2011 Dodge Nitro Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Nitro.

20102012
Complaints
197
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
9
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2011 Dodge Nitro Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#153 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:74,409 mi
Fires:1
#223 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:90,700 mi
Crash-related:3
#316 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:60,268 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Dodge Nitro.

Electrical Faults
53
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
74,409
Airbags
23
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
90,700
Engine Problems
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
60,268
Transmission / Drivetrain
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
68,523
Fuel System
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
88,338
Wipers & Visibility
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
61,625
Brakes
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
228,254
Unintended Acceleration
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
49,581
Headlight/Taillight Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
96,400
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
64,439
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
63,984
Gasoline Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Door
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Traction Control System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Dodge Nitro. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2011 Dodge Nitro

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,378,655 vehicles.

20V396000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
~925,239 affected

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.

13V282000Airbags · Electrical System
~442,320 affected

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.

11V315000Steering:column
~11,096 affected

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.

Other Dodge Nitro Years

2011 Dodge Nitro — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2011 Dodge Nitro reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2011 Dodge Nitro has 197 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 53 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (53 complaints, avg 74,409 mi); Airbags (23 complaints, avg 90,700 mi); Engine Problems (16 complaints, avg 60,268 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 82,405 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA complaints for the 2011 Dodge Nitro include 5 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 9 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,378,655 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2011 Dodge Nitro?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Dodge Nitro reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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