The 2010 Jeep Commander carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering transfer case (4-wheel drive) and module. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Timing chain failure on 5.7L HEMI engine.” 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.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Campaign #13V175000 · Jul 5, 2013
Issue: 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.
Risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Campaign #10V200000 · Nov 5, 2010
Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER 300, DODGE CHALLENGER, CHARGER, JEEP COMMANDER, GRAND CHEROKEE AND DODGE RAM VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE EXHIBITING A BINDING CONDITION OF THE SOLENOID LATCH.
Risk: THE RESULT OF THE DEFECT COULD LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE KEY MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH (WIN MODULE) PRIOR TO PLACING THE SHIFTER IN PARK. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
EQUIPMENT
Campaign #10V085000 · May 3, 2010
Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 JEEP COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES. THEY MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED REAR TRACK BAR.
Risk: REDUCED VEHICLE STABILITY COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR TRACK BAR BUSHING RETAINING HOOP AND REPLACE THE REAR TRACK BAR IF ANY ARE FOUND TO BE MIS-POSITIONED. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Campaign #10V009000 · Nov 1, 2010
Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Jeep Commander.
ENGINE
3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2018-08
“TIMING CHAIN BROKE ON MOTOR CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO THE V8 HEMI”
“UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PAST WEEK THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THANK GOODNESS IT WAS NOT DURING RUSH HOUR”
“WITH NO WARNING,(NO NOISE FROM ENGINE) TRAVELING ABOUT 25MPH ENGINE LIGHT FLASH ON, LOST ALL ENGINE POWER, BECAME HARD TO STEER, WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE ROAD”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2023-12
“My jeep will not crank sometimes...the key will not turn. The ignition control module seems to be a problem”
“WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN ON. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE”
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN”
STEERING, SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE
2 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2019-05
“WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE, SHE WAS NOT INFORMED OF ITS RECALL HISTORY. WHEN INITIALLY PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THERE WAS EXTENSIVE WOBBLING AND A STRONG VIBRATION IN THE REAR”
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY AND MAKE A LOUD SOUND WHEN TURNING”
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES
5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2014-06
“THE TRANSFER CASE OF OUR CAR COULD NOT BE SHIFTED OUT OF 4-HIGH TO EITHER NEUTRAL OR 4-LOW. CONSEQUENTLY A MAJOR DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENT HAS BEEN DESTROYED”
“AFTER HAVING SAFETY RECALL N23 / NHTSA 13V-175 PERFORMED, MY VEHICLE'S TRANSFER CASE NO LONGER SHIFTS AS IT SHOULD, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL OR 4 LOW”
“VEHICLE IDLES POORLY AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE MOTOR DOES NOT WORK AFTER DEALERSHIP PERFORMED N23 RECALL WORK. THIS IS A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT”
WHEELS
3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2017-01
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES LOST PRESSURE AND THE ALUMINUM RIM STEMS FRACTURED”
“I HAVE HAD TWO FAILURES IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS WITH THE TPS TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR SYSTEM RESULTING IN TWO FLAT TIRES AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS WITH THE LOSS OF ONE TIRE COMPLETELY”
“A NUT FASTENING A TPMS STEM TO THE WHEEL/TIRE FAILED RESULTING IN A TIRE BLOW OUT. UPON INSPECTION OF ALL OTHER TPMS STEMS, ANOTHER NUT HAD A FRACTURE ITS ENTIRE LENGTH AND HAD TO BE REPLACED”
ENGINE
9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2021-08
“Engine stalled at stop signs, Daughter was driving the vehicle and engine stalled at an intersection. Not able to restart it. Vehicle was pushed to the side”
“ENGINE DIES WITHOUT WARNING, AFTER STOPPING AT A STOPLIGHT, OR AFTER SITTING WITH THE FOOT ON BRAKE, SUCH AS WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A TURN LEFT OR RIGHT”
“VEHICLE DIED ON ROAD, TOWED TO SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ERROR, THEY UPDATED THE COMPUTER”
ENGINE
3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2026-01
“ENGINE FIRE UNDER NORMAL OPERATION”
“THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER I STARTED DRIVING THROUGH RESIDENTIAL STREETS AND ONTO A FREEWAY”
“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS PARKED AT THE SUPERMARKET HIS WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE TWICE WITH NO AVAIL”
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2019-04
“WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 120 MPH WITHOUT WARNING”
“DURING ACCELERATION THROTTLE BECAME STUCK”
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
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.
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.
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 (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.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
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.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
10 crashes 2010–2024
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
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
3
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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.