Is the Jeep Commander Reliable?
Jeep Commander is a reasonably reliable car, with an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 according to RepairPal. This puts the Commander in the 4th position out of 14 full-size SUVs.
We wouldn’t want to conclude on ratings. An in-depth analysis of the features, performance, fuel economy and durability will help you decide if Jeep Commander is a reliable option that meets your needs.
Let’s examine how reliable the Jeep Commander is.
Table of Contents
How Reliable Is A Jeep Commander?
According to the J.D. Power Reliability rating, the Jeep Commander has a reliability score of 77-78. This places the Jeep Commander in the 4/9 of all Jeep models.
The Jeep Commander comes in dual designs; Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The model designs, engine, and body frame make the Jeep Commander an excellent option for off-road driving.
To match users’ demands and needs, the Commander features different types of engines: 3.7L V6 SOHC, 4.7L V8 Magnum, and 5.7L Hemi V8. These engines provide varying horsepower and torque.
The Jeep company improvised and equipped the Jeep Challenger with an MDS system that improves performance and power delivery.
The fuel economy of Jeep Commander is fair, and the users are assured of comfort, safety, and security. We cannot rule out that you can rely on the Jeep Commander for a fun ride, spacious room, and impressive off-road performance.
We are only worried about the severity of repairs and the higher chance of always visiting the repair shop.
Jeep Commanders present a 15% chance of encountering a significant repair and a 0.38 probability of visiting the repair shop. This is higher than the average maintenance and repair scale of most vehicles.
The consistent repairs of Jeep Commanders contributed to its significant drop in sales before it was finally discontinued.
Jeep Commander Reliability and Common Problems
Here are significant areas of Jeep Commander reliability:
1. Design
Jeep Commander sports a 4-door SUV body design. The Jeep Commander was the only seven-seater, three-row SUV in production.
Featuring a unibody construction, 28.9-inch legroom, independent short/long arm front suspension, and a 5-link live rear axle, Jeep Commander passed as the most prominent car in Jeep’s lineup.
Because of its seven-slot grille, you can easily mistake the Jeep Commander for a Hummer. If you are a fan of a sporty-box Jeep appearance, then the Jeep Challenger is your best bet.
While the Jeep Commander lacked some essential body composure of a full-size SUV, it was an excellent choice for drivers that want a three-row SUV with enough room for a family.
Jeep Commander boasts an 8.3-inch ground clearance, with a suspension system and body structure that you can rely on for offroad drives. The Jeep Challenger comes with three different four-wheel drive systems:
- Quadra-Drive II
- Quadra-Trac I
- Quadra-Trac II
These systems improve traction, grip, and performance monitoring to ensure that the Jeep Commander performs well in all conditions.
2. Engine and Performance
Many drivers complain about the inefficiency of the Jeep Commander’s engines, but there are a few remarkable features of the engine that you should know.
The Commander has different types of engines to give users a wide range of options to choose from. The Jeep Challenger SUV offers three types of engines: 3.7L V6 SOHC, 4.7L V8 Magnum, and 5.7L Hemi V8 engine.
These engines' power delivery and performance vary, the same as their fuel economy. The 2010 Jeep Challenger features the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine, producing up to 357 horsepower and 389 lb-ft torque. This is greater than the 3.7L V6 engine that delivers 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft torque.
Most of these engines are backed with MDS to help improve fuel economy. Although, the efforts don’t seem fruitful as Jeep Commander doesn’t have an excellent fuel economy.
The Jeep Commander powertrain is backed with different 4WD systems to achieve strong performance in off-road driving conditions.
3. Safety and Security
The Commander has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA).
This is attributed to its front passenger and driver safety and protection mechanisms. The Jeep Commander includes numerous safety features that keep the driver safe and maintain its users' security.
Some of the popular Jeep Commander safety and security features include:
- Anti-Lock Brakes
- Airbags
- Electronic Stability Control System
- Seat Belt fasteners
- LED Light for daylight and direction indicator
It is saddening to notice that the 2006 Jeep Commander does not have an auto emergency braking system, lane-keeping assist, or other driver aids that enhance safety. You can rely on other security updates to keep you safe.
Five Common Problems With Jeep Commander
Jeep Commander owners and drivers have close to 255 complaints in 5 years. The majority of these complaints lie in the inefficiencies surrounding the engine and interior structure of the Jeep Commander.
Here are some of the common problems of Jeep Commanders:
- Engine Failure.
- Transmission Problems.
- Exhaust Manifold Issues.
- Electrical Malfunction.
- Technical Faults: door handle, leaking roof, etc.
Conclusion
To determine the reliability of the Jeep Commander, you have to consider the year of production and the trims you are going for. We strictly advise against buying the 2006 Jeep Commander models as they come with many problems.
While we hope that Jeep improves the Jeep Commander features and addresses all complaints, we advise that you make the right choice in your purchase.
