Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, the technician may find the following DTCs set in the PCM memory: · **U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM) (10-12 MY only). · Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Enhancements To Improve Fuel Pump Relay Initialization At Key On - (10-12 MY only).** · P0401 - EGR System Performance. In addition the customer may notice one of the following conditions: · Hard to start, long crank time or even a no start. The
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Nitro fuel system problems
moderate Owners of the 2009 Dodge Nitro have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
| Model year | fuel system complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Nitro | 142 |
| 2008 Nitro | 65 |
| 2009 Nitro (this page) | 3 |
| 2010 Nitro | 3 |
| 2011 Nitro | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 fuel system complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Nitro, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Dodge Nitro we track for fuel system problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA fuel system complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, the technician may find the following DTCs set in the PCM memory: · **U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM) (10-12 MY only). · Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Enhancements To Improve Fuel Pump Relay Initialization At Key On - (10-12 MY only).** · P0401 - EGR System Performance. In addition the customer may notice one of the following conditions: · Hard to start, long crank time or even a no start. The
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While pumping my gas the gas began to backflow up in poor everywhere and all over the car and the ground at the gas station and on my hands. This clearly is unsafe for one it is a huge fire hazard it is dangerous towards ones health and also the environment. I have read elsewhere of other people numerous people with this same issue since 2007 in Chrysler vehicles and am unsure why they would not…
Had fuel system trouble with your 2009 Dodge Nitro?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the fuel system problem on the 2009 Dodge Nitro?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, fuel system issues most often appear around 102,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Nitro.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.