2011 Dodge Nitro
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2007 | 494 |
| 2008 | 392 |
| 2009 | 24 |
| 2010 | 78 |
| 2011 | 122 |
| 2012 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: electrical system — 53 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED MY 2011 DODGE NITRO BRAND NEW FROM GULF GATE DODGE HERE IN HOUSTON TX. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS TRUCK STARTING IN 2013. LAST YEAR, THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT. THIS YEAR THE FUEL INJECTORS WENT OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141030
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260203
I am experiencing electrical issues with my 2011 Dodge Nitro SXT. Despite replacing the alternator and battery, the SUV continues to have operational problems. Additionally, I replaced the TMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241009
19% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO PASS ON A CITY STREET, AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HAD A LOUD EXPLOSION NOISE AND FELT AS IF I WAS REAR ENDED, IMMEDIATELY THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON ME AND MY TWO SONS AND...
NHTSA ODI report, 20191122
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160121
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH AND ROLL OVER THREE TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120312
13% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS STOPPED AT A INTERSECTION WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO PASS ON A CITY STREET, AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HAD A LOUD EXPLOSION NOISE AND FELT AS IF I WAS REAR ENDED, IMMEDIATELY THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON ME AND MY TWO SONS AND...
NHTSA ODI report, 20191122
13% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 14 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-
Campaign 11V315000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 201
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on Novembe
Campaign 13V282000 — check if this car was fixed
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Electrical overstress
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 20V396000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Dodge Nitro — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V315000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V282000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V396000 (air bags, steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2011 Dodge Nitro reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.