Most common 2010 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of the 78 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Nitro complaints by model year
Best Nitro years: 2009, 2010, 2011. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008. Compare all years →
2010 Dodge Nitro recalls (3)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 left hand drive Jeep liberty, Dodge nitro and Ram 1500 truck; right and left hand drive Jeep wrangler vehicles. These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit (hcu) brake tube assembly end flare.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring; Dodge avenger and nitro; Jeep liberty, commander and grand cherokee; and model year 2009-2010 Dodge Ram truck. These vehicles May have been built with an improperly formed or missing brake booster input rod retaining clip.
Remedy: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2010 Dodge Nitro:
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early…
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year.
What 2010 Dodge Nitro owners say
Electrical system all 26 →
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was inoperable while needed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rear shocks and struts, air compressor, condenser, HVAC system, and electrical system failure. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs, engine coils, air compressor, and condenser. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist since the vehicle was purchased from a Chevrolet dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine cranked, but the vehicle failed to start, and it became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure might be related to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
My vehicle continues to stall without warning. I have taken my vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions they continue to say nothing is wrong with the car, and they are not aware of any problems with the vehicle. I also have taken it to independent mechanics they say it doesn't give any codes. It seems there is a recurring issue with the Nitro that is at this point becoming a safety hazard. The gas spews out when I fill the tank again they say there is no problem.
When filling vehicle with fuel, excess fuel will spew from the filler tube onto side of vehicle and ground causing safety issues. This has happened numerous times in the 5+ years I have owned the vehicle.
Air bags
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact received a recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part may not be available, and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back to schedule an appointment but had not yet received a callback. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Passengers front seat head rest deployed on its own. The air back feature of my head rest deployed and it broke in the process. It is available for inspection. It happened when I was cleaning my car. So thank goodness not when I am driving. I was actually cleaning my car to trade it in for a dodge durango but after reading some articles that this is considered normal wear and tear also that dodge won't cover the cost for the repair and don't consider this a recall. I am highly reconsidering staying with dodge now. Specially the outcome of this. It hasn't been inspected yet. No warning signs.
2010 Dodge Nitro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Dodge Nitro a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Nitro rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Nitro at the same age. It is one of the best Nitro years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Dodge Nitro?
The electrical system — 26 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (13) and air bags (12).
How many recalls does the 2010 Dodge Nitro have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Nitro, the most recent from July 7, 2020 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Nitro?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007 and 2008. See the full Dodge Nitro years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Dodge Nitro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.