2009 Dodge Nitro problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (4) · Latches/Locks/Linkages (3) · Air Bags (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Nitro model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
20 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2020-07-07 · campaign 20V396000 · 925,239 vehicles
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.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (50)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2025-09-18 · 107418 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
switch - clutch starter interlock & master cylinder assembly - clutch
Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Electrical System:wiring 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, 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
Air Bags 2021-11-23 · Y22 Combo Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
customer satisfaction notification y22 driver airbag emblem
Air Bags 2021-11-18 · Y22 Combo · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
customer satisfaction notification y22 driver airbag emblem
Power Train 2021-04-07 · 9004009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 p
Showing the 6 most recent of 50 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-05-15 · Steering · 20,000 mi“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 tha…”
2023-01-06 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 160,000 mi“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…”
2020-09-20 · Electrical System · 120,000 mi“tipm module malfunctions. this is the second time this has happened. i believe it is about a $1000.00 repair.stationary in my driveway…”
2020-07-27 · Power Train · 101,456 mi“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 …”
2019-06-19 · Suspension · 106,000 mi“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 an…”
2019-05-02 · Air Bags · 112,008 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge nitro. 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. th…”
2019-01-17 · Seats · 69,000 mi“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.…”
2018-12-15 · Wheels · 108,001 mi“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 …”
2018-09-01 · Air Bags“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…”
2018-06-29 · Electrical System · 181,000 mi“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 …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.