Before you buy
This 2009 Dodge Nitro has 36 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Dodge Nitro Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2009 Dodge Nitro trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2009 Dodge Nitro Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated21.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
21.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
DODGE NITRO 2009 has 36 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall. Electrical faults lead with 15 complaints, followed by door lock issues (6) and airbag malfunctions (5). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Nitro
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 36
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Dodge Nitro problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Door Lock Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Door Lock Issues, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Dodge Nitro?
The 2009 Dodge Nitro may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and door lock repairs. The low complaint count and single recall suggest limited data, so proceed with caution.
Electrical faults can cause intermittent failures, while door lock issues affect security and convenience. These patterns indicate possible reliability concerns.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who can handle minor electrical repairs and want a compact SUV.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking high reliability or who are uncomfortable with electrical issues should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Dodge Nitro
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system for signs of failure (e.g., flickering lights, non-responsive controls).
- Test all door locks for proper operation.
- Check airbag warning light and recall status.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for electrical system issues (e.g., battery, alternator, wiring).
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and door lock repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Dodge Nitro, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Dodge Nitro shows a low confidence pattern of electrical faults (15 complaints) and door lock issues (6 complaints). Airbag malfunctions (5 complaints) and wheel issues (4 complaints) are also notable. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2009 Nitro has a low complaint count, but data is limited to one year.
Recall context: The single recall means fewer known safety defects, but buyers should still verify all recalls are completed.
- Electrical faults account for 15 of 36 complaints, the most common issue.
- Door lock issues total 6 complaints, the second most frequent.
- Airbag malfunctions appear in 5 complaints, a safety concern.
- Electrical Faults: 15 complaints
- Door Lock Issues: 6 complaints
- Airbag Malfunctions: 5 complaints
Full breakdown
All 2009 Dodge Nitro complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 p…
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 w…
TIPM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I BELIEVE IT IS ABOUT A $1000.00 REPAIR.STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY
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 INDEPEN…
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 …
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 CONT…
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.
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR STARTING FOR ABOUT A LITTLE OVER 3 YEARS. IT RANDOMLY WILL NOT START AND WILL ONLY CLICK WHEN YOU TRY TO START. IT STARTED OUT TURNING ON AFTER A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS AND HAS ESCALATED TO MORE THAN 20 ATTEMPTS BEFORE IT WOULD START. WE HAVE REPLACED…
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 W…
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY FOR 75 MINUTES. PULLED OVER TO REST AREA- GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE BUMPER ON THE BACK RIGHT SIDE WAS MELTED AND VERY HOT TO TOUCH. THEN NOTICED MY TAIL PIPE WAS GONE. MY GUESS IS THE EXHAUST FROM THE MUFFLER WAS HOT AND MELTED THE BUMPER.
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
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 …
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…
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 ST…
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 SI…
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 REP…
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 …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO 4X2. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO USE THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, THE LOCKS FAILED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNO…
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 WHER…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO 4X2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR POWER DOORS LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK OR LOCK. IN ADDITION, ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO LOCK OR UNLOCK…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Safety recalls
2009 Dodge Nitro recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. The single recall means fewer known safety defects, but buyers should still verify all recalls are completed. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Dodge Nitro buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Dodge Nitro reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 36 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2009 Dodge Nitro may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and door lock repairs. The low complaint count and single recall suggest limited data, so proceed with caution. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Nitro?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (15 complaints). #2: Door Lock Issues (6 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Dodge Nitro?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Dodge Nitro?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Dodge Nitro, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 36 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2009 Dodge Nitro. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. The single recall means fewer known safety defects, but buyers should still verify all recalls are completed. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Dodge Nitro?▾
The 2009 Dodge Nitro may be worth considering only if you are prepared for potential electrical and door lock repairs. The low complaint count and single recall suggest limited data, so proceed with caution. Electrical faults can cause intermittent failures, while door lock issues affect security and convenience. These patterns indicate possible reliability concerns. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Nitro reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Dodge Nitro based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.