2011 Dodge Nitro Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Nitro years
- Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 7 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Nitro. That ranks 3rd out of 7 Nitro model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (54 complaints, 44%), typically at around 65,952 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 7 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.
- 122owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 5complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2011 Dodge Nitro problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | 54 | 44% | 65,952 | “windshield wipers” (19%) | — |
| Air Bags | 24 | 20% | 97,500 | — | — |
| Engine | 16 | 13% | 53,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 16 | 13% | 47,793 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 14 | 11% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 8% | 63,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 7% | 120,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 9 | 7% | 64,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 7% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 7% | 52,500 | — | — |
| Steering | 6 | 5% | 50,128 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 4% | 93,600 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 2% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 3 | 2% | 40,475 | — | — |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% | 63,000 | — | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 2 | 2% | 147,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | 4,500 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1% | 60,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 1% | 36,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 1% | 3,000 | — | — |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1% | 39,500 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2011 Dodge Nitro recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module; steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 bags; electrical system
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
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.
Steering:column
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Electrical overstress (EA19001) — opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024, led to recall 20V024.
- Totally Integrated Power Module Failure (DP14004) — opened Sep 25, 2014, closed Jul 24, 2015.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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 âTEMâ warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated…
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…
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…
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…
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 itâ has low air pressure. And the electrical the door lock n unlock is backwards lock will be…
Other Dodge Nitro years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nitro | 2 | 1 |
| 2011 | 122 | 3 |
| 2010 Nitro | 78 | 3 |
| 2009 Nitro | 24 | 1 |
| 2008 Nitro | 393 | 3 |
| 2007 Nitro | 494 | 7 |
| 2005 Nitro | 1 | 0 |
See all Dodge Nitro problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
Owners most often report electrical system, air bags, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 54 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2011 Dodge Nitro a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Nitro model years, the 2011 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.