Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Dodge Nitro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving down the rd and all of the sudden my truck jumps into 2nd gear and looses all power to speed up and it seems like I'm in neutral my relay box is messing up everything electrical now it shuts off at stop signs and If it keeps doing all this I'll have to replace transmission. I've already replace tipm 2 times
I had slowed down to look for an address on a dead end street which abutted up to a chain link fence and an embankment just off of I-5 in lakewood, washington. My 83 year old mother was riding in the passenger seat. My Nitro rapidly accelerating to approximately 70-80 MPH. I crashed through a chain link fence and struck a tree. If it wasn't for the tree I would have ended up on I-5 and possibly collided with northbound traffic. The airbags did not deploy. However I believe this was due to primarily striking the right front side of the car. My mother sustained bruising due to the seat back tightening up and generalized soft tissue injury. I sustained neck, back, left shoulder and leg soreness. My car had 51,000 miles on it. Usaa totaled my car. I look on the internet and noticed several other complaints regarding this same issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal failed to release after it was depressed. As a result, the vehicle would not decelerate and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
During acceleration, pedal sensor malfunctioned, which didn't allow vehicle to maintain or increase speed. Vehicle decelerated on interstate, posing an immediate hazard to other drivers. Since, it has happened twice more. Once it wouldn't allow vehicle to accelerate past 35, and the second time it wouldn't go higher than 10 (also in a 55 MPH area). Second, though the recall has been on manual transmissions only, the parking break on the 2007 Dodge Nitro 4x4 r/t is faulty, and though the light comes on indicating it is in use, the parking break does not engage. This has been true from initial purchase. This poses a risk when parking on any grade that will need the use of a parking brake. This also causes issues in some areas in regards to inspection, and will not pass inspection without repair. …
- vehicle delay when pulling out or backing up, then with out notice surge. - driving up large hill, coming up on tractor and trailer ahead, doing 45 MPH, left off gas slightly to adjust speed went to resume speed there was no response, no power, lights did not come on dash and engine had not cut out. Two to three seconds later, engine/vehicle regained power. -pulling out of drive way, on a incline and accelerating, then left off gas to level speed before a bend. Vehicle throttle did not respond and continued at speed. Applied brakes, " brakes did not respond". Drove vehicle into someone's yard, and shut engine down. - driving a congested street in a town, no more than 25 MPH, between stop signs. Vehicle continued at speed when left off gas, brakes did work. Left ample room to stop, based on previous experience.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact tried to engage the brake pedal but it failed to stop the vehicle, as a result it crashed into three other vehicles. A police report was filed. The driver suffered minor contusions and headaches. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 43,000.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro 4x4. The contact stated that upon entering a parking space she experienced unwarranted accleration;that caused her to crash into the fence and tree. There was not a floormat/ pedal interference noted. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility. A police report was filed. She sustained minor physical injuries.the current and the failure mileage was 19,000. She will contact the manufacturer. Updated 10/5/09 updated 10/06/09
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. When the contact's wife placed the vehicle in park, the engine revved and the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The driver was able to gain control and stop the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I have already put in problem to this web site but no answers so far, I have a 2007 Dodge Nitro slt that the air bag strips are hanging out behind my steering wheel and now my horn does not blow, my speed control is not working, and the white strip is interfering with my steering could you please have my car recalled for Takata air bag it was on a city street while making a turn.
Breaks have gone out twice now and I have been told its because of me running with my emergency brake on. Not true and I have had to replace all breaking system. Cruise control does not work while on hwy took it to dealership 3 times and they said it works. I have had electrical issues with window motors and wipers along with cruise control
Acceleration complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, 3% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Dodge Nitro acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2007 Dodge Nitro, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Dodge Nitro acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.