Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Nitro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Airbags: This vehicle has had a recall for a "Ram" emblem being placed over the airbag such that it becomes a projectile in an airbag depleyment. Dodge makes it very difficult to avail of getting it removed. I am not close to the dealership, I am very busy and somewhat disabled. Since the first notice arrived in the mail-- maybe three years ago-- I have returned the notices with a request for them to send a tech to my home and make the repair. I see there has been at least one death due to this obvious flaw, butthey have not cared enough to answer. Why should I take a day so that they can fix this deadly "extra feature" of shrapnel being placed over an explosive? Electrical: This is a serious safety issue that Dodge will not recognize or even discuss. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. While idling at a red light, the contact's vehicle was rear ended. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact and a passenger were injured and transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving at 15-20 MPH, she crashed into the rear of a unknown truck. As a result, the cross member detached from vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was a police report filed. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 143,220.
I was stopped at a intersection waiting for traffic to pass on a city street, as I pressed the gas pedal to drive the vehicle had a loud explosion noise and felt as if I was rear ended, immediately the side airbags deployed on me and my two sons and objects flew everywhere, the truck immediately began to roll backwards as I couldn't control or stop it. I pulled the emergency breaks and jumped out to see my drive shaft had exploded underneath the truck, the ambulance came to take my son to the er because the airbags went off causing him to have severe collar bone pain. I contacted insurance company this morning and waiting to hear who's covering what. I/my son is in severe pain and shocked as to why this wasn't recalled with the other Nitro years. This could've been fatal, I need answers a.s.a.p.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. While the vehicle was parked, the horn independently engaged. Also, the windshield wipers failed to deactivate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to mac haik Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (11000 north freeway, houston, tx 77037, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. However, the technician stated that the pressure plate in the air bag area was causing the failure and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recall. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.
About a year ago the airbag warning light flashed up on the dash everytime I start the vehicle. The code flashed up for no reason. We did not have an accident nor running over a rut. This is a safety issue even though it it isn't due for a recall. I think it is a module issue, according to the sheet from Chrysler my Nitro is right in the middle of the recall model year. It happened when we driving on a smooth city street. My Nitro is a disaster...I replaced the ccm because of a charging issue myself. I also will probably have to airbag module myself. I am an aircraft and marine mechanic so it is no big deal if I have to.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the rear passenger side brake light did not illuminate when depressing the brake pedal. The contact also mentioned that the ABS and air bag warning indicators were illuminated. The contact called mac haik Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (12111 katy fwy, houston, tx 77079, [phone]) and was informed that the vehicle had no recalls; therefore, they could not assist. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro heat. While driving approximately 5 MPH the vehicle was involved in a crash with another vehicle. The contacts vehicle was damaged on the drivers side door. The contact stated that the side air bags did not deploy. The driver suffered injuries to his face. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was waiting for her insurance to provide an appraisal. The approximate failure mileage was 894.
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Airbag complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Dodge Nitro, 20% of the model year's 122 complaints. The component named most often is side/window (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Nitro airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-396 (inflator module, Jul 7, 2020); NHTSA recall 13V-282 (air bags, Jul 2, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Nitro airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to air bags 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.