2009 Dodge Nitro Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Nitro years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 5th of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 1 recall: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Nitro. That ranks 5th out of 7 Nitro model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (10 complaints, 42%), typically at around 108,001 miles. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

- 24owner complaints
- 1safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2009 Dodge Nitro problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | 42% | 108,001 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 4 | 17% | 45,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 17% | 66,874 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 13% | 74,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 13% | 44,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 2 | 8% | 54,989 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 8% | 119,001 | — | — |
| Wheels | 2 | 8% | 119,001 | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 4% | 89,977 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 4% | 101,456 | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 4% | 69,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 1 | 4% | 130,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 4% | 106,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 4% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2009 Dodge Nitro recalls (1)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module; steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Totally Integrated Power Module Failure (DP14004) — opened Sep 25, 2014, closed Jul 24, 2015.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Nitro. The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bag, Steering) however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair where the emblem was removed however, the emblem was then replaced due to parts were…
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware of pressure build up which caused gasoline to not be able to be added to the fuel tank. The contact was unsure if there were any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Tipm module malfunctions. This is the second time this has happened. I believe it is about a $1000.00 repair.stationary in my driveway
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND…
On 5/24/2019 jones junction t/a jones chrysler jeep dodge diagnosed my 2009 dodge nitro with a failing front drive shaft (the assembly from the transfer case to the differential joint) and recommended immediate replacement. I was told not to drive the vehicle because there was a safety concern that…
Other Dodge Nitro years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nitro | 2 | 1 |
| 2011 Nitro | 122 | 3 |
| 2010 Nitro | 78 | 3 |
| 2009 | 24 | 1 |
| 2008 Nitro | 393 | 3 |
| 2007 Nitro | 494 | 7 |
| 2005 Nitro | 1 | 0 |
See all Dodge Nitro problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Owners most often report electrical system, air bags, latches/locks/linkages problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 10 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2009 Dodge Nitro a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Nitro model years, the 2009 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.