Most common 2011 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of the 122 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 →
2011 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.
Air bags
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013.
Steering › Column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2011 Dodge Nitro:
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 2011 Dodge Nitro owners say
Electrical system all 54 →
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle frequently experienced electrical malfunctions, and the interior lights and windshield wipers would activate spontaneously. The "TEM" warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, activating the turn signals unintendedly caused the wipers to activate, and the air bag warning light would remain illuminated. While the vehicle was turned off, the warning lights continued flashing intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,174.
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the windshield wipers remained operational after the windshield wiper button was disengaged. The contact's daughter was also unable to move the gear shifter from PARK to DRIVE. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Air bags all 24 →
I purchased a 2011 Dodge Nitro SUV in March 2021 from a dealer with all recall information. I contacted online about recall and they set-up to take this vehicle to a Dodge dealer to have required recall work done. I took this vehicle to this dealer and on this INVOICE from dealer repair it states: Recall/ CSN 1 [Safety Recall W09 - Driver Air Bag Emblem] CAUSE: F 19W09183 Safety Recall W 09 Driver Airbag Emblem - Remove Remove Driver Airbag Emblem (2 -Skilled) 997471W FC: Part#: Count: Claim Type: W AUTH CODE: Parts: 0.00Labor: 0.00Other: 0.00Total Line B:0.00 Removed DAB emblem 19 - WO -91 - 83 After this job was completed, I was told by this dealer that It might take 6 months for a replacement part to come available. I will be notified by the recall company when a new part to be place in this vehicle. Now, when I enter this same vehicle VIN it states as 0 recalls. …
Airbag symbol keeps jumping on and dinging and their is a malfunctioning of the airbag which showed after being but on a machine. The tire even when changed or applying air the light still jumps on like it' has low air pressure. And the electrical the door lock n unlock is backwards lock will be unlock and unlock is locked. Only 3 doors will lock automatically.
Fuel & propulsion system
When fueling the vehicle gas will spew out after the pump has shut off. I've tried many different things to try and stop this issue. If I fill the tank very slowly it will sometimes not spew or it may cut down on the amount spewed, but it has not made the issue stop. This really is dangerous and ridiculous. From my online research into the issue, it appears to be common with this vehicle. Although an easy, definitive reason was not given. Please address this. Thank you.
3 weeks after having my 2011 Dodge Nitro detenator would stick between gears, at both slow and high speeds and I was burnning through gas way too fast. Nissian found my tansmittion oil to be black, I paid for flush and told it was good to go. Next day the car died, the throttle body indicator came on, this was fixed, still burning through gas! Couple weeks later now it sounds like a disel engine idle, I can not afford all these problems. I found several owners of this car have had same problems along with electrical as I have had as well, my electrical system cuts out randomly and a few times my kids and I have smelt what seemed to be that of burnt rubber or something. Im very displeased and upset with my purchase.
2011 Dodge Nitro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Nitro a good car?
Based on 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Nitro rates better than average: 42% 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 2011 Dodge Nitro?
The electrical system — 54 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the air bags (24) and fuel & propulsion system (17).
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Dodge Nitro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 41% 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.