2008 Jeep Commander

The 2008 Jeep Commander

The 2008 Jeep Commander is a midsize SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. It was offered with three engine options: a 3.7-liter V6, a 4.7-liter V8, and a 5.7-liter V8. The 3.7-liter V6 was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 4.7-liter V8 and 5.7-liter V8 were paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Commander was praised for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and off-road capabilities. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy, cramped third row, and lack of modern features.

Engine

3.7-liter V6 (210 horsepower, 235 lb-ft of torque)

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, misfires
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, decreased engine power
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.7-liter V8 (260 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque)

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure, knocking noise from the engine, engine seizure
  • Solution: Replace the oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7-liter V8 (330 horsepower, 375 lb-ft of torque)

• Valve timing solenoid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, decreased engine power
  • Solution: Replace the valve timing solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark plug failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, decreased engine power
  • Solution: Replace the spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Four-speed automatic transmission

• Solenoid failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, erratic shifting
  • Solution: Replace the solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, shuddering, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-speed automatic transmission

• Control module failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, erratic shifting, no gears
  • Solution: Replace the control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Overdrive failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping in overdrive, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the overdrive unit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, poor handling, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control arm bushing failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, vibration, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, flickering electronics, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate latch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate won’t open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate latch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear window defroster failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear window doesn’t defrost properly
  • Solution: Replace the rear window defroster element
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of heat inside the cabin
  • Solution: Replace the heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air conditioning compressor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of cool air inside the cabin
  • Solution: Replace the air conditioning compressor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Jeep Commander is a midsize SUV that was praised for its spacious interior and powerful engines. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy, cramped third row, and lack of modern features. Some of the most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, head gasket failure, oil pump failure, transmission solenoid failure, torque converter failure, control module failure, and overdrive failure. Overall, the Commander is a reliable vehicle but it can be expensive to fix some of the more common issues.