- The problem
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Vehicle safety record
2012 Dodge Nitro Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Nitro with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1) and the equipment & accessories (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in July 2013 for the electrical system. For comparison, the 2011 has 122.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Nitro year, for its age
#303 most complained-about 2012 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2012 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2012 Dodge Nitro recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2012 Dodge Nitro
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The ignition switch snapped back and turns the key off resulting in a complete engine and electrical shut down at speed. The steering and brakes do not work at that point. It happened twice while going 70 mph on the freeway. One additional time, the ignition switched snapped back, and the engine turned off, then back on again. Johnson auto plaza in brighton, co, told me it's a known issue, and the switch is now af or in its 5th generation. This replacement just cost me $593.00. Please put a notice out there and force ram to issue a recall for free or else this could end up killing people.
We were notified that there was a recall on our dodge nitro. However dodge has made it as difficult as possible to have this recall corrected in the hopes you won't take your vehicle in and they won't have to spend money or time correcting the problem. In order to have a our vehicle recall corrected we were told that we had to bring in our vehicle in monday through friday so it during normal working hours so it could be inspected. After they inspect it they tell you there is a problem and you will have to make...
Read the full complaint
another appointment monday through friday during normal working hours. This now requires you to take off time during work twice but you are also without a vehicle for the entire time they decide they want to hold onto it.
Dodge Nitro: every year compared
All Nitro years2012 Dodge Nitro vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Dodge Nitro | 2 | 1 | A | |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | 648 | 14 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Durango | 640 | 10 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | 584 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Avenger | 554 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Journey | 377 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 253 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Caravan | 87 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2012 Dodge Caliber | 49 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2012 Dodge Nitro
Does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Dodge Nitro: electrical system (July 2013). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Nitro?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1), equipment & accessories (1), airbags (1).
How many complaints has the 2012 Dodge Nitro had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 18, 2015 and the latest on October 27, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2012 Dodge Nitro a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 99 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Dodge Nitro year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Nitro years have the most complaints?
2007 (825), 2008 (393), 2011 (122). See every Dodge Nitro year compared.
What should I do if my 2012 Dodge Nitro has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data