YearToAvoid

2009 Dodge Nitro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2009 Dodge Nitro has 24 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 33, and ranks 5th worst of 7 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Nitro years. One recall covers an airbag emblem issue.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
33/100
#5 of 7 Nitro years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
24
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
—
no alternative with data
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
17.5
16 city / 21 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2009 Dodge Nitro problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System10 (42%)
  2. Fuel System6 (25%)
  3. Structure & Body6 (25%)
  4. Airbags4 (17%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
  6. Other2 (8%)
  7. Steering2 (8%)
  8. Engine1 (4%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Fuel tank overflows or spills gas when refueling because the filler pipe or tank valve fails to shut off, reported at mileages including 44,000, 74,000, and 105,000.
  • Power door locks fail intermittently, then stop working completely, sometimes traced to a bad integrated control module (TIPM).
  • A rear door lock will not respond to the key remote or interior switch, forcing occupants to climb over seats to open it manually.
  • The airbag warning light comes on for no apparent reason and stays lit, with owners suspecting a faulty clock spring.
  • The automatic lock switch fails without warning, disabling the central locking system.
  • Rust appears on the fuel tank cap bolts even at very low mileage, around 900 miles, though the dealer says no coating is applied.
2009 Dodge Nitro complaints: complaints filed per month1Jan 2010Dec 2013Apr 2015Jul 2016Jun 2017Sep 2018May 2019Sep 2020
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2010 to May 2023; peak Jan 2010 (1).

2009 Dodge Nitro recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V396000Jul 7, 2020Airbags925,239 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

    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.

    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.

2009 Dodge Nitro fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
21 MPG
Combined
17.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other Nitro years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002005200720082009201020112012
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007Avoid100494718
2008Avoid83393318
2009Good3324117.5
2010Caution5078317.5
2011Caution67122317.5

All Dodge Nitro years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Nitro reliable?
Compared with other Nitro model years, the 2009 has a Good verdict, with 24 complaints and a complaint index of 33, ranking 5th worst out of 7 years tracked.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Electrical System complaints are the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints (10 of 24), mostly involving power door locks and control module failures, at a median mileage of 108,001.
Does the 2009 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 20V396000) covers a loose or missing airbag emblem on the steering wheel cover; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2009 Nitro compare to the 2007 and 2008 Nitro?
The 2007 and 2008 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 and complaint counts of 494 and 393, far higher than the 2009's index of 33 and 24 complaints.
What fuel economy does the 2009 Dodge Nitro get?
The 2009 Nitro is rated 17.5 mpg combined (16 city / 21 highway) by the EPA, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.