2008 Jeep Commander review: Faulty Electrical System 2

I am submitting this because I do not know in what direction to turn. Purchased a
2008 Jeep Commander on October 3, 2008. I average approx. 100 miles a day,
due to the requirements of my employment. Currently there are 46, 000 miles on my
Commander. I first began to encounter problems with the vehicle around 42, 000 miles.
Engaging the key, there was a slight hesitation of 1-3 seconds prior to the engine
'turning over'. This gradually began to progress to 5-10 seconds. It got to a point
in which if I drove it, it would not start until it sat idle for at least
8-10 hours. Eventually it would not start at all. Contacted Chrysler Jeep and was told
that towing would be offered at cost to the consumer, since it was past the
36, 000 mile limit. My insurance company, Safeco, indicated that I had towing on
my policy, but it could only tow to a certified Chrysler Jeep dealership within a
15 mile towing radius. It was subsequently towed to the Thompson dealership
since it matched the criteria. The problem was diagnosed as being the wireless
ignition module. I was charged $487.33, invoice #184536.

The vehicle ran good for 2 weeks then began to exhibit the same problems.
It eventually gave out. I started the vehicle and drove it to the Thompson
dealership. It broke down there. After 'jiggling' the key it started
and the service advisor, Richard Norwood, drove me home. This occured
on June 9. On June 14, I was informed, that they could not find the cause of
the problem. It should be pointed out here, that my initial request was that if
I was going to have a high end repair to notify me prior, invoice # 186245

I began to go online and found out the commonality of problems encountered
by 2008 Jeep owners and was shocked. A recall of front control modules
was often cited. Including the tendency for the vehicle to stall while driving:

http://www.automotive.com/2008/49/jeep/commander/recalls/71075.html

http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/daimler_chrysler/jeep_commander.htm

Contacted the lemon law attorney's but they would not accept because it
was over the 36, 000 mile limit. Contacted the Maryland State Attorney
General's office and was transferred to the Consumer Protection Division.
Submitted a formal complaint, but was notified it would take 4-6 weeks
inorder for the division to respond. At this point I was informed
that they could only act as a mediator.

I next contacted the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration.
The procedure was duplicated. Submitted a complaint with a response time of
4-6 weeks.

I have a vehicle sitting in front of my place of residence. No one knows
what's wrong with the thing. Spoke with the actual mechanic doing the repairs.
RealIy cordial and knowledgable. Says that he has worked on the vehicle on his
own time, without pay. Says that he can run more extensive tests which
would be costly and may not still yield favorable results. At best he will trouble
shoot or trial and error. I contend the problems are the result of faulty
manufacturing. In some Jeeps it was found that Chrysler installed faulty
Mitsubishi starters.

Need to emphasize, Thompson Chrysler Jeep and the service advisor,
Richard Norwood, as well as the mechanic have been superb. They are the
only bright spots out of the whole ordeal. Couldn't have a more professional
group of people representing the Chrysler logo.

Was assigned a Chrysler case manager, Andrew AP-516. Initially they denied
culpability. Stating that my vehicle, alhough exhibiting the same problems of the
1338 recalled vehicles, that it was not within the recall group.
After informing them of my consumer options they agreed that since
the module was under warranty, they would re-imburse me. His solution was
to get a second opinion. I asked, 'from who?' If a certified dealership did not
know the answers, who would. What were the logistics involved?
Was I to tow the car from dealership to dealership at my expense?
He said a member of their response team was to get back with me by
June 16, it never happened. I called back the subsequent week and he was
totally oblivious to the specifics of my case. He repeated that I needed to get a
second opinion. It was at that time I requested another case manager.
Was given an equally inept case worker, Kristy, KF-223. She prompted the same
response as the previous case worker but with a twist. The area district manager was
to get in touch with me not later that June 29.

To Chrylser's defense. they did offer to re-imburse me for the front control module
repairs. Have to submitt my original repair documents and a determination then
has to be made.

I have a potential death trap. As with Toyota, need to know how many people
will needlessly have to be injured or killed before a class action suite will be
initiated. The problems of the 2008 Jeep Commander are extensive, and these
have been well documented by its owners. What does Chrysler know about the
flawed electrical design of the Commanders and when did they know it.
Are we on the precipice of a class action suite against Chrysler.

I would immagine after they defaulted in the repayment of the
7-billion dollar bailout, Chrysler would be more proactive towards addressing
the safety and concerns of the consumer.

My vehicle has been sitting idle for over a month.

Chrysler Customer Care
Attn: Jeep
P.O. Box 21-8004
Auburn Hills, Michigan
[protected]
[protected]

Chrysler complaint no.: [protected]