Dodge Nitro Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 14, 2026 · 423 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 423 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Dodge Nitro across 7 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (198). The words owners use most often: “windshield wipers” (17% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Windshield wipers: mentioned in 70 of 423 complaints (17%)
  • Door locks: mentioned in 37 of 423 complaints (9%)
  • Power module: mentioned in 24 of 423 complaints (6%)
  • Key fob: mentioned in 22 of 423 complaints (5%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the Dodge Nitro at $1,250, and half of them between $790 and $1,650.

Based on 17 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2021), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 330 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles18 · 5%
10k–25k miles9 · 3%
25k–50k miles33 · 10%
50k–75k miles59 · 18%
75k–100k miles79 · 24%
100k–150k miles95 · 29%
150k+ miles37 · 11%

How serious are the reports?

Of 423 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 2 an injury.

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: 2015, with 74 complaints
2007: 132007132008: 112009: 5200952010: 992011: 142011142012: 17172013: 292013292014: 56562015: 742015742016: 45452017: 292017292018: 39392019: 342019342020: 20202021: 142021142022: 882023: 5202352024: 222025: 5202552026: 44

n = 423 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

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

Model years: 2011, 2012

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.

Electrical systemJul 3, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V291000 · 80,894 vehicles

Model years: 2007

Problem: On certain vehicles, the totally integrated power module (tipm) was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions.

Risk: This could cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the tipm. The recall began on july 5, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Received Jul 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11750472

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

Received Feb 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11720588

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

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…

Received Jan 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11710732

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…

Received Nov 6, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11697909
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 Dodge Nitros have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 423 owner complaints about electrical system for the Dodge Nitro. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Dodge Nitro electrical system?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the Dodge Nitro?

Owners report a typical cost of $1,250 (half paid between $790 and $1,650), from 17 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

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

The most frequent phrase is “windshield wipers”, in 70 of 423 complaints, followed by “door locks” (37).

Other Dodge Nitro problems

See all Dodge Nitro problems.