Feds Probe Jeep Commander & Pontiac G6
This year, we have handled numerous lemon law claims with regards to the Jeep Commander (#6 on this year’s car complaint index) and the Pontiac G6. Now comes word from consumer affairs.com that NHTSA, The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation which could lead to a recall of 136,444 Commanders and 176,968 Pontiacs.
Jeep Commander drviers have been complaining of stalling incidents with simultaneous loss of lighting systems including headlamps. NHTSA has also received 19 complaints of power steering from Pontiac G6 drivers with two incidents resulting in accidents.
If you find that you are experiencing problems with your Jeep Commander or Pontiac G6, it’s very important to keep all of your reapir invoices and keep a log when you are experiencing problems. If you bring your car in the shop three or more times, you could be entitled to significant remedy under State or Federal Law. Feel free to contact us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).
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February 4th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
I live in Dallas, TX and I have owned my Jeep Commander since June of 2007. About a 1 1/2 years after I purchased it and during days of heavy rain, I always have lots of water that collects in the drivers side footwell in my Commander. At first, I thought it might be coming from its sunroof and perhaps had a faulty installation. I can’t see any visible dripping into the footwell – it almost appears as if it is coming from UNDER the carpet!!! About 2 years ofter its purchase, and while I was servicing it at Frank Parra Jeep/Chrysler; I told the service Mgr of the problem, his comment was… “Ah, it’s the sunroof…!” and that it would cost me $250.00 dlls just to check it! This doesn’t include materials nor replacement parts.
Anyone seen something like this before?
Thx!
RM
March 1st, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Yes, I live in Boston Ma. It just rained here for 4 days and a large puddle accumulated on the drivers side floor. The water just keeps coming through the carpet. The dealer says its our problem and won’t cover under warranty. I have searched the internet and it seems that this is a big problem with the commander.
March 17th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I have a 2006 Jeep Commander Limited with the 5.7 Hemi. The vehicle just went over the 36000 mile mark and is eight months out of warrenty and my transmission needs rebuilt. There was one recall on this vehicle to reflash the trans computer which I had done about a year ago. I took it to a private tranmission shop because it was out of warranty and the shop is local. The cost for this faily extensive overhaul is $3687.18.
Many folks said I sould have taken it to the dealer and faught to make jeep cover the repair but I need the car to get to work and rental car fees add up quickly.
How can I voice my complaint to Jeep Corporate>Crysler and try to get some of the cost reembursed even a 50/50 split would be very helpful.
The trans tech said it was a defective pressure valve that caused all the damage. 36000 miles of light duty and the trans is dead. This is not fair or right!
We tax payers bailed these guys out where is my help!
November 19th, 2010 at 7:23 am
2007 Jeep Commander Starts when it wants too. It always says trans overtemp even after sitting for days. after a few days it will start right up and run for a few days then it doesnt want to start again Very frustrating. Local Jeep dealer says hes had 3 in his shop with this problem and cant fix it What do I do now.
November 19th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Steve: Depending on your warranty, you could be looking at significant remedy under Federal Law. We will contact you shortly.
November 19th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Follow up on my Jeep Commander transmission post. I had my Transmission rebuilt by Certified Transmission in Draper Utah. I ask the owner to write me a letter that I could send to my Congressman and Us Senitor to complain. He did write the letter but he sent it directly to Jeep Chrysler Corp. To my my surprise they sent me a check for half the cost of the rebuild. The transmission should not have gone out when it did but thanks to the efforts of Certified Transmission I did receive some compensation.
November 30th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I am so over the leaking problems that never end with my 2008 Jeep Commander. I have taken it in for repair, but they say the leak is my responsibility for allowing the drain channels to get clogged — yet I don’t have a garage! So they seem to be saying that every Commander owner that parks under a tree will experience this flooding, and too bad. Well that’s not right! I should be able to expect to have a car that does not leak water and make puddles on the floorboards, no matter where I park. There does not seem to be any fix to this, and in the meantime my car stinks or is wet all the time and the resale value goes down, plus I can’t in good conscience sell it without informing a buyer of the leak. My next move I plan to call the Jeep folks and demand some resolution but I don’t expect much. Help!
November 30th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Please give us a call at 1-800-LEMON-LAW to see if we can be of help.
January 19th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
I just took my 2006 jeep commander into the dealerhip today, because after a heavy rain fall a few days ago I had a tremendous amount of water on the driver side floor board. The dealership claims that it was a clogged drain channel. Well I will see about that. I am going to take my water hose and pour water on my vehicle for about an hour to see if that was the problem. If it was the problem and they did indeed fix the problem, the next step for the dealership will be to tell/show me how to unclog the drain channel so that it does not happen again.
March 14th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
I purchased a 2007 Jeep Commander in April 2010. It had only 13K miles. The carfax report stated it was a 36 mo leased vehicle. Since I purchased, it has spent more time in the dealer’s repair department than in my driveway. Do to the age of the Jeep, the warranty expired in August 2010 with only 18K miles. In the year I have owned this car I have had the radio replaced (under warranty); 2 speakers replaced (under warranty) the passenger seat belt replaced (under warranty – and the sensor for the passenger seat still does not work; the starter replaced & the computer module (under warranty); . . . NOW out of warranty, the catalytic converter and computer module was replaced 2 weeks ago – this happened after I lost power in the middle of a traffic light; the ‘park assist sensor’ and computer module is currently begin replaced after causing a shriek sireon to go off when shifting from reverse into drive; the transmission delays shifting and then slams into gear; the air-conditioning temp gauge blows either freezing or warm; I have flooding in the center of both front doors;
March 15th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Jamie: If you were in for one problem three times under warranty, we can help. Please call 1-800 LEMON LAW.
March 15th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I have not had my car in for the issues I have experienced becasue they just started and I thought I’d do a little research. My reseach showed that I have the same issues as many Commander owners and the dealer I contacted says they have not heard about the flashing interior lights, warning lights, guages & heater shutting off. So if I have been lucky enough not to have incured major repair bills what do I do. I have a vehilce I am terrified to drive becasue it has stalled and I don’t want it to happen to me in traffic.
March 15th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
First and foremost, you have to look at your state. There are certain states, like New Jersey and Ohio, that only give the manufacturer one repair attempt within the lemon law parameters to fix a problem which could cause death or serious bodily injury. Also, you should look at the number of days your car was in the shop. Make sure you have a repair invoices which clearly outlines the problem and what was done to fix it. Once you are educated about your State’s statute, you will have a better idea of what to expect in terms of when you can fight the manufacturer.
April 29th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
I have a 2008 Jeep Commander and just as this winter was ending and it began to rain I too have had this issue with the drivers side flooding and it seems like its coming from under the carpet. This only happens with heavy rain. I also had a loss of power issue which occurred and at times my mygig radio will not function or turn off (I have to disconnect the battery to fix this). I had the radio swapped out twice and when I went in the third time they told me that it was not the radio and that they would not replace it because it was replaced three times. They were supposed to swap out my drivers side seat as well since the leather cracked. That repair did not happen as well, they kept saying it was on back order this lasted several months and then my son was born and I had no time to pursue it anymore. Now the warranty is expired. It was like they pushed me aside until my warranty ran out so they would not have to honor anything. I ended up replacing the battery. But at times I still run into the issue with the radio not turning off and not functioning.
April 29th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
I certainly think you have the right to remedy. You may want to consult with a consumer lawyer.
May 1st, 2011 at 6:40 pm
I’m having problems with steering noise. It is going in the shop for the Third time on 5/2/2011. First time they added a grease kit. The second time they replaced the internal steering shaft. We will see what they do for it tomorrow. Will keep you posted.
May 2nd, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Please fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form at http://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html and we will connect you to someone who can help.
May 18th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
My Commander has shut off while stopped at a traffic light. It has “lunged forward” a number of times while stopped at a traffic light — and yes, my foot has been on brake. I now put the truck in neutral for fear of it hitting the vehicle in front of me or someone cutting between cars walking in front of mine! Also while at a stop, the engine has “reved up” very high in rapid succession-which on occasion has been followed by the lunging forward. From what I can tell, the reving and lunging have occurred on or around rainy days. Dealer says they can’t “recreate” the problem, therefore they can’t diagnose the problem. Good looking truck, but that’s where it stops! Afraid to drive my grandkids in it!
May 19th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Please call us at 1-800-LEMON-LAW to discuss your situation.
May 19th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Wanda, that is the same thing my Jeep was doing and it turned out to be a bad transmission. It has been rebuilt and works much better. The trans folks told me the check valves in the trans fluid lines are faulty and do not keep even pressure on the clutch plates.
June 4th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
I have a 2007 jeep commander which says transmission over temp and wont start. Let it sit for a few days of not wanting to start then just started up again. Had it checked out and cant find anything wrong with it. Two days later it happens again and doesnt want to start. What do I do? Seems like it happens to many others.
June 8th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Intermittent problems are often difficult to diagnose. Ask the dealer for the auto pilot, which enables the drivers to hit a button a record a code once the stalling occurs.
August 11th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
I have a 2007 jeep commander that only starts when it wants to start. The display says transmission over temp. It will start every once in awhile and then wont start again. Brought it to the shop monday until they finally had time to look at it today and said it was 2 wires going to the transmission they cleaned them and sealed them and thought it was fixed. We got it home and after it being started about 5 times the same thing happened again. So we are now out $175.00 and now it is going back in. We have an extended warrenty but it did not cover this because there were no parts being replaced just cleaned. I have heard alot of horror stories about jeeps doing this just wondering how many times of this do I have to put up with before I can do anything else about it.
August 12th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Michelle: Did you have any problems under warranty?
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:49 pm
We just purchased a 2007 Jeep Commandor. After 2 weeks of having the vehicle, it wouldn’t start and a “Transmission Over Temp” code came on in the dash. I didn’t even have the papers yet, and this happened. After doing very little research, I am finding that this is an on-going issue with these vehicles. I will let it sit for 24 hrs and sometimes it will start, yet sometimes it doesn’t. It has left me stranded NUMEROUS times. We called the dealership right after the first time it happened, and they said there was nothing they could do because we bought the car “as is”. RIDICULOUS. No papers and already, a non-working vehicle…
It has been almost 3 months and 6 times being stranded. Recently, it finally stopped starting all together. It sat in the parking lot of my job for 3 days (each day, me hoping it would start to avoid towing). After the 3rd day clearly, I got it towed to a mechanic. They are saying that there is something wrong internally with the starter, and possibly the wire connector to the starter. However, this does not explain the “Transmission Over Temp” code that comes on every time the car doesn’t start. Along with the 4 other codes that came up when they ran test on it. I have very little faith that fixing the starter is going to solve the problem. The mechanic feels the same way and they admitted to being rather confused as well. I have read a lot of reviews saying that the starter is replaced, and not fixing the problem. I have already spent $184, and that was just for it to be towed and diagnosed. It is going to cost $410 for starter/labor, and it’s not going to end there. I have 4 children and I do not feel safe driving a car that I can not get a definite diagnosis on. You would think that something would be dont to fix this on-going problem. Especially, with the amount of people that have the same issues. IT IS NOT A SAFE CAR!!!!!! I have anxiety and fear every day, about driving a car that I should be able to depend on.
August 26th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I live in Granite City, Illinois. My wife and I purchased a 2007 Jeep Commander and have had the infamous “Tranmission Over Temp” issue occur 4 times since we bought the vehicle and 3 times in the last five months. A friend of mine have had some success playing witht he fuses/modules as there is a single “click” when attempting to start the vehicle. Have had it looked at and tested by two different shops who can find nothing wrong with it in their tests.
After letting the vehicle sit overnight it will sometimes start. The last time it did this with my Wife and children stranded at a shopping mall parking lot after hours, my friend and I went to work on it and try to avoid a tow charge I cannot afford. He pushed down on some of the fuse modules while the key was in the start position in the ignition and the vehicle started.
Dealership I spoke with “swears” it is a starter issue and that “you cannot believe everything you read on the internet” As though an army of us concerned parents and spouses are making these stories up.
I AM FURIOUS! The vehicle was such a welcome addition when we got it, perfect for our family. Now I do not feel they are safe. This issue has yet to crop up WHILE DRIVING, but we can now not trust it to take the children anywhere w/o risk of being stranded.
August 31st, 2011 at 12:01 pm
I actually just had the starter replaced and even though I am not 100% about the fix….so far so good. It definitely feels better. I will keep you posted!!!!! I really trust this mechanic. It seems that it was the solenoid in the starter(not sure on spelling). He knew what he was talking about. This car was such a welcome addition to us, as well…..a 9 yr old girl, twin 8 yr old girls and a 15 month old boy. We were cramming all of them in the back of an Infinity. Not to mention my hubby was having to drive us every where! It really put a lot of stress on our family! I really hope this fixes the problem. I have my doubts, but trying to stay positive. Do you ever find yourself wanting to stop others that have the same vehicle and ask, “do you have problems with your Commander?!”?? We do every time we see one!
October 16th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
bought 2007 commander on sept 8th, still under origian factory warranty until fed 2012. has 26000 miles on it, limited very nice but on sept 13th is stopped starting but will start with remote engine fob but shuts off when key is inserted. towed by roadside to green bay jeep chrys dealer 5 weeks ago still sits there while i pay for it, chrysler cant fix it but they wont replace it what bs…
January 28th, 2012 at 9:20 pm
I have had the same problem with the flooding on the
drivers side. Does anyone know how to unclog the
drains. There should be a recall to fix this problem. It’s
no fun to have a 3 inch puddle on the floor.
Also, I’ve seen problems on the internet of the gas
cap warning. If anyone has a solution to fix this
problem let me know. The dealer that I took the
car in to was almost no help.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
William,
We took a 06 Commander in last week with the wet drivers side floorboard problem. We checked the windshield carefully, then drivers door moldings and then blew out the drains for the sun roof.
It still leaked down through the drivers side drain line area of the sun roof.
We finally found the problem by dropping the head liner down and using an inspection mirror with a flash light. We disconnected the drain line and plugged the nipple opening and poured a small ammount of water into the sun roof pan and located a hole in the drain pan just above where the nipple is formed for the drivers side sun roof drain line.
We could not see the actual leak source without the mirror and flashlight, as it was on the interior side seam facing away from the drivers door opening.
Since carefully sealing the drain pan seam just a 1/4 above the drain hose nipple on the interior side, slighly above where the drain hose connects, the problem appears to be solved.
It appears to be a manufacturing defect in the plastic seam in my opinion.
I hope this helps others with similar Jeep Commander water leaks on the drivers side.
John Daughtry
Glass by Daughtry Inc.
Brandon, MS
February 20th, 2012 at 11:31 pm
I have a 2007 Commander and have had several weird issues with the vehicle not starting after the engine was warm. My wife has been stalled at least 8-10 times. After getting it checked out, we were told the fuel system was faulty and it needed a new fuel pump. We got a new pump installed and two weeks later had the same issue. We thought it was a bad pump so we had the mechanic replace it. That was two months ago and the commander was driving well….until today. My wife was on the busiest hwy in San Antonio and while she was goin 65 MPH, the Commander just completely turned off…no power. She was lucky to pull it off the side of the road with no power. She then tried to start it and the gauges showed “trans over temp”. I had it towed back to my house. I am concerned because this seems to be an on-going issue with 2007 Commanders. Why isn’t Jeep stepping up to the plate to recall this or address it. Someone or some family is going to be seriously injured because of this faulty equipment. It seems there is not an “exact” fix to this issue. That would tell me that there is a major problem. Come on Jeep, get on the ball and get the 2007 Commanders back in the shop and address this. You can’t tell me that Jeep does not know about this situation. As a matter of fact, when I called a local dealership today to inquire, he said that the “trans over temp” was a common error and they aren’t sure how to fix it. He said several different items must be checked and they start with the most common. I can say with confidence that if a Jeep executive were driving his family around in this vehicle and had the power completely turn off when driving in 65-75 MPH zone during high traffic, he would feel the same way we do. Then, not to have a definite fix, just is absurd!
February 22nd, 2012 at 5:42 pm
To make a really long story short…..I had the same problem after two weeks of purchasing my ’07 Commander; however, I never experienced it while driving. After joining this blog, it really scared me to read that was happening to people. My mechanic’s we very puzzled by the, “trans over temp” light, as there was nothing wrong with my transmission. After alot of towes, stress, and worry.. they were 99% sure in diagnosing that the “solenoid” was bad in the starter. I had little faith that replacing the starter would fix the problem, BUT they replaced the starter, and (knock on wood) I have had no problems since (6 months later). They still could not explain the, “trans over temp” light. They thought that the vehicle could have been sending off crazy codes, due to the malfunction of the starter.