2011 Dodge Nitro problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (22) · Power Train (13) · Fuel/Propulsion System (11)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Nitro model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
91 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (3)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2020-07-07 · campaign 20V396000 · 925,239 vehicles
Defect: 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. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
Air Bags 2013-07-02 · campaign 13V282000 · 442,320 vehicles
Defect: 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, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control mo
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Steering:column 2011-06-08 · campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles
Defect: 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, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix: 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 1-800-853-1403.
Service bulletins (86)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2025-09-18 · 107418 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
switch - clutch starter interlock & master cylinder assembly - clutch
Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Electrical System:wiring 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-07-27 · 9100196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lubrication and maintenance fluids if mopar fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review service library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
Structure 2022-08-19 · 3100122 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
approved use of weld through primers this bulletin documents the fca us llc position regarding the use of weld through primer when using squeeze type resistance spot welding (strsw) and gas metal arc welding (gmaw) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
Structure 2022-08-19 · 3100122 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
approved use of weld through primers this bulletin documents the fca us llc position regarding the use of weld through primer when using squeeze type resistance spot welding (strsw) and gas metal arc welding (gmaw) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
Showing the 6 most recent of 86 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-02-03 · Electrical System · 126,174 mi“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. the “tem” warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. additionally, activating the turn signals unintendedly ca…”
2024-10-09 · Electrical System“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. i subsequently took the vehicle to a local mechanical shop, where it was confirmed that the issue lies with the pcm (powertrain control module). i have read…”
2023-10-04 · Electrical System · 103,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 dodge nitro. the contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical and motive power. the contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. sever…”
2023-01-11 · Visibility/Wiper“airbags: this vehicle has had a recall for a "ram" emblem being placed over the airbag such that it becomes a projectile in an airbag depleyment. dodge makes it very difficult to avail of getting it removed. i am not close to the dealership, i am very busy and somewhat disabled. since the first notice arrived in the mail-- maybe three years ago-- …”
2022-12-29 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control“airbag symbol keeps jumping on and dinging and their is a malfunctioning of the airbag which showed after being but on a machine. the tire even when changed or applying air the light still jumps on like it’ has low air pressure. and the electrical the door lock n unlock is backwards lock will be unlock and unlock is locked. only 3 doors will lock …”
2022-02-10 · Power Train“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.…”
2022-01-29 · Engine“loss of power, engine completely shut off at a redlight …”
2022-01-18 · Steering · 118,000 mi“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 sh…”
2022-01-13 · Wheels“my car is always acting as if it is going to flip or gets locked up, even in slow speeds below the speed limit. i am a single mom, not a speed racer. …”
2021-10-30 · Air Bags“i purchased a 2011 dodge nitro suv in march 2021 from a dealer with all recall information. i contacted online about recall and they set-up to take this vehicle to a dodge dealer to have required recall work done. i took this vehicle to this dealer and on this invoice from dealer repair it states: recall/ csn 1 [safety recall w09 – driver air bag …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.