Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Ever since I bought this vehicle, I have been having issues with it registering the key, which keeps causing an automatic security alert system to shut down my vehicle the moment I start it. I've already replaced the battery to my car. I've already had locksmiths examined the issue and nobody can seem to find the problem. The issue with the car is definitely a security issue. The car shuts down automatically and goes into theft mode which prevents me from driving my vehicle. That could be a result to a software malfunction or something but it doesn't register the keys which originally sets off the security warning. Whenever the car does register the key it drives and operates just fine. It's the computer that prevents me from driving it or whatever automatic system that is related to theft mode.
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.
While driving the vehicle on the interstate it will just shut off. No lights on dash or warning. When this happens you have no power steering or brakes. After getting it stopped and restarting it will drive fine. Other times the remote will not work the locks, it will lock and unlock by them selves after you open the door and try to start vehicle . You can put the key in the ignition and it will not start lights on dash will go off and on and after a few attempts it will start. There are times you can not put in in park you can shut it off and restart it press brake pedal and nothing works to put it in park and then it will just go in park like nothing was wrong. All of these things happen up on occasions with no warning. It all will work fine for weeks or months and then it will act up again. …
A few years ago I had to replace the air conditioning unit. Last year I had to replace the rack and pinion. This year I've had to replace the alternator and the check engine light is on. I currently have around 165K miles on the truck. The check engine light stays on, now they have to do the smoke test and I'm afraid of the outcome/costs. :( I also have smaller broken things, the glove box hinge broke, the tire sensor has had to be replaced at least 3 times since I had the truck. Also, there's a clicking sound in the steering column. Along with the lighting is out where the drive/reverse/etc indicator is (it's where I shift). I'm 55 years old and not hard on the car, constant oil change/tuneup and all maint things are up to date. I can't believe it is now falling apart. I've never had to replace an ac or rack and pinion on any vehicle I've ever owned. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that she was involved in a crash while driving approximately 30 MPH. When the air bags deployed, the Dodge emblem on the steering wheel was shot outward and lodged itself into the passenger side door panel. The contact expressed concern about how forceful the emblem was shot off from the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The vehicle was not examined for the cause of failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was difficult to steer and the vehicle veered to the left independently, went into another lane, and almost collided with oncoming traffic. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Horn honks whenever it wants. ABS, ESP/bas, traction control, and check engine light come on. ABS ESP/bas and traction control lights were intermittent but now are consistent. Engine code comes and goes and says it cant communicate with TIPM. Occasionally when parking and pulling out of a parking spot it feels like there is no power steering/ runs rough while turning sharply but there is no leak in power steering and it is an intermittent problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. In addition, the air conditioner, radio, and heater failed. While driving, the doors unlocked and locked periodically on their own. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 179,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right independently. The contact mentioned that while attempting to steer the vehicle into the correct position, the steering wheel seized and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 11,093. The VIN was unavailable.
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.
Steering complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, 3% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Dodge Nitro steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.