Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
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).
The contact owned a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000 (POWER TRAIN, AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE). The contact stated that while stopped, the sound of an explosion was heard, and the side air bags deployed. The contact believed the vehicle had been struck by another vehicle. The contact suffered injuries to the neck and had issues with his hearing. The contact stated that medical attention was not required. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the underbody shield was striking the drive shaft while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer advised the contact that a field inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The field inspector inspected the vehicle and the contact was awaiting the results. …
The wiper relays went out recently and somehow caused the door locks to beep and go crazy then die completely. And a few weeks ago the brake came undone somehow and fell into the wheel well, ripping the inside of the rim open causing a blow out while my wife, 2 year old and I were on the freeway. And now after taking it to 2 different dodge dealerships, the problems are not fixed, there is more warning lights on than I've ever seen. And so far both places have told me they fixed an emblem on the steering wheel, and that the other recalls aren't applicable because of being a 2007 and the recalls are for the 2008. Even though my nitro is obviously having the same if not worse problems. All the way down to the emergency brake not working, we love our nitro and dodge as a company and would please like some kind of help with this situation. …
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V396000 (Air bags, Steering) The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer weeks later where they partially serviced the recall but did not have all of the parts to complete the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000 (Power Train, Air Bags, Structure); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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. The contact stated there was an explosion that occurred under the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle elevated with the driver and passenger in the vehicle. The driver side air bag failed to deploy. In addition, smoke emitted into the vehicle and flames appeared underneath. The driver's seat belt failed to release. The driver sustained bruises to the left arm, back, and neck injuries that required medical attention. The rear passengers also sustained bruises and neck injuries that did not require medical attention. The driver and passenger were able to exit the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's resident. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V121000 (air bags, power train, structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle head on and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Vehicle rolled over and air bags did not deploy and ignition system was not woring took into dealership multiple times for ignition problems they replaced the ignition switch little less then a.year ago
My airbag light came on a week ago and wont go off. Very nerve wracking. If I fill gas tank gas comes back out of tank all over me and truck. Key fob stopped working setting off engine immobilizer costing me $207 for a new key because the one that came with truck could not be just reprogrammed. I love my truck, but it is becoming one thing after the other and as a single disabled mom of an 8 year old, I cant afford this money pit. Especially with what my loan costs me every month. I seriously thing Chrysler should take some responsibility for problems in their vehicles especially since I see a lot of people have complained about the same issues. I can say I will never buy another Chrysler product again. We little people pay more than enough for these vehicles, to just have to turn around and invest thousands more. …
Related 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.
Airbag complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the air bags of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, 7% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is side/window (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Dodge Nitro airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-396 (inflator module, Jul 7, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Dodge Nitro airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 2 fires and 20 injuries to air bags 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.