Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (door latches, locks, hood and tailgate latches).
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).
My car will not lock. About a year ago the "lock-unlock key" stopped working and no one could figure out what was wrong with it. Since then I've had to manually use the key to unlock the driver door and then manually use the door lock/unlock button for the rest of the doors. Last month (March 2015), the locks completely stopped working. After 2 days the unlock button on both the driver and passenger sides starting working, but the lock button is completely non-functional. I have to manually lock every door to keep my car somewhat secure, however my trunk is now stuck unlocked with no way to lock it. I have brought my car to 3 mechanics and none of them can figure out the problem. After doing some research it seems many people are having this same problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While attempting to unlock the doors manually and electronically, the doors failed to unlock. The contact mentioned that the front driver's door was the only door able to unlock. The doors were able to unlock by rolling down the windows and opening the doors from outside the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear hatch door also failed to open. The vehicle was taken to faulkner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat (6643 carlisle pike, mechanicsburg, pa 17050, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro 4x2. The contact stated that the doors and rear hatch would not unlock unless the engine was running. The contact also stated that the driver's side air bag warning indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the details of the diagnostic could not be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While the vehicle was stationary, the power door locks failed to operate appropriately. The power locks had to be manually activated because they were no longer automatic. The contact stated that the electricity still flowed to the motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that all of the doors failed to lock and unlock electronically. The contact had to lock and unlock the doors manually. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where no defect was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the rear latch door and all four automatic door latches failed. The contact had to manually lock the doors and could not open the rear latch door. The dealer diagnosed that the main module fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro 4x4. The contact stated that the doors and the hatch door failed to unlock. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
Drivers door master automatic locks switch caught fire, there were no injuries to people. Burned the door well, removed the switch afterwards and it still arcs when placed into the vehicle again. Dodge notified and tech checked vehicle and filed a report on or about 4/19/2012. Now having issues with Dodge issuing a check to repair the damage to the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro 4x4. The contact stated that the engine failed to start and the engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the doors failed to lock and unlock. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that all the door latches and the hatch latch were fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
Door Lock & Latch complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are door lock & latch problems on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the locks & latches of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, 4% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is doors › latch (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Dodge Nitro door lock & latch problems?
No. NHTSA lists no locks & latches 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 door lock & latch problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to locks & latches 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.