Dodge Nitro Engine Problems

Engine complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Engine
  7
• Cooling system
  4
• Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  3125%
• 25k–50k
  1714%
• 50k–75k
  2117%
• 75k–100k
  2016%
• 100k–150k
  2923%
• 150k+
  76%

What owners report

Driving on 2 lane highway and had to brake hard as another vehicle cut me off. As soon as I did (brake) my SUV shut off...all the lights flashed on the dash board. I immediately put the flashers on and hoped I didn't get rear-ended. I tried 3x to restart my 2011 Dodge Nitro- it finally started. I was near the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, I pulled in, told them what just happened. They hooked it up to the computer and reported 'no errors'. It was a near miss on a busy highway, and I am worried if this were to happen again. I don't feel safe in my Dodge Nitro. I was alone, but what if I had passengers, children, etc.? It is definitely a safety issue when you brake hard and your vehicle just shuts off, wouldn't move. This is incredible scary. …

My vehicle stalled out due to a failure with a defective totally integrated power module. According to the dealer making the repair wires leading to the alternator and wires leading to the PCM were fried. The wiring issue appear to be a fire hazard. My first concern is this defective part has caused me about $2,000 in repairs from replacing the battery, 2 alternators and towing. My second concern is that in both situations the car died on me in traffic one on a six lane road and another time on the highway. I also had a similar incident on the highway when the motor died with only 30K miles on it and had to be replaced by the manufacturer.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart on the first attempt. The contact also indicated that the traction control and ABS systems would randomly stop operating causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle. In addition, the contact indicated that while the vehicle was parked on a hill the park/brake interlock failed and the vehicle began to roll. The check engine light had also illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was misfiring but the cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 500.

Driving on highway for 75 minutes. Pulled over to rest area- got out of vehicle and noticed the bumper on the back right side was melted and very hot to touch. Then noticed my tail pipe was gone. My guess is the exhaust from the muffler was hot and melted the bumper.

While using the remote key to lock/unlock the care, the horn starts blaring, the wipers (front and rear) start going, washer fluid shoots out, doors lock and unlock independently. Doors will not unlock/lock with remote. The lights start blinking. I have to physically unlock the car and quickly open before it locks again. The second time my son was driving on the highway and this all occurred while he was driving at night. He was able to pull over but was clearly shook up. When turning on the engine the horn starts blaring again, with lights blinking. If he tuned on/off the windshield wipers the horn starts blaring and the lights start flashing. When pressing the actual door lock the horn starts blaring. It took 3 restarts to try to continue the drive. It is clearly unsafe to drive this vehicle and is negligent on our part to try to do so. This is are main source of transportation. …

The vehicle throws the abs, esp,break and traction control lights and then while driving completely at random then turns off WHILE DRIVING!!!! which can cause an accident (I and my daughter are lucky to be alive) this is not ok the vehicle drives fine then at random throws those lights and shuts off after restarting it the check engine light comes on and says the transmission shift solenoid b is malfunction and the vehicle wouldn't shift properly. Luckily I had my code reader I. The car with me I cleared the code and now the car drives fine until this happens again I'm scared to drive it this is dangerous their's no warning. I drive on the highway everyday their's no warning it happens at random 2 times I've been lucky. …

An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical components while driving and while parked. These failures occur without warning and create a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of propulsion in interstate traffic and unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has become progressively more frequent despite previous repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection. I fear for my life.