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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Found a Dodge Nitro? Check that exact car.
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 1,456 owner complaints and 18 safety recalls across model years 2007–2012. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2007 drew the most complaints; 2009 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Nitro
- Model years analyzed
- 2007–2012 (6 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,456
- Safety recall campaigns
- 18
- Crash-related complaints
- 49
- Fire-related complaints
- 33
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2007 (825 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2009 (36 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 1,456 NHTSA complaints and 18 recalls on record. 49 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,456 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 18 federal recall campaigns
- 49 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
18 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
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING:COLUMN
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 1,456 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,456 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 IGNITION SWITCH SNAPPED BACK AND TURNS THE KEY OFF RESULTING IN A COMPLETE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN AT SPEED. THE STEERING AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK AT THAT POINT. IT HAPPENED TWICE WHILE GOING 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. ONE ADDITIONAL TIME, THE IGNITION SWITCHED SNAPPED BACK, AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF, THEN BACK ON AGAIN. JOHNSON AUTO PLAZA IN BRIGHTON, CO, TOLD ME IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE, AND THE SWITCH IS NOW AF OR IN ITS 5TH GENERATION. THIS REPLACEMENT JUST COST ME $593.00. PLEASE PUT A NOTICE OUT THERE AND FORCE RAM TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR FREE OR ELSE THIS COULD END UP KILLING PEOPLE.
WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON OUR DODGE NITRO. HOWEVER DODGE HAS MADE IT AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THIS RECALL CORRECTED IN THE HOPES YOU WON'T TAKE YOUR VEHICLE IN AND THEY WON'T HAVE TO SPEND MONEY OR TIME CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. IN ORDER TO HAVE A OUR VEHICLE RECALL CORRECTED WE WERE TOLD THAT WE HAD TO BRING IN OUR VEHICLE IN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY SO IT DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS SO IT COULD BE INSPECTED. AFTER THEY INSPECT IT THEY TELL YOU THERE IS A PROBLEM AND YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS. THIS NOW REQUIRES YOU TO TAKE OFF TIME DURING WORK TWICE BUT YOU ARE ALSO WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME THEY DECIDE THEY WANT TO HOLD ONTO IT.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Nitro. The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bag, Steering) however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair where the emblem was removed however, the emblem was then replaced due to parts were unavailable to complete the recall . 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 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware of pressure build up which caused gasoline to not be able to be added to the fuel tank. The contact was unsure if there were any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
TIPM MODULE MALFUNCTIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. I BELIEVE IT IS ABOUT A $1000.00 REPAIR.STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY
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, (708) 366-1001, 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.
Read 14 more owner reports
ON 5/24/2019 JONES JUNCTION T/A JONES CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE DIAGNOSED MY 2009 DODGE NITRO WITH A FAILING FRONT DRIVE SHAFT (THE ASSEMBLY FROM THE TRANSFER CASE TO THE DIFFERENTIAL JOINT) AND RECOMMENDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THERE WAS A SAFETY CONCERN THAT THE JOINT INSIDE THE BOOT COULD COMPLETELY FAIL AND THE SOLID METAL SHAFT WOULD DROP AND SNAG THE ROAD. THE PART (#52853363AF) HAS BEEN ON BACKORDER WITH DODGE CHRYSLER SINCE LATE MAY. FIRST DELIVERY DATE QUOTED WAS 6/7/19, THEN 6/20/19, AND NOW 7/7/19. I HAVE NO ANSWERS TO WHEN THIS ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WILL BE SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO CHECK THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO THE AIR BAG MODULE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS TOLD HER DODGE NITRO WAS NEVER ON RECALLED. ENCLOSED IS A REPORT STATING AIR BAGS HAS BEEN RECALLED.*JB
FUEL TANK OVERFLOWS WHEN FILLING UP AT THE PUMP. I'VE HAD GASOLINE SPEW OUT ALL OVER ME SEVERAL TIMES NOW. I CAN SEE BY INVESTIGATING THIS ONLINE THAT THIS IS A "DANGEROUS" AND "KNOWN" ISSUE ON MANY DODGE MAKES, MODELS AND YEARS.
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. UPON READING INFO ON INTERNET I SEE THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, I THINK. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM DEALER. THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR BUT THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX MY CAR FOR THE FIRST PROBLEM AND NOW I WILL WAIT ON SECOND PROBLEM. MY CAR ONLY HAS 85,534 MILES AND WHEN PROBLEMS STARTED I BELIEVE I HAD ABOUT 58,000 TO 60,000 MILES. IT HAS BEEN A GOOD CAR UP UNTIL THESE PROBLEMS. ONLINE I SEE PEOPLE HAVE SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT NO ANSWERS. HELP US PLEASE TO FIX MY CAR. CAR IS ALWAYS STATIONARY WITH THESE PROBLEMS.
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.
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.
RESENTLY WHEN CAR IS STARTED ALL DASH LIGHTS GO OUT & THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT REAPPEARS AS I DRIVE IT GOES OUT & THEN COMES BACK ON SO IT'SLIKE ITS DOES SPORADICALLY
WHILE DRIVING OVER ICE ON THE WINTER I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES LIGHTLY TO AVOID SLIDING OVER THE ICE, THE VEHICLE STILL SLIDED AND, THE ABS, BAS, BRAKE AND SLIPPERY LIGHTS TURNED ON IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE PUSH BACK ON THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. THE LIGHTS TURN OFF FOR A WEEK OR SO AND THEN THEY TURN BACK ON.
THE VEHICLE ACTED LIKE IT WAS POSSESSED. THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OFF THEN BACK ON, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF THEN BACK ON, THE WIPERS TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES, ENGINE TURNED OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 60MPH, STARTER KEEPS TURNING AFTER THE KEY IS REMOVED, DOORS LOCK BY THEMSELVES WITH NOBODY AROUND, AND NOW IT WONT START. IT JUST CRANKS OVER.
THE TWO DOOR LOCKS LOCATED IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION CURRENTLY HAVE 78000 MILES AND THE TWO ACTUATORS,ONE IN THE FRONT AND ONE IN THE BACK RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEED TO BE REPLACE. PROBLEMS REGARDING THE CAR LOCKS STARTED APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS AGO.THE PASSENGER FRONT AND BACK DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. THERE IS NOT A KEY HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, THEREFORE THE PASSENGER DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE .REPAIR ACCORDING TO JEEP DEALERSHIP IS APPROXIMATELY A THOUSAND DOLLARS.
WHILE DRIVING TO DETROIT METRO AIRPORT TIRE WENT FLAT. HAVE SEEN ON YOUR WEBSITE COMPLAINTS REGARDING CORROSION AT RETAINING NUT THAT HOLDS VALVE STEM IN PLACE ON THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL YEAR. KEY FOB WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, LOCK AND UNLOCK. NOW KEY FOB ONLY UNLOCKS DRIVER SIDE DOOR. AGAIN THIS COMPLAINT IS LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR THIS VEHICLE AND MODEL YEAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED, THE FILLER PIPE FAILED TO SHUT OFF WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. AS A RESULT, FUEL SPILLED OUT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK VALVE FAILED AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCK SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,747.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE NITRO 4X2. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO USE THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, THE LOCKS FAILED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,054.
Showing 20 of 1,456 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 1,456 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 18 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. 49 of the Dodge Nitro's 1,456 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 1,456 NHTSA owner complaints and 18 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: 2007 (825 complaints), 2008 (393 complaints), 2011 (122 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 (540 complaints); FUEL SYSTEM (223 complaints); GASOLINE (221 complaints).
Does the Dodge Nitro have recalls?
Yes — 18 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.