AI Damage2009 Dodge Nitro: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Dodge Nitro filed 24 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 24
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 42% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 17% of all complaints
- 3 Latches, locks, linkages 17% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel/propulsion system 13% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 7 Wheels 8% of all complaints
- 8 Engine 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 10 complaints (42% of all).
- Air bags: 4 complaints (17% of all).
- Latches, locks, linkages: 4 complaints (17% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 3 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (13% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.7 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- 4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 24 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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.
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.
The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle to check the diagnostic trouble code and stated that the failure may be related to the air bag module. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired.
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.
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
The two door locks located in the right side of the vehicle are not working properly. The vehicle in question currently have 78000 miles and the two actuators,one in the front and one in the back right side of the vehicle need to be replace.
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 is listed on your website for this vehicle and model year.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,585 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 21% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Nitro has 159 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 24, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Nitro?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, air bags, latches, locks, linkages. Total complaints: 24. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (21%), airbag warning light (13%), door locks, latches, handles (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Dodge Nitro from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.