2011 Dodge Nitro

Routine

Owners filed 122 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
61,500 milesMedian miles at failure

91 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System38
010
Air Bags22
306
Power Train10
000
Engine9
000
Service Brakes7
000
Fuel/Propulsion System7
000
Unknown or Other5
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)5
000
Visibility/Wiper2
000
Vehicle Speed Control2
100

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V396000
Filed Jul 7, 2020925,239 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Air Bags13V282000
Filed Jul 2, 2013442,320 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. 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.

Steering › Column11V315000
Filed Jun 8, 201111,096 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Risk. A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Feb 3, 2026126,174 milesCA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 9, 2024AR

I am experiencing electrical issues with my 2011 Dodge Nitro SXT. Despite replacing the alternator and battery, the SUV continues to have operational problems. Additionally, I replaced the TMP. I subsequently took the vehicle to a local mechanical shop, where it was confirmed that the issue lies with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). I have read about a recall related to electrical issues in the Nitro, and I would like to inquire about the possibility of obtaining reimbursement. Thank you for your assistance.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 4, 2023103,000 milesDC

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical and motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 11, 2023MI

Airbags: This vehicle has had a recall for a "Ram" emblem being placed over the airbag such that it becomes a projectile in an airbag depleyment. Dodge makes it very difficult to avail of getting it removed. I am not close to the dealership, I am very busy and somewhat disabled. Since the first notice arrived in the mail-- maybe three years ago-- I have returned the notices with a request for them to send a tech to my home and make the repair. I see there has been at least one death due to this obvious flaw, butthey have not cared enough to answer. Why should I take a day so that they can fix this deadly "extra feature" of shrapnel being placed over an explosive? Electrical: This is a serious safety issue that Dodge will not recognize or even discuss. Getting the window back up is a matter of finessing the "up" switch every which way, multiple attempts required (switch has now fallen out). Very distracting, after going through a toll booth after dark and 15 degrees. You can't stop and F with it, you have to do it on the move. It can take as long as five minutes to get it back up (Window now completely disabled). They will do anything to save seventeen cents per car, who cares if it makes it unsafe for the owner. Not Dodge! I wrote to Dodge (no reply), then the MI Attorney General about this, they responded "We have written to this manufacturer twice and have not received a response". Dodge takes no responsibility for their shoddy work. We pay, we die, they keep doing what the

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2022GA

Airbag symbol keeps jumping on and dinging and their is a malfunctioning of the airbag which showed after being but on a machine. The tire even when changed or applying air the light still jumps on like it’ has low air pressure. And the electrical the door lock n unlock is backwards lock will be unlock and unlock is locked. Only 3 doors will lock automatically.

Power Train
Filed Feb 10, 2022TX

While my husband was driving home from work, the drive shaft of our vehicle completely snapped at 50mph causing him to come to a complete stop. There is a recall specially specially this on the 2008 models and after this incident we believe it should for the 2011s also.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 29, 2022TN

Loss of power, engine completely shut off at a redlight

Steering
Filed Jan 18, 2022118,000 milesOH

The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the windshield wipers remained operational after the windshield wiper button was disengaged. The contact's daughter was also unable to move the gear shifter from PARK to DRIVE. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 13, 2022TX

My car is always acting as if it is going to flip or gets locked up, even in slow speeds below the speed limit. I am a single mom, not a speed racer.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 30, 2021TN

I purchased a 2011 Dodge Nitro SUV in March 2021 from a dealer with all recall information. I contacted online about recall and they set-up to take this vehicle to a Dodge dealer to have required recall work done. I took this vehicle to this dealer and on this INVOICE from dealer repair it states: Recall/ CSN 1 [Safety Recall W09 – Driver Air Bag Emblem] CAUSE: F 19W09183 Safety Recall W 09 Driver Airbag Emblem – Remove Remove Driver Airbag Emblem (2 -Skilled) 997471W FC: Part#: Count: Claim Type: W AUTH CODE: Parts: 0.00Labor: 0.00Other: 0.00Total Line B:0.00 Removed DAB emblem 19 – WO -91 – 83 After this job was completed, I was told by this dealer that It might take 6 months for a replacement part to come available. I will be notified by the recall company when a new part to be place in this vehicle. Now, when I enter this same vehicle VIN it states as 0 recalls. My airbag concern light on my dash remains on and sometimes alerts me by sound! Nothing has been replaced for over 7 months and now it shows no recalls! I have both original Invoice pages from this dealer still stapled together and scanned to email if needed! My vehicle would not pass inspection if needed, because of this issue and safety concerns. [XXX] Roane County, TN INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Electrical System
Filed Jun 24, 2021FL

The horn started blowing randomly, Pulled the negative battery connector as recommended to reset TIPM. The horn continued to go off pulled the fuses as recommended. Was told if it kills the battery the TIMP needs to be replaced. That is a common issue for this year model vehicle. Called about a recall the recall is for vehicles manufacturer from 07/17/2011 to 12/2011. My truck was manufactured three days prior to this recall time frame. I believe my vehicle is affected by the faulty TIPM as well. I would like the part to be covered under the recall.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 7, 2021NV

When fueling the vehicle gas will spew out after the pump has shut off. I've tried many different things to try and stop this issue. If I fill the tank very slowly it will sometimes not spew or it may cut down on the amount spewed, but it has not made the issue stop. This really is dangerous and ridiculous. From my online research into the issue, it appears to be common with this vehicle. Although an easy, definitive reason was not given. Please address this. Thank you.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 21, 2021KS

DATE OF INCIDENT: 05202021 SPEED: VEHICLE PARKED/DRIVING 30 MPH MILEAGE: 110000 VEHICLE HORN SOUNDED NUMEROUS TIMES ON OWN. VEHICLE PARKED AND KEY NOT IN IGNITION. VEHICLE ALSO SOUNDED WHILE IN ON POSITION AT STOP LIGHT AND IN ON POSITION WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. VEHICLE DOES THIS ON OWN WITHOUT PROMPTING AND CAN ONLY BE STOPPED BY DISCONNECTION OF THE BATTERY.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 9, 2021147,000 milesTN

THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR MAYBE 1 TO 4 SECONDS AT ANY TIME IT'S PARKED AND THE HORN BLOWS TIME TO TIME WITHOUT ME TOUCHING IT WHILE DRIVING.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 19, 2021NC

MY SUV KEEP HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES, FIRST IT STARTED WITH THE RADIO AND THEN MY BRAKE LIGHT KEEP BOWING AND WE REPLACED THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND BULPS AND WITHIN THREE DAYS THEY BLOWED AGAIN AND AT NIGHT WHEN I TURN MY LIGHTS ON MY BRAKE LIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK,

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 26, 202165,000 milesVA

AFTER DEALERSHIP REMOVED THE EMBLEM FROM THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE RECALL, THE HORN WOULD START TO BLOW ON ITS OWN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND STAY ON. IT WOULD SHUT OFF AND THEN A FEW MOMENTS LATER START TO BLOW AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIPS ANSWER WAS TO DISCONNECT MY HORN AND SEND ME ON MY WAY. I AM NOW DRIVING IN A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT PASS THE REQUIRED STATE INSPECTION. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD!! THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT UNTIL THE PARTS CAME IN TO FINISH THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE THIS WAY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE!!

Air BagsCrash
Filed Aug 19, 2020143,220 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A UNKNOWN TRUCK. AS A RESULT, THE CROSS MEMBER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,220.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jul 15, 202090,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY HIS WIFE THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE BULBS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 9, 2020147,000 milesKS

THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN AS I WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT ABOUT 15 MPH.

Electrical System
Filed May 21, 2020PR

MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO START, WHILE DRIVING AT THE HIGHWAY OR AT A LIGHT IT SLOW DOWN AS IF GOING TO SHUTS OFF, REAR WINDOWS NOT WORKING, DOORS POWER LOCKS INTERMITTENT. *TR

20 of 122 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20122100Routine
2011 — this page122310Routine
201078320Routine
200924100Routine
20083933120Above average
20074947110Above average
20051000Routine

Compare every Nitro year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 7, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.