Dodge · Nitro · 2011
3
Recalls
122
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2011 Dodge Nitro has 3 recalls and 122 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: electrical system (18 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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 module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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 caused the wipers to activate, and the air bag warning light would remain illuminated. While the vehicle was turned off, the warning lights continued flashing intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,174.
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. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
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 about a recall related to electrical issues in the Nitro, and I would like to inquire about the possibility of obtaining reimbursement. Thank you for your assistance.
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 automatically.
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.
Loss of power, engine completely shut off at a redlight
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 shifter from PARK to DRIVE. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
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.
The horn started blowing randomly, Pulled the negative battery connector as recommended to reset TIPM. The horn continued to go off pulled the fuses as recommended. Was told if it kills the battery the TIMP needs to be replaced. That is a common issue for this year model vehicle. Called about a recall the recall is for vehicles manufacturer from 07/17/2011 to 12/2011. My truck was manufactured three days prior to this recall time frame. I believe my vehicle is affected by the faulty TIPM as well. I would like the part to be covered under the recall.
DATE OF INCIDENT: 05202021 SPEED: VEHICLE PARKED/DRIVING 30 MPH MILEAGE: 110000 VEHICLE HORN SOUNDED NUMEROUS TIMES ON OWN. VEHICLE PARKED AND KEY NOT IN IGNITION. VEHICLE ALSO SOUNDED WHILE IN ON POSITION AT STOP LIGHT AND IN ON POSITION WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. VEHICLE DOES THIS ON OWN WITHOUT PROMPTING AND CAN ONLY BE STOPPED BY DISCONNECTION OF THE BATTERY.
MY SUV KEEP HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES, FIRST IT STARTED WITH THE RADIO AND THEN MY BRAKE LIGHT KEEP BOWING AND WE REPLACED THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND BULPS AND WITHIN THREE DAYS THEY BLOWED AGAIN AND AT NIGHT WHEN I TURN MY LIGHTS ON MY BRAKE LIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK,
AFTER DEALERSHIP REMOVED THE EMBLEM FROM THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE RECALL, THE HORN WOULD START TO BLOW ON ITS OWN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND STAY ON. IT WOULD SHUT OFF AND THEN A FEW MOMENTS LATER START TO BLOW AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIPS ANSWER WAS TO DISCONNECT MY HORN AND SEND ME ON MY WAY. I AM NOW DRIVING IN A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT PASS THE REQUIRED STATE INSPECTION. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD!! THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT UNTIL THE PARTS CAME IN TO FINISH THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE THIS WAY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE!!
THE ALARM GOES OFF FOR MAYBE 1 TO 4 SECONDS AT ANY TIME IT'S PARKED AND THE HORN BLOWS TIME TO TIME WITHOUT ME TOUCHING IT WHILE DRIVING.
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 Emblem] CAUSE: F 19W09183 Safety Recall W 09 Driver Airbag Emblem – Remove Remove Driver Airbag Emblem (2 -Skilled) 997471W FC: Part#: Count: Claim Type: W AUTH CODE: Parts: 0.00Labor: 0.00Other: 0.00Total Line B:0.00 Removed DAB emblem 19 – WO -91 – 83 After this job was completed, I was told by this dealer that It might take 6 months for a replacement part to come available. I will be notified by the recall company when a new part to be place in this vehicle. Now, when I enter this same vehicle VIN it states as 0 recalls. My airbag concern light on my dash remains on and sometimes alerts me by sound! Nothing has been replaced for over 7 months and now it shows no recalls! I have both original Invoice pages from this dealer still stapled together and scanned to email if needed! My vehicle would not pass inspection if needed, because of this issue and safety concerns. [XXX] Roane County, TN INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A UNKNOWN TRUCK. AS A RESULT, THE CROSS MEMBER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,220.
THE CAR JUST TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN AS I WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT ABOUT 15 MPH.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY HIS WIFE THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE BULBS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
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 OBJECTS FLEW EVERYWHERE, THE TRUCK IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS AS I COULDN'T CONTROL OR STOP IT. I PULLED THE EMERGENCY BREAKS AND JUMPED OUT TO SEE MY DRIVE SHAFT HAD EXPLODED UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK, THE AMBULANCE CAME TO TAKE MY SON TO THE ER BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF CAUSING HIM TO HAVE SEVERE COLLAR BONE PAIN. I CONTACTED INSURANCE COMPANY THIS MORNING AND WAITING TO HEAR WHO'S COVERING WHAT. I/MY SON IS IN SEVERE PAIN AND SHOCKED AS TO WHY THIS WASN'T RECALLED WITH THE OTHER NITRO YEARS. THIS COULD'VE BEEN FATAL, I NEED ANSWERS A.S.A.P.*DT*JB
FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR USUALLY WHILE BRAKING AND HITTING A BUMP. BRAKES WILL EVENTUALLY GO BACK TO NORMAL SOMETIMES AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND SOMETIMES AFTER A FEW HOURS. PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT HELP. UNSAFE BECAUSE NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AND BRAKING POWER IS GREATLY REDUCING DURING THESE EVENTS. THIS HAPPENS EVERY FEW MONTHS OR SO.
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECUASE OF THE ROLLOVER SENSOR ISSUE.
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2011 Dodge Nitro has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 122 owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Dodge Nitro.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2011 Dodge Nitro.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2011 Dodge Nitro are electrical system (18 reports), air bags (11 reports), power train (8 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2011 Dodge Nitro. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.