Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Dodge Nitro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Door locks failed to lock and unlock. Keyless entry sends signals succeccfully, lights and horn all flash, but doors wont open;even from the door panel in the car. Found faulty fuse (m38) in TIPM (fuse box). Once changed the rear window wiper turned on and would not turn off. I paid an auto tech who took control over sysytem with diagnostic equipment, and by passed the wiper switch. He was able to control the front wipers, lights, horn and door locks remotely (while m38 fuse was installed) but he could not turn off the rear wipers. They stayed on even when the vehicle was powered down, key out, doors open. He said the fuse box was faulty, because everything else was working when he sent commands to the computer. I had to pull the fuse to get the rear wiper to stop, and now I cant use the door locks. I don't know if this is related, but at idle the car stutters like is going to stall. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. While the vehicle was stationary, the front driver's side door would not lock when prompted. In addition, the power windows would not roll down and the headlights malfunctioned. Asheboro Dodge (1709 east dixie dr, asheboro, north carolina 27203, [phone]) diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the part was no longer manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, all of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel, the alarm activated as smoke started to emit from the vehicle before it caught on fire. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.
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.
I was driving at about 20-30 MPH. My car started making a whining sound then my dashboard lit up with multiple lights starting with the battery and then all of them. Luckily I was able to get to the side of the road before it completely died. I had it towed to a garage. They tried changing the alternator and battery. It still won't turn on. It is now at a dealership and currently can't figure out what is wrong with it.
While driving vehicle shuts off without any warning indicators. There is check engine light. The seatbelt warning lights come one but we all have the belts buckled. This happened about 3 times since purchasing it. I have taken in to get checked but they have not been able to detemine malfunction. This is very scary cause I loose sterring control when it shuts down.
The ignition switch or w.I.n. Has stopped working , through research this is a common failure on these model year trucks. Unsafe as ignition May turn off while driving. Thankfully mine has not failed in that aspect, but, has failed entirely, I shut engine off, went to restart, and ignition switch failed to start vehicle.
Door locks dont work rite ! Broke something on inside of door now passenger cant get out . Have this problem on 2 of 4 doors. Also on startup twice now eletrical system goes nuts ,have no cluster lights and cant get it out of park but it starts . I unplugged battery then its fine again
NHTSA investigations
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.
Electrical complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Dodge Nitro, 33% of the model year's 78 complaints. The component named most often is horn (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Nitro electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2010 Dodge Nitro, though it has 3 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 2010 Dodge Nitro electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.