DecodedCars2009 Dodge Nitro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Rt, 4dr SUV RWD Se/Sxt
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,933–3,971 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Dodge Nitro is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.7L 6-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,971 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Rt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 8% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Nitro — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Nitro →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Rt | 178.7 in | 73.2 in | 69.7 in | 108.7 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,971 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV RWD Se/Sxt | 178.7 in | 73.2 in | 69.7 in | 108.7 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,933 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitro 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Nitro 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Nitro 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Nitro 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 20 / 17 | -4% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Dodge Nitro under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Dodge Nitro (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jul 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V396000 · 925,239 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2009 Dodge Nitro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Dodge Nitro buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Latches/Locks/Linkages — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 106,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Nitro. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Nitro years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Nitro | 18 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 89 |
| 2010 Nitro | 18 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
| 2008 Nitro | 19 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 193 |
| 2007 Nitro | 19 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 279 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →