VehicleVerdict

2009 Dodge Nitro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Dodge Nitro sits mid-pack among Nitro years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 113, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (28% of the total).

36

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Nitro years?

Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted676 complaints2005: 1 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 609 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 111 complaints2011: 197 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nitro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Dodge Nitro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1028%
Fuel System617%
Latches & Locks411%
Airbags411%
Tires & Wheels26%
Steering26%
Other26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Engine13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2009 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V396000AirbagsJuly 7, 2020 · 925,239 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING TO DETROIT METRO AIRPORT TIRE WENT FLAT. HAVE SEEN ON YOUR WEBSITE COMPLAINTS REGARDING CORROSION AT RETAINING NUT THAT HOLDS VALVE STEM IN PLACE ON THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL YEAR. KEY FOB WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, LOCK AND UNLOCK. NOW KEY FOB ONLY UNLOCKS DRIVER SIDE DOOR. AGAIN THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 14, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FILLER PIPE FAILED TO SHUT OFF WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. AS A RESULT, FUEL SPILLED OUT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK VALVE FAILED AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 7, 2017

“RESENTLY WHEN CAR IS STARTED ALL DASH LIGHTS GO OUT & THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT REAPPEARS AS I DRIVE IT GOES OUT & THEN COMES BACK ON SO IT'SLIKE ITS DOES SPORADICALLY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 20, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · June 20, 2016

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 2, 2023

2009 Dodge Nitro — common questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Nitro reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 36 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Nitro year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Nitro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints), airbags (4 complaints).

Does the 2009 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Dodge Nitro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Nitro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Nitro years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011. The cleanest record among Nitro years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.