2008 Jeep Commander

The 2008 Commander's TIPM is a frequent failure point, causing a variety of electrical issues including fuel pump relay failure (no-start or continuously running pump), intermittent power window and lock operation, random horn honking, and dashboard warning light malfunctions. The TIPM is especially vulnerable to water intrusion from windshield seal deterioration.

Replace the TIPM assembly. Inspect the windshield seal and reseal if water intrusion is found near the TIPM mounting location. TSB 08-039-08 covers TIPM diagnostic procedures for the XK Commander. An external bypass relay can be installed for the fuel pump relay as a temporary fix.

The 5.7L Hemi V8 with MDS cylinder deactivation is prone to lifter tick and lifter failure, particularly on the MDS deactivation cylinders. The hydraulic lifters collapse or fail to lock into position, producing a loud ticking noise and triggering misfire codes. In severe cases, a failed lifter roller can damage the camshaft lobe, requiring extensive engine work.

Replace the failed lifters with updated roller lifters. TSB 09-006-08 REV. B covers MDS lifter replacement and camshaft inspection procedures. Many technicians recommend replacing all 16 lifters when one fails. If the camshaft lobe is damaged, the camshaft must also be replaced. An MDS delete kit that replaces the solenoids with solid plugs is available aftermarket.

The NV245 transfer case in the Commander develops fluid leaks from the front and rear output shaft seals, the pump seal, and the case halves. Low fluid levels from leaks cause internal wear and eventual failure of the planetary gear set, manifesting as grinding noises and an inability to shift between 2WD and 4WD modes.

Replace the leaking transfer case seals and top off with Mopar ATF+4. If the transfer case grinds or fails to engage, internal damage has likely occurred requiring a rebuild or replacement. TSB 21-007-08 covers transfer case fluid level inspection. Check the transfer case motor and electronic shift module if mode selection is erratic.

The 2008 Commander's dashboard develops cracks along the top surface above the instrument cluster and near the defroster vents. The cracks are caused by prolonged UV exposure and heat cycling of the vinyl dashboard material. This is a cosmetic issue but also creates a safety concern as it can affect airbag deployment from the passenger dash-mounted airbag.

Replace the dashboard assembly, which is a labor-intensive process requiring removal of the entire instrument panel. Aftermarket dashboard covers and caps are available as a less expensive cosmetic solution. Chrysler did not issue a recall despite the airbag deployment concern. Using a windshield sunshade can slow crack progression.

The rear differential pinion seal and axle tube seals leak gear oil, leaving puddles under the rear of the vehicle. If the gear oil level drops sufficiently, the differential will begin whining and eventually suffer bearing and gear damage. The issue is accelerated by towing and off-road use which increase differential operating temperature and pressure.

Replace the pinion seal, which requires removing the driveshaft and pinion flange. Replace the axle tube seals if leaking. Top off with the correct 75W-140 synthetic gear oil for limited-slip differentials (or appropriate fluid for the specific axle type). Inspect the differential bearings for wear when replacing seals.

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.

If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. 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.

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.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,338 MY 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND COMMANDER VEHICLES. THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED.

THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING OR NOT TO START AND/OR CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ENGINE STALLING OR INOPERATIVE WIPERS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS IN A CERTAIN LOT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED FROM GRAY IRON INSTEAD OF DUCTILE IRON AS DESIGNED AND COULD FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.

THIS WOULD INCREASE THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS TO SEE IF THEY FALL INTO THIS LOT AND, IF SO, WILL REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.