Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2009 Dodge Nitro, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system10
- Latches/locks/linkages4
- Air bags4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Fuel system, gasoline3
- Unknown or other2
- Wheels2
- Steering2
- Structure1
- Seats1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2009 Dodge Nitro failed the safety check 3.22% of the time — 28% more often than the average 2009 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 135,851 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the United Kingdom
360 cars built in 2009 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 155 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 448 of these cars first registered in 2009 took their annual MOT test. 60% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2009 the figure was 59%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 25.9% | 10.1% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 21.2% | 18.7% |
| Suspension | 12.5% | 16.4% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 6.0% | 5.8% |
| Visibility | 5.4% | 6.5% |
| Tyres | 4.0% | 7.5% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
21 of these cars first registered in 2009 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 256,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
63 2009 cars are on the New Zealand register; 41% arrived as used imports, 57% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 1 variant: combined 13.0 L/100 km (about 18 mpg US), CO₂ 299 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitro · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 14.8 | 10.7 | 13.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2009 Dodge Nitro.
| 2020311 8 Jul 2020 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the emblem on the steering wheel could become loose. If this happens, the emblem or its retainers could become projectiles when th… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2009 Dodge Nitro: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10221831 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10221554 | Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, the technician may find the following DTCs set in the PCM memory: **U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM) (10-12 MY only). Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Enhancements To Improve Fuel Pump Relay Initialization At Key On - (10-12 MY only).** P0401 - EGR System Performance. In addition the cu |
| 10221097 | Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10220843 | NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission |
| 10220576 | SAFETY RECAL W09 DRIVER AIR BAG EMBLEM Updated Dealer Instructions |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220098 | Authentic Mopar Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar Glass. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10217714 | Clock In The Radio Loses Time This bulletin involves replacing the Wireless Control Module (WCM)/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). Customer may experience a condition where the clock will lose over one minute a month. |
| 10216395 | Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components. |
| 10215969 | Clock In The Radio Loses Time This bulletin involves replacing the Wireless Control Module (WCM)/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). Customer may experience a condition where the clock will lose over one minute a month. |
| 10204370 | Customer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem |
| 10204368 | Customer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10190590 | NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission |
| 10189374 | Clock In The Radio Loses Time This bulletin involves replacing the Wireless Control Module (WCM)/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). Customer may experience a condition where the clock will lose over one minute a month. |
| 10188780 | SAFETY RECAL W09 DRIVER AIR BAG EMBLEM Updated Dealer Instructions |
| 10188664 | Clock In The Radio Loses Time This bulletin involves replacing the Wireless Control Module (WCM)/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). Customer may experience a condition where the clock will lose over one minute a month. |
| 10180221 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation