Dodge Nitro Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Nitro options? We analyzed 6 model years (2007–2012) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Nitro has 507 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls across model years 2007–2012. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2008 drew the most complaints; 2007 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Nitro
- Model years analyzed
- 2007–2012 (6 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 507
- Safety recall campaigns
- 14
- Crash-related complaints
- 20
- Fire-related complaints
- 15
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2008 (393 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2007 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Nitro: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE NITRO has 507 NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. 20 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 507 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 14 federal recall campaigns
- 20 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
14 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
PARKING BRAKE
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2007–2012. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 507 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
507 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
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.
Passengers front seat head rest deployed on its own. The air back feature of my head rest deployed and it broke in the process. It is available for inspection. It happened when I was cleaning my car. So thank goodness not when I am driving. I was actually cleaning my car to trade it in for a dodge durango but after reading some articles that this is considered normal wear and tear also that dodge won't cover the cost for the repair and don't consider this a recall. I am highly reconsidering staying with dodge now. Specially the outcome of this. It hasn't been inspected yet. No warning signs.
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.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact received a recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part may not be available, and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back to schedule an appointment but had not yet received a callback. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
One day the airbag light started cutting on and off and then the horn started blowing randomly without being touched or even without even being in the vehicle with the car turned off. Took it to a mechanic and they have no clue what’s wrong.
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.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the rear driver's side door would not unlock to open. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the spring inside the parking brake had become defective causing the parking brake to not operate as needed. The dealer had been notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2010 DODGE NITRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT SEAT ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL HAD 3 SMALL HOLES WHERE THE EMBLEM SHOULD BE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN A FIX WOULD BE AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V396000 (AIR BAGS, STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING A ROUTINE CHECK AT NAPLETON'S MID RIVERS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (44951 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY, SAINT PETERS, MO 63376, (636) 242-1471) WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED, THE DAB (DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING) WAS NO LONGER PRESENT ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,500. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*DT*JB
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, MY HEADREST MALFUNCTIONED AND UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT, NOR HAS IT EVER BEEN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, SLOWING DOWN TO APPROACH A STOPLIGHT.
I GOT MY DODGE NITRO 4 MONTHS AGO FIRST MONTH I NOTICED MY ENGINE WAS STARLING AND I KNOW IS I HAD ELECTRIC ISSUES I TOLD MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IF THE CAR STILL RUNNING IT'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT SOME DAYS MY WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL CUT ON BY ITSELF SOME DAYS MY BLINKER DON'T WORK I HAVE 6 MONTH WARRANTY . SO I WAS ON MY WAY GOING HOME COMING OFF THE FREEWAY STOP AT THE RED LIGHT THE LIGHT HIT GREEN I PRESS THE GAS MY WHEELS LOCK UP MY BRAKE LOCK UP AND THE CAR KEEP GOING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC MY CAR IS GOING INTO THE WRONG LANE I HAVE PICTURES OF THAT MAKING. HARD FOR ME TO TURN MY WHEEL NOW MY CAR BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR A MONTH STILL PAYING PAYMENTS
THE IGNITION SWITCH OR W.I.N. HAS STOPPED WORKING , THROUGH RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON THESE MODEL YEAR TRUCKS. UNSAFE AS IGNITION MAY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY MINE HAS NOT FAILED IN THAT ASPECT, BUT, HAS FAILED ENTIRELY, I SHUT ENGINE OFF, WENT TO RESTART, AND IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO START VEHICLE.
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 20-30 MPH. MY CAR STARTED MAKING A WHINING SOUND THEN MY DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH MULTIPLE LIGHTS STARTING WITH THE BATTERY AND THEN ALL OF THEM. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE IT COMPLETELY DIED. I HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE. THEY TRIED CHANGING THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. IT STILL WON'T TURN ON. IT IS NOW AT A DEALERSHIP AND CURRENTLY CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.
KEY SWITCHES GOING BAD AND CANT GET KEYS OUT 1000S OF COMPLAINTS ON FORUMS FAULTY DESIGN OR EQUIPMENT
TIPM FLASHING , WIPERS DO NOT WORK, ABS LIGHT ON- SPEED WILL NOT GO OVER 40 AND TAKES A WHILE TO REACH SPEED. ACTS AS IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS, BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY
TIPM ISSUES
AIRBAG-DASH LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND SHUTTING OFF. WENT ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL FORUMS WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SOME ISSUE. ISSUE STARTED WHEN GOING OVER A STREET HUMP.
AFTER LOCKING MY CAR AND LEAVING IT I COME BACK TO FIND IT UNLOCKED AND THE WINDOWS DOWN CONSTANTLY. NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS WONT WORK ON THE SIDES BUT THE TOP BRAKE LIGHT DOES. BULBS AND FUSES ARE FINE. ALL THREE LIGHTS ARE CONNECTED BY WIRE SO THEY ALL SHOULD BE ON OR OFF TOGETHER. TODAY MY BATTERY JUST UP AND DIED. JUST WONDERED IF ITS ALL RELATED. I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS.IT HAPPENS ANYWHERE ANYTIME OVERNIGHT OR IN THE POURING RAIN WHEN IM OUT AND ABOUT. AFTER THE CAR IS PARKED AND LOCKED. THE TWO SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE OUT ALL THE TIME THE TOP ONE LIGHTS. THE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE JUST HAPPENED 5/2019 THE WINDOW ISSUE HAS BEEN A FEW YEARS 2015
HEADLIGHTS FLASH BUT DONT COME ON SOMETIMES ! AFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT
Showing 20 of 507 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Nitro
These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Nitro, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Nitro has 507 complaints on record across 6 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Nitro has 14 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 20 of the Dodge Nitro's 507 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Nitro vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Nitro vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Nitro has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Dodge Nitro stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Nitro by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Nitro.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Dodge Nitro reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Nitro reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Nitro has 507 NHTSA owner complaints and 14 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Nitro years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2008 (393 complaints), 2010 (78 complaints), 2009 (36 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Nitro problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (239 complaints); FUEL SYSTEM (72 complaints); GASOLINE (72 complaints).
Does the Dodge Nitro have recalls?
Yes — 14 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Nitro. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.