this model yearOf 36 owner complaints for this model year, around 6% describe 1 injury and 1 fire. These are unverified owner accounts, but the pattern is worth reading before buying.
this model yearOne further recall campaign covers this model year. Ask a dealer whether it remains outstanding on this car.
Almost all of this describes the model year, not the individual car. Nothing here can tell you about this vehicle’s mileage, accidents or ownership — no identifier encodes those.
Owner complaints for this model year
36Complaints
1Involved a fire
1Injuries
Most reported components
electrical system15
latches/locks/linkages6
air bags5
wheels4
fuel system3
gasoline3
Read 15 of the most serious reports
suspension,power train,air bags1 injury
NHTSA #10746545
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
electrical system,equipmentfire
NHTSA #10275990
WE HAD JUST PULLED UP TO THE PARKING LOT GARAGE OF THE MOVIE THEATER. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF TOOK THE KEY OUT TO LEAVE BUT THE AC BLOWER STAYED RUNNING. I WENT TO TURN IT OFF AND THE ALARM WENT CRAZY. AT FIRST WE THOUGHT THAT WE HIT THE PANIC BUTTON SO WE WERE TYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO STOP IT. THEN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WENT OFF AND THE WASHER FLUID STARTED SPRAYING. ALL THIS WHILE WE WERE IN OUR VEHICLE. NEXT THING YOU KNOW WE POP THE HOOD TO CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM BUT WE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO OPEN IT BECAUSE IT WAS NEW. I JUST HAD MY CAR FOR THREE WEEKS AND IT IS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. WE THEN SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. I LOOKED AND I SAW FIRE AND YELLED FIRE TO MY HUSBAND, BROTHER AND NEPHEW. WE GOT MY NEPHEW OUT OF HIS CAR SEAT AND RAN FOR COVER AND IN A MINUTE OUR VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES ALL THIS INFRONT OF OUR EYES. THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 6 EXPLOSIONS AND THE CAR IS TOAST. WE HAD NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS. OUR LIVES WERE PUT IN DANGER AND OUR DEALERSHIP IS IGNORING OUR PHONE CALLS. ONE OFFICER TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ONE OF THREE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL TO CATCH FIRE IN THREE WEEKS THAT HE RESPONDED TO. I WANT TO SPREAD THE WORD OUT BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO ANYONE ELSE. *TR
steering,air bags
NHTSA #11522128
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.
fuel system, gasoline
NHTSA #11500448
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.
electrical system
NHTSA #11360058
TIPM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I BELIEVE IT IS ABOUT A $1000.00 REPAIR.STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY
power train
NHTSA #11341646
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.
suspension
NHTSA #11221221
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.
air bags
NHTSA #11205320
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.*JB
seats,fuel/propulsion system
NHTSA #11170611
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.
electrical system,electronic stability control (esc),service brakes
NHTSA #11166143
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 A LOT OF PARTS, HAVE CONTACTED DODGE CORPORATE, GOT 2ND OPINION AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. TODAY I WENT TO WORK AND HAD TO GO TO A MTG SO DROVE THERE AND WHEN I CAME BACK AND WENT TO START MY CAR IT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I HEARD A HUMMING SOUND IN MY CAR BUT NOTICED THE ESP AND BAS LIGHTS WERE ON ON THE DASHBOARD. I THOUGHT OK MAYBE MY FIRST PROBLEM HAS COME TO A HEAD AND NOW WILL NOT START. I CALLED THE DEALER, CALLED A TOW TRUCK, AND AFTER WAITING ABOUT 30 MINUTES, IT STARTED. I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP MYSELF. UPON READING INFO ON INTERNET I SEE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, I THINK. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM DEALER. THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR BUT THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX MY CAR FOR THE FIRST PROBLEM AND NOW I WILL WAIT ON SECOND PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAS 85,534 MILES AND WHEN PROBLEMS STARTED I BELIEVE I HAD ABOUT 58,000 TO 60,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR UP UNTIL THESE PROBLEMS. ONLINE I SEE PEOPLE HAVE SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT NO ANSWERS. HELP US PLEASE TO FIX MY CAR. CAR IS ALWAYS STATIONARY WITH THESE PROBLEMS.
electrical system,wheels,unknown or other
NHTSA #11161748
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.
engine
NHTSA #11142795
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.
air bags
NHTSA #11123989
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
electrical system
NHTSA #11104650
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.
unknown or other
NHTSA #11076945
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.
Filed by owners of this model year and unverified by NHTSA — one person’s account, not an established fact.
Recalls for this model year
1 recall on record
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.
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.
Published by model year, not by VIN — may not apply to this vehicle, or may already have been done. Confirm with a dealer.