. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS. THIS HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10407122

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illumination or deployment

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2026-09

“Was driving the speed limit when I started smelling an electrical burning smell several seconds later my passenger side airbag deployed while I was driving scaring me almost causing an accident I am almost 7 months pregnant!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11764087
“The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Commander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11451417
“THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND AFTER TAKING IT TO THE MECHANIC, I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WILL NOT RELEASE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I SEARCHED FOR A RECALL AS THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED AND FOUND NOTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11075593

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 1990–2024

How the 2 occupant deaths break down

2

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

2

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2023 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Jeep Commander reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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