2009 Dodge Nitro recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Airbags
What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. 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.
What could happen: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2009 NITRO.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V396000 (manufacturer code W09).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-853-1403.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2009 Dodge Nitro owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (15), Fuel system (6), Wheels / tires (6), Latches / locks (6), Airbags (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/15/2023 · 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 man…
01/06/2023 · Fuel system
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.…
09/20/2020 · 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
07/27/2020 · Transmission / drivetrain
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 REPLAC…
06/19/2019 · 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 SOL…
05/02/2019 · Airbags
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…
01/17/2019 · 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.
01/09/2019 · Electrical system
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 HAVI…