JeepCommander20083.7L/jeep/commander/2008/3-7l/
XK platform

2008 Jeep Commander — 3.7L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Commander 3.7L.

Body SUVEngine 3.7LTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2008 Jeep Commander 3.7L is an SUV built on the XK platform, combining a 3.7L engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and EPA ratings of 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Routine service calls for 5 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-20 API oil with filter replacement. Within the 2005–2010 model run, this year falls between the reliability extremes, logging 436 owner complaints—far below the 2006 peak of 1,782 yet significantly above the 2005 low of 4—while five recalls and electrical system issues mark the primary concern areas.

Model year201020082006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque95 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy14/19/16 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 Early CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 Early CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP245-65R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04884899AC alt 04781452BF
Engine air filter05018777AC
Spark plug68303913AA alt SPZFR6F11G
Battery04608719AD
Front wiper blades05183008AA alt 05179181AA
Thermostat52028898AJ alt 68174083AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length188.6 in
Overall width74.8 in
Overall height71.7 in
Wheelbase109.8 in
Curb weight5128 lb
Track (front / rear)62.6 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)51/49

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined14 / 19 / 16 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 / 5W-20 API engine oil, SYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.5
Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.6
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSYNTHETIC · 75W-140 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity4.4 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts130 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts129 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts8.8 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts95 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-6-5-4-3-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 Early cca
Optional BCI Group Number94R
Optional BCI Cranking Performance625 Late cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)56-60 psi
Injector Primary Resistance11.4-12.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression170-225 psi
Engine Oil Pressure4 psi @ Idle, 25-110 psi @ 3000 rpm psi
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket32 ft-lbs / 18 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle125 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness0.040 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.00035 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in / 0.00079 in
Rotor Minimum Machining1.122 in / 0.492 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.121 in / 0.491 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9020 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown.

1Hand tighten bolts 1D, 1G and 1F until the bedplate contacts the block.
2Tighten bolts 1A - 1J to 40 ft. lbs.40 ft. lbs
3Tighten bolts 1 - 8 to 5 ft. lbs.5 ft. lbs
4Turn bolts 1 - 8 an additional 90 degrees.90 degrees
5Tighten bolts A - E 20 to 20

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; coolant at 102,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 102,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 12,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 18,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 90,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
At 102,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill) · Transmission Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Across the Jeep Commander's generation, federal complaints peaked dramatically in 2006 at 1,782 before steadily declining, with the 2008 model year representing a significant drop to 436 complaints from 2007's 1,034. While 2008 still carries a higher complaint volume than the generation's tail end in 2009 and 2010, it benefits from zero federal investigations, an improvement over the intensive scrutiny faced by the 2006 and 2007 models. For the 2008 model specifically, electrical system issues dominate the complaint record with 186 reports, distantly followed by engine (29) and airbag (17) concerns, though the data does not specify the root causes of these failures. The model year also carries 5 recalls—consistent with the preceding years—alongside 16 crash and 3 fire complaints. Ultimately, 2008 sits favorably in the downward arc of the Commander's reliability trend, making it a better choice than the problematic early production years, provided you prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the electrical system.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
56
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
436
Owner complaints
16 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 436 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System186
Engine29
Electrical System,Engine18
Air Bags17
Power Train15
Engine & Engine Cooling12
Visibility11
Seat Belts7

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

14V567000Electrical System:IgnitionReported 17/09/2014

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… Remedy: 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…

13V175000Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)Reported 07/05/2013

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 56 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1012322024-10-29Power TrainPlate - Planetary
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
90040092021-04-07Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles…
90043612021-03-31Power TrainNAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Commander. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Commander 3.7L take?

5 qt w/ filter of 5W-30 API OR 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Commander have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.7L get?

EPA figures are 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined mpg.