Jeep Commander 4x4 problems
The Jeep Commander XK and XH (for diesel-powered export version) is a mid-size SUV that was manufactured from 2005 to 2010 by the Jeep division of the American manufacturer Chrysler.
Concept car
Jeep exhibited a concept car named Commander during the 1999 auto show circuit. The concept featured an experimental direct methanol fuel cell that produced electricity to charge a nickel–metal hydride battery pack. Full-time four-wheel drive was by a severe duty electric motor on each axle. The suspension could be raised 4 inches (102 mm) for traversing off-road purposes. The overall styling influenced the development of the third-generation Grand Cherokee that was at that time six years away. The concept car had the same height as production Grand Cherokees, but was about 8 inches (203 mm) wider. This allowed for an interior featuring an extra wide center console in the front and three bucket seats in the second row. The Commander concept had no relation to the production SUV.
Production
The production version of the Jeep Commander (XK and the diesel-powered XH export version) debuted at the 2005 New York Auto Show as a five- or seven-passenger counterpart of the Jeep Liberty. It was developed to target consumers who wanted a three-row SUV, but designed to be only two inches longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee with its two-rows of seats as well as to be assembled on the same production line.
It shared its unibody construction, independent short/long arm front suspension and its 5-link live rear axle with the Grand Cherokee on which it was based. It featured an upright windshield and squared-off sides. Its stepped roof was disguised by the roof rack; a design similar to the GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT. This allowed the second and third-row seats to be mounted higher than the first-row seats.
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Jeep Commander 4x4 model years
Common Jeep Commander 4x4 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Jeep Commander 4x4 cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Quality Control and Reliability Concerns: Some owners have raised concerns about the quality control of the Jeep Commander, citing issues like bad bolts in the exhaust manifold, leaks, and problems with door handles. These problems were more prevalent in the 2006 and 2007 model years, with improvements noted in later model years.
- Limited Space in the Back Seats: A minor complaint from owners is the limited space in the back seats, especially for taller individuals or families with car seats. This issue can make long journeys uncomfortable for passengers in the rear of the vehicle.
These common problems highlight some of the challenges faced by Jeep Commander 4x4 owners, ranging from minor inconveniences to more significant mechanical issues. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any warning lights or unusual symptoms can help mitigate these issues and ensure a smoother driving experience.
How many miles will a Jeep Commander last?
Drivers report well-maintained Jeep Commanders lasting around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, which puts the SUV on the lower end of the spectrum for longevity.
Is Jeep Commander a reliable car?
The Jeep Commander Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 4th out of 14 for fullsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $639 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they have a higher chance of being severe than with other models.
Why was the Jeep Commander unpopular?
The brick-like shape of the Commander resulted in brick-like aerodynamics and highway gas mileage clearly suffered for it, though the margin was narrower in the 4WD V8 models. And though some rivals were switching to six-speed autos, every Commander had a five-speed automatic.
Why did Jeep discontinue the Commander?
When Jeep began rolling out its Commander models, the market was in rough shape, so, unsurprisingly, the model was discontinued after only a few short years in production. The Jeep Commander was based on the Grand Cherokee but was only two inches longer than this model.