Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
While my husband was driving home from work, the drive shaft of our vehicle completely snapped at 50mph causing him to come to a complete stop. There is a recall specially specially this on the 2008 models and after this incident we believe it should for the 2011s also.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the rear driveshaft suddenly detached from the rear of the vehicle and dragged on the ground. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that an abnormal noise emitted from under the vehicle and burning fumes entered the cabin. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the heat shield fractured without warning and rubbed against the driveshaft causing damages. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V121000 (air bags, power train, structure). The VIN was not available. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was to schedule an appointment to inspect and diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and decelerated independently with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and driven to his destination. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact called hawk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram located at 7911 w. Roosevelt rd, forest park, il 60130, [phone], to notify the dealer of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 101,456.
2009 Dodge Nitro - tpm valve stems corrosion at valve stem retaining nut: when retaining nut fails, falls off, it then chews up the inside of the tire, and the valve stem blows out tire while driving - tire goes flat so fast operator must stop before wheel is damaged and now we find out from the dealer that all 4 tires have to be replaced on 4x4 vehicles or it will lead to transfer case (transmission) issues down the road. You cannot just replace the damaged tire. Dodge needs to send out a recall to inspect the valve stem retaining nut on vehicle with tpm systems and replace with a stainless steel nut. If the tpm is removed you will have an annoying light on in the dash complaining about a tire sensor issue. Anyone else that has this same issue should file it with ntsb immediately.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 5 MPH, the front drive shaft fractured, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop, and the front driver's side and passenger's side airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that there was no collision during the incident. The contact's son sustained a concussion and facial injuries, causing severe swelling to the face and severe headaches. No medical treatment was received, but the son remained bed ridden for several days from the injuries sustained during the air bag deployment. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000(Power Train, Air Bags, Structure), which the contact's son related to the failure. The failure mileage was 203,000.
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. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the software programmed into the powertrain control module can cause a momentary lock up of the drive wheels if the vehicle is traveling over 40 MPH and the operator shifts from drive to neutral and back to drive.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2006. Owners May contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Nitro years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (94), 2008 (26), 2011 (16) and 2010 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Dodge Nitro transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 06V-341 (automatic transmission, Sep 7, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Nitro transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (21 mentions), followed by the driveline (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.