2009 Jeep Commander: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Jeep Commander: 2 recalls, 46 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #09V118000 · 2009 · 4,314 vehicles
What's wrong: Wiring May be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag May not deploy as intended.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag May not properly inflate and May not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V175000 · 2013 · 295,345 vehicles
What's wrong: A transfer case electrical failure May result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
Why it matters: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it May roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #09E039000 · 2009 · 44 vehicles
What's wrong: These suspension systems were produced with grade 2 carriage bolts instead of the proper grade 5 carriage bolts. The improper grade 2 carriage bolts could experience a loss of clamping force for the bottom strut fork.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on October 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), electrical failure (7), warning light on (2).
- Engine (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), warning light on (3).
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 2009 Jeep Commander has 46 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 6 Commander model years for complaints (well below the 459 average). Complaints peaked in 2015 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (326 complaints, 4 recalls), 2010 (45 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Jeep Commander.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2009 Jeep Commander have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Jeep Commander, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Jeep Commander problems?
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (21), engine (9), transmission & drivetrain (8).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Jeep Commander get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Jeep Commander repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.