2009 Dodge Nitro: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 unavailable to complete the recall . The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Steering · May 2023
“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 repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2022
“Tipm module malfunctions. This is the second time this has happened. I believe it is about a $1000.00 repair.stationary in my driveway”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2020
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“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 the contact was informed the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called hawk chrysler dodge jeep ram located at 7911 w. Roosevelt rd, forest park, il 60130, (708) 366-1001, to notify the dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 101,456.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2020
“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 the joint inside the boot could completely fail and the solid metal shaft would drop and snag the road. The part (#52853363af) has been on backorder with dodge chrysler since late may. First delivery date quoted was 6/7/19, then 6/20/19, and now 7/7/19. I have no answers to when this issue will be resolved and when the vehicle will be safe to drive again.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2019
“Fuel tank overflows when filling up at the pump. I've had gasoline spew out all over me several times now. I can see by investigating this online that this is a "dangerous" and "known" issue on many dodge makes, models and years.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2018
“Takata recall / several times my 4wd will get a service 4wd light and I will lose 4wd. This time I was sitting still in neutral and turned my selector switch from 2wd to 4wd and received the serv 4wd light. Dodge dealership as well as locally owned shops are at a loss of what's wrong. After many searches online I find I am not the only person with this problem and no answer. Also, the security light is flashing, windshield wipers going crazy, horn blaring, and washer fluid squirting our randomly for a long period of time. Help!!! Dodge says 4wd should be fine but is not... I only have 2wd and the service light is still on.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2018
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2018
“The vehicle acted like it was possessed. The dash lights went off then back on, the headlights went off then back on, the wipers turned on by themselves, engine turned off while going down the road at 60mph, starter keeps turning after the key is removed, doors lock by themselves with nobody around, and now it wont start. It just cranks over.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2018
“While driving over ice on the winter I was approaching a stop sign. I pressed on my brakes lightly to avoid sliding over the ice, the vehicle still slided and, the ABS, bas, brake and slippery lights turned on immediately after it came to a complete stop and the push back on the brakes stopped working. The lights turn off for a week or so and then they turn back on.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2018
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Nitro by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Nitro reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2009 Dodge Nitro have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering: steering wheel/handle bar. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.