repaired · 2022 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
2010 Dodge NitroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 78 owner complaints about the 2010 Dodge Nitro, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-396 the manufacturer reports only 15% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 13, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2010 Dodge Nitro has problems
78 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
26Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
10Fuel/propulsion system
9Engine
8Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
5Power train
5Electronic stability control (ESC)
4Steering
4Vehicle speed control
1911 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 26 | 1 |
| Air bags | 12 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 0 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 1 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 19 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2010 Dodge Nitro recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.
Best & worst years
2010 vs. every other Nitro year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Nitro median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2010 Dodge Nitro safety ratings
2010 Dodge Nitro 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2010 Dodge Nitro, and the recalls they led to.
- Totally Integrated Power Module FailureNo recall
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
- Active Head Rest Inadvertent DeploymentNo recall
In owners' words
What Nitro owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine cranked, but the vehicle failed to start, and it became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was inoperable while needed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rear shocks and struts, air compressor,…
I GOT MY DODGE NITRO 4 MONTHS AGO FIRST MONTH I NOTICED MY ENGINE WAS STARLING AND I KNOW IS I HAD ELECTRIC ISSUES I TOLD MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IF THE CAR STILL RUNNING IT'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT SOME DAYS MY WINDSHIELD WIPER WILL CUT ON BY ITSELF SOME DAYS MY BLINKER DON'T WORK I…
Own a 2010 Nitro?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.