Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

2005-2012 · 7 model years

Dodge Nitro Problems by year

Owners have filed 1,457 complaints about the Dodge Nitro across 7 model years, and it has 11 recalls. The 2007 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (825), while 2005, 2009, 2012 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the fuel system.

Most complaints for its age2007825 complaints · 7 recallsSee the 2007
Complaints
1,457
Recalls
11
Crashes
49
Fires
33
Injuries
60
Deaths
0

Nitro complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20122100AirbagsA
2011122351Electrical systemD
201078332Electrical systemC
200936101Electrical systemA
200839331712Electrical systemF
200782572417Electrical systemF
20051000Electrical systemA

Most common Nitro problems

Dodge Nitro recalls 11

Latest Nitro complaints

2008 Dodge NitroElectrical systemEngine & cooling

An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical components while driving and while parked. These failures occur without warning and create a serious...

Read the full complaint

risk of a crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of propulsion in interstate traffic and unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has become progressively more frequent despite previous repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection. I fear for my life.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11750472
2008 Dodge NitroElectrical system

Car shut off while driving, prior have had issues. Have replaces TIPM module, ignition, grounding, etc

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11720588
2011 Dodge NitroElectrical system

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle frequently experienced electrical malfunctions, and the interior lights and windshield wipers would activate spontaneously. The "TEM" warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, activating the turn signals unintendedly caused the wipers to activate, and the air bag warning light would remain illuminated. While the vehicle was turned off, the warning lights continued flashing intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,174.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11715387
2010 Dodge NitroElectrical system

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine cranked, but the vehicle failed to start, and it became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure might be related to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11710732
2008 Dodge NitroTransmission & drivetrainAirbagsBody, doors & structure1 injury

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 5 MPH, the front drive shaft fractured, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop, and the front driver's side and passenger's side airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that there was no collision during the incident. The contact's son sustained a concussion and facial injuries, causing severe swelling to the face and severe headaches. No medical treatment was received, but the son remained bed ridden for...

Read the full complaint

several days from the injuries sustained during the air bag deployment. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000(Power Train, Air Bags, Structure), which the contact's son related to the failure. The failure mileage was 203,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Air bags · StructureNHTSA 11707455
2007 Dodge NitroElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

The day after I bought this vehicle it had to go directly back because of the catalytic converter. I was told they replaced it but did not show me the proof nor did they give me a valid warranty card. There is something wrong with the electrical system everything flickers and it just sounds really bad. The driver side passenger side window broke because it's made of plastic. The front both passenger and driver side door handles broke off. I had to Jerry rig it. And the reason I think this would be dangerous is if...

Read the full complaint

we were to need to get out of the car we would not be able to in case of an emergency. I've looked under the items that were recalled on this vehicle. But I get a notification that says I'm not allowed to have it fixed. Unless it's out of pocket. I purchased this car in August 2015 or 2016. The dates on the calendar below are inaccurate because the catalytic converter was done the very next day and the driver side indoor handle has been broken off for quite a while. But recently in the last week or so the other one snapped off.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11697909

Questions about the Dodge Nitro

Which Dodge Nitro years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2007 (825), 2008 (393), 2011 (122). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2007 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Dodge Nitro years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2005, 2012, 2009 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Nitro years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Dodge Nitro problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (541), fuel system (377), engine & cooling (159) most often.

How many recalls does the Dodge Nitro have?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls across all Dodge Nitro model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience