NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 36 owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. Most complaints involve electrical system (15) and latches/locks/linkages (6). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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…”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitro 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Nitro 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Nitro 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Nitro 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (15), latches/locks/linkages (6), air bags (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Nitro at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).