Owners have filed 36 complaints
about the 2009 Dodge Nitro with NHTSA between 2010 and 2023.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 6
Against the median year of the Dodge Nitro. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 18
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
26.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
517.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
517.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1241.4%
150,000+ miles
26.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Dodge Nitro 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
21.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2010peak 3May 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Dodge Nitro
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP14004Opened 25 Sep 2014Closed 24 Jul 2015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to...
Recalls on the 2009 Dodge Nitro
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V396000
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2020311188,249 units in Canada
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 the airbag inflates in a crash. Safety Risk: Loose parts that are projected toward the occupants when an airbag deploys could increase the risk of an injury. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the airbag cover on the steering wheel.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 20,000 milesLincoln, NE
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11522128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesLincoln, NE
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11522128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPunta Gorda, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11500448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesDickson City, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TIPM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I BELIEVE IT IS ABOUT A $1000.00 REPAIR.STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY
NHTSA complaint #11360058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,456 milesBerwyn, IL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11341646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesKingsville, MD
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11221221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,008 milesClifton, CO
AIR BAGS
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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS TOLD HER DODGE NITRO WAS NEVER ON RECALLED. ENCLOSED IS A REPORT STATING AIR BAGS HAS BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #11205320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11170611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11170611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,001 milesWaynesboro, VA
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11161748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,001 milesWaynesboro, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11161748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,001 milesWaynesboro, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11161748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Worth, FL
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
NHTSA complaint #11123989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 milesOmaha, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11104650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesDuncan Falls, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11076945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. PROBLEMS REGARDING THE CAR LOCKS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS AGO.THE PASSENGER FRONT AND BACK DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. THERE IS NOT A KEY HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, THEREFORE THE PASSENGER DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE .REPAIR ACCORDING TO JEEP DEALERSHIP IS APPROXIMATELY A THOUSAND DOLLARS.
NHTSA complaint #11002063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPontiac, MI
WHEELS
WHILE DRIVING TO DETROIT METRO AIRPORT TIRE WENT FLAT. 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.
NHTSA complaint #10978684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPontiac, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING TO DETROIT METRO AIRPORT TIRE WENT FLAT. 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.
NHTSA complaint #10978684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPontiac, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING TO DETROIT METRO AIRPORT TIRE WENT FLAT. 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.
NHTSA complaint #10978684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesWrightsville Beach, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FILLER PIPE FAILED TO SHUT OFF WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. AS A RESULT, FUEL SPILLED OUT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK VALVE FAILED AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #10945121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,747 milesKent, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,747.
NHTSA complaint #10889025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,747 milesKent, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,747.
NHTSA complaint #10889025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK COMPLETELY WITHIN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIPM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WAS FULL, BUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10824337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, CT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK COMPLETELY WITHIN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIPM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WAS FULL, BUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10824337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelton, CT
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED, THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO WORK COMPLETELY WITHIN THE PAST SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIPM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WAS FULL, BUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10824337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
