Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 122 | −42% | 3 | Electrical | Good |
| 2010 | 78 | −67% | 3 | Electrical | Good |
| 2009 | 36 | −87% | 1 | Electrical | Good |
| 2008 | 393 | 3.5× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2007 | 825 | 7.7× | 8 | Electrical | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Nitro year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Dodge Nitro problems
Latest Dodge Nitro recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Air bags
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…
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.
Structure
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Steering › Column
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive Jeep liberty, Dodge nitro and Ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive Jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Dodge Nitro should you avoid?
2007 and 2008 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Nitro years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2007.
What is the best year for the Dodge Nitro?
2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other Nitro years at the same age, followed by 2010 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Dodge Nitro problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (539), fuel & propulsion system (377) and engine & cooling (159). Electrical complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the Dodge Nitro had?
12 recalls across 2007–2011. The model year with the most is 2007. See all Dodge Nitro recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.