Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the underbody shield was striking the drive shaft while driving. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number 13V121000 (Power Train, Air Bags, Structure) however, the fix failed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 201,500.
I noticed a few months ago my dash lights and radio lights at night when I turn my headlights on would flicker on and off several times then stop and do it again repeated process. I never got it looked at so just the other day I was driving and my windshield wipers, my emergency flashers and my driverside window and the back passenger window was all going crazy my widows was rolling up and down my flashers was going off and my wipers wouldn't turn off so I immediately pull over fearing of causing an accident with someone due to not being able to focus on driving once I pulled over my horn started blowing like crazy it was weird so I cut the vehicle off and everything kept doing what it was doing so I popped the hood and killed the battery. …
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.
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 4x2. While driving 35 MPH, all four wheels locked up and the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the driver side, passenger side, rear driver side, and rear passenger side air bags deployed. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not receive notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V121000 (power train, air bags, structure). The contact believed that the recall notification was sent to the owner from whom he bought the vehicle. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and stated that they would not repair the failure. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Dodge Nitro. While driving 10 MPH, there was an abnormal popping noise and the driveshaft emerged through the floor and struck the air bags. The frontal and driver side air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries to the face. The passenger also sustained injuries to the face and had loss of vision. Medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to clear lake Chrysler Jeep Dodge (15711 gulf freeway, webster, tx 77598), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and a Chrysler engineer deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was then towed to ron carter Chrysler Jeep Dodge (3005 fm 528 rd, alvin, tx 77511) where it was diagnosed that the seat belts, air bags, drive shaft, air bag module, and a hole in the floor needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. …
I started the car to move it in the driveway. After backing up, I put it in park. I then tried to place it in drive, and the shifter lock wouldn't release. (it normally releases when the brake pedal is depressed.) after a few tries, I attempted to turn off and restart the car. When I turned the ignition to restart the car, all the electronics activated, the headlights were flashing, the horn was cycling, the wipers and sprayers were running, etc. I turned off the ignition and popped the hood release. When I got out and walked to the front of the vehicle, I noticed light coming from the hood gap. When I opened the hood, flames were surrounding all sides of the TIPM unit, and the hood insulation liner was on fire. I disconnected the battery and was able to extinguish the fire.
The car with lock and unlock doors by itself and flash lights on and off, causing the vehicle to be inoperable when this happens during driving and when parking. We were already told the controlmodule needs replacing but because this is not a 4x4 it is not covered in the recall. Then the brakes stop but not fully and will cause a slide backwards if not held down while in motion, on an incline, on street or ramp. The throttle light and the antilock brake light comes on while driving, while turning, on streetand highway, causing the car to stall in traffic, while moving we have almost been rear eneded a couple of times. We see several recalls that would relate to our problem but all have been identified for the 4x4.
Our 2007 Dodge Nitro has a recall on it (n10) I have been trying to get it fixed since late June/2013 to early July/2013 with no prevail it is making a horrible noise and get worse as time goes on. I have called Chrysler recall department asking to get a loaner until the parts are available to fix this problem because I have been advised that it is very dangerous to drive.this is my only means of transportation. Everytime I call the dealership they say they are still waiting on the parts to repair it.any suggestions on what to do next would be greatly appreciated. Kind regard [redacted]
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Transmission complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, 11% of the model year's 825 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Dodge Nitro transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 06V-341 (automatic transmission, Sep 7, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Dodge Nitro transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 9 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.