Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
I have had problems with my car starting for about a little over 3 years. It randomly will not start and will only click when you try to start. It started out turning on after a couple of attempts and has escalated to more than 20 attempts before it would start. We have replaced a lot of parts, have contacted Dodge corporate, got 2nd opinion and still having problems. Today I went to work and had to go to a mtg so drove there and when I came back and went to start my car it would not do anything. I heard a humming sound in my car but noticed the ESP and bas lights were on on the dashboard. I thought OK maybe my first problem has come to a head and now will not start. I called the dealer, called a tow truck, and after waiting about 30 minutes, it started. I decided to drive it to the dealership myself. …
Takata recall / several times my 4wd will get a service 4wd light and I will lose 4wd. This time I was sitting still in neutral and turned my selector switch from 2wd to 4wd and received the serv 4wd light. Dodge dealership as well as locally owned shops are at a loss of what's wrong. After many searches online I find I am not the only person with this problem and no answer. Also, the security light is flashing, windshield wipers going crazy, horn blaring, and washer fluid squirting our randomly for a long period of time. Help!!! Dodge says 4wd should be fine but is not... I only have 2wd and the service light is still on.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the windows, lights, and radio would independently turn off, or on. The contact stated that occasionally while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast off the road safely. The contact stated that she then got out the vehicle to look under the hood to tap the TIPM box, which allowed her to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she had contacted the dealer to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was 85,648.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle the horn inadvertently started blowing and windshield wipers activated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with an unknown electrical wiring failure. The dealer replaced the battery cables; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system
On certain vehicles, the totally integrated power module (TIPM) was programmed with software that May allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TIPM. The recall began on July 5, 2007. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Engine stalling & electric power loss
On July 3, 2007, daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) submitted a defect information report to NHTSA describing a defect that could result in engine stall while driving in approximately 80,894 model year (my) 2007 Jeep wrangler and Dodge nitro vehicles manufactured between January 30, 2006 and January 22, 2007 (NHTSA recall 07v-291, dcc recall g25).according to dcc, the totally integrated power module (TIPM) in these…
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Nitro years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (246), 2008 (198), 2011 (54), 2010 (26) and 2009 (15) model years. Electrical complaints make up 30% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Dodge Nitro electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-291 (electrical system, Jul 3, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Nitro electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the horn (6 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (3).
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.