2006 Jeep Commander

Introduction

The 2006 Jeep Commander is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior and impressive off-road capabilities. It comes standard with a 3.7L V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. A 5.7L V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission are available as options.

People like the Commander for its rugged exterior, comfortable interior, and powerful engine options. However, there have been some common issues reported with the vehicle.

Engine

• 3.7L V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, leading to a loss of coolant and engine overheating. Symptoms include a coolant leak, overheating, and engine performance problems. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Exhaust manifold gasket failure: The exhaust manifold gasket can also fail, leading to a loss of power and engine performance problems. Symptoms include a loud exhaust noise and decreased engine power. The solution is to replace the exhaust manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
  • Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, engine performance problems, and eventually, the engine will seize up. The solution is to replace the timing chain and related components. Estimated cost to fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
• 5.7L V8
  • Valve seat failure: The valve seats can fail, leading to a loss of compression and engine performance problems. Symptoms include decreased engine power, rough idling, and exhaust smoke. The solution is to replace the valve seats. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500

Transmission

• 5-speed automatic transmission:
  • Shift solenoid failure: The shift solenoid can fail, leading to transmission shifting problems. Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and the transmission may refuse to shift into certain gears. The solution is to replace the shift solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500
  • Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, leading to transmission shuddering, slipping, and overheating. Symptoms include a shuddering sensation when driving, difficulty accelerating, and the transmission may overheat. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000
• 4-speed automatic transmission:
  • No issues found

Suspension

• Front suspension:
  • Strut failure: The front struts can fail, leading to a loss of ride quality and handling. Symptoms include a bouncy or rough ride, decreased handling, and premature tire wear. The solution is to replace the struts. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000 per side
• Rear suspension:
  • Rear sway bar link failure: The rear sway bar links can fail, leading to a loss of stability and handling. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the rear when driving over bumps, a swaying sensation when cornering, and decreased handling. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200 per side

Electrical

• Battery failure: The battery can fail, leading to a loss of electrical power and an inability to start the vehicle. Symptoms include a dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, and electrical accessories not working. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, leading to a loss of electrical power and an inability to recharge the battery. Symptoms include a dimming or flickering dashboard, a dead battery, and electrical accessories not working. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, leading to an inability to start the vehicle. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the vehicle, no cranking sound, and the engine not starting. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500

Exterior

• Headlight failure: The headlights can fail, leading to a loss of visibility at night. Symptoms include dim or inoperative headlights, a flickering headlight beam, and moisture inside the headlight housing. The solution is to replace the headlights. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500 per side
• Tail light failure: The tail lights can fail, leading to a loss of visibility at night. Symptoms include dim or inoperative tail lights, a flickering tail light beam, and moisture inside the tail light housing. The solution is to replace the tail lights. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500 per side

Interior

• Dashboard cluster failure: The dashboard cluster can fail, leading to a loss of information and gauges. Symptoms include a blank or flickering dashboard, inoperative gauges, and warning lights not working. The solution is to replace the dashboard cluster. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000
• Climate control failure: The climate control system can fail, leading to a loss of heating and cooling functions. Symptoms include no airflow from the vents, inoperative temperature controls, and the air conditioner or heater not working. The solution is to replace the climate control unit. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $500
• Power window failure: The power window motors or switches can fail, leading to an inability to operate the windows. Symptoms include windows not opening or closing, windows opening or closing slowly, and windows not staying up. The solution is to replace the power window motors or switches. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500 per window

Summary

The 2006 Jeep Commander has a number of common issues, including engine and transmission problems, suspension issues, electrical issues, and interior issues. The severity of the issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs. The cost of repairs can be significant, especially for major issues like engine or transmission failure. Overall, the Commander is a capable SUV, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.