2011 Dodge Nitro Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 3, 2026 · 54 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the 2011 Dodge Nitro, 44% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 65,952 miles. The words owners use most often: “windshield wipers” (19% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Windshield wipers: mentioned in 10 of 54 complaints (19%)

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 42 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 10%
10k–25k miles1 · 2%
25k–50k miles7 · 17%
50k–75k miles10 · 24%
75k–100k miles10 · 24%
100k–150k miles8 · 19%
150k+ miles2 · 5%

How serious are the reports?

Of 54 complaints, 1 a fire.

Dodge Nitro electrical system complaints by model year

Peak: 2008, with 198 complaints
2005: 1200512007: 13320071332008: 19820081982009: 102009102010: 262010262011: 542011542012: 120121

n = 423 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectrical System complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2012 Nitro150%145,000
2011 Nitro5444%65,952
2010 Nitro2633%81,000
2009 Nitro1042%108,001
2008 Nitro19850%90,000
2007 Nitro13327%100,000
2005 Nitro1100%64,500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2016, with 9 complaints
2011: 1201112012: 112013: 3201332014: 662015: 8201582016: 992017: 7201772018: 552019: 4201942020: 112021: 2202122022: 332023: 2202322024: 112026: 120261

n = 54 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Air bags; electrical systemJul 2, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V282000 · 442,320 vehicles

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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are 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 “TEM” warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated…

Received Feb 3, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11715387

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…

Received Oct 9, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11618955

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…

Received Oct 4, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11548202
Dodge Nitro
2008 Dodge Nitro. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Karrmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2011 Dodge Nitros have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 54 owner complaints about electrical system for the 2011 Dodge Nitro (44% of the 122 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Dodge Nitro electrical system?

Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do electrical system problems start?

The median reported mileage is 65,952 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about electrical system problems on the 2011 Dodge Nitro?

The most frequent phrase is “windshield wipers”, in 10 of 54 complaints.

See all 2011 Dodge Nitro problems or electrical system problems across all Nitro years.