2009 Dodge Nitro Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 15, 2023 · 24 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Nitro years
Far fewer complaints than other years 5th of 7 for complaints
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.

Dodge Nitro
2008 Dodge Nitro. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Karrmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Dodge Nitro problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System10 · ~108,001 mi
Air Bags4 · ~45,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages4 · ~66,874 mi
Fuel/propulsion System3 · ~74,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline3 · ~44,000 mi
Steering2 · ~54,989 mi
Unknown or Other2 · ~119,001 mi
Wheels2 · ~119,001 mi
Engine1 · ~89,977 mi
Power Train1 · ~101,456 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1042%108,001——
Air Bags417%45,000——
Latches/locks/linkages417%66,874——
Fuel/propulsion System313%74,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline313%44,000——
Steering28%54,989——
Unknown or Other28%119,001——
Wheels28%119,001——
Engine14%89,977——
Power Train14%101,456——
Seats14%69,000——
Structure14%130,000——
Suspension14%106,000——
Visibility/wiper14%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 4 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 1201112013: 2201322014: 2201422015: 2201522016: 2201622017: 3201732018: 4201842019: 3201932020: 2202022023: 220232

n = 24 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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 barJul 7, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V396000 · 925,239 vehicles

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…

Air Bags · received May 15, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11522128

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Jan 6, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11500448

Tipm module malfunctions. This is the second time this has happened. I believe it is about a $1000.00 repair.stationary in my driveway

Electrical System · received Sep 20, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11360058

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…

Power Train · received Jul 27, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11341646

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…

Suspension · received Jun 19, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11221221

Other Dodge Nitro years

← 2008 Nitro · 2010 Nitro →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2012 Nitro21
2011 Nitro1223
2010 Nitro783
2009241
2008 Nitro3933
2007 Nitro4947
2005 Nitro10

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.