2009 Dodge Nitro: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Dodge Nitro?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Dodge Nitro than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  17.1% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings3.1× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  6.5% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Battery6.1× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  4.9% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Transmission oil leaks4.5× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  4.9% All 2009 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2009 Dodge Nitro MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Dodge Nitro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  37% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Dodge Nitro

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2009 Dodge Nitro as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2009 Dodge Nitro as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2009 Dodge Nitro as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?