FCA planned to introduce the Dodge badge into the compact SUV segment and the Nitro was hatched back in 2007. However, apart from the styling, the SUV lacks in several key areas. Despite having dismal sales numbers for a crossover, the SUV has a decent reliability department. For the 2011 model year, the Dodge Nitro has faced 117 complaints to date but was also recalled 3 times as well. Moreover, the NHTSA investigated the vehicle twice for the integrated power module failure and the airbag control unit electrical overstress issue. The recalls were issued to address a steering column problem, non-deployment of head restraints, and a possible injury during the driver’s side airbag deployment issue. In the complaints section, a higher percentage of reports were filed against the powertrain issues, airbag issues, and electrical system issues. The chunky Dodge Nitro competes with some of the better rivals such as the Mazda CX-7, the Subaru Forester, and the GMC Terrain.
Dodge Nitro user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Engine stall: The engine stalling issues have troubled several owners of the 2011 Dodge Nitro. According to their complaints, the vehicles faced engine stalling while driving out on the highways or at slow parking speeds. Due to the sudden stalling problems, the vehicles often became uncontrollable briefly, posing a safety risk as well.
- Transmission shifting issues: Other than the random engine stalling problems, several models of the 2011 Nitro also faced issues with their transmissions. The majority reported issue was erroneous or no shifting from the transmission while driving. During the failures, the transmissions exhibited symptoms such as hesitant shifting or no shifting at all. In a few instances, the hesitant shifting resulted in stalling of the engines as well.
Safety problems
- Non-deployment of airbags: Some of the 2011 Dodge Nitro units were involved in crashes and the airbags of the vehicles failed to deploy. Due to the non-deployment of the airbags, the drivers and the occupants of the vehicles were injured and required medical attention. In one instance, except for the driver’s airbag, no other airbag including the passenger’s airbag at the front deployed.
- Brake failure: Due to master cylinder failures, some owners of the 2011 Nitro SUV faced brake failures. One owner further mentioned that while driving when he goes over a bump the brakes fail and the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor.
Electrical problems
- Sudden activation of wipers: A few owners faced electrical system malfunctions in their 2011 Dodge Nitro SUVs. Due to the failures, the wipers activated on their own and all the warning lights came on on the instrument cluster along with the dashboard. In all the cases, the exact reason for the failures remained unknown.
Miscellaneous problems
- Fuel overflowing during refueling: Some of the owners reported this issue being present in their vehicles. While refueling, the gasoline tanks spilled fuel due to overflowing despite the fuel pump shut off.
2011 Dodge Nitro recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
June 8, 2011 |
11V315000 |
Steering column |
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. |
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. |
|
2 |
July 2, 2013 |
13V282000 |
Non-Deployment of Head Restraints |
In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints, their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury. |
Chrysler will notify the owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. |
|
3 |
July 7, 2020 |
20V396000 |
Brand Emblem and Securing Nuts May be Projectiles |
Projectiles as a result of driver airbag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
Chrysler will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the driver's airbag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began on February 11, 2021. |
Should you buy a used Dodge Nitro?
The Dodge Nitro only gets the design part right and appeases the enthusiasts to some extent with the optional V6 power plant. The reliability department of the SUV doesn’t disappoint entirely with a low number of complaints, indicating that the reported problems were limited to a certain number of units only. A used example of the Dodge Nitro would only make sense if a chunky styling is all you prefer. Otherwise, a used Mazda CX-7 would make a great alternative and it impresses with its respectable reliability aspect too.
