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.
2011 Dodge NitroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 122 owner complaints about the 2011 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 February 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Dodge Nitro has problems
122 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
54Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
24Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
16Power train1 crash/fire/injury
16Engine
14Fuel/propulsion system
10Visibility/wiper
9Service brakes
8Vehicle speed control
8Exterior lighting
2912 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 54 | 1 |
| Air bags | 24 | 5 |
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Engine | 16 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 29 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 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.
repaired · 2015 Q1
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints, their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
no report yet
Steering: column
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,…
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.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
66kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 42 electrical system complaints. 76% were reported before 100,000 miles.
6under 30k miles32under 100k miles10100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 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
2011 Dodge Nitro safety ratings
2011 Dodge Nitro SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Dodge Nitro, and the recalls they led to.
- Totally Integrated Power Module FailureNo recall
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What Nitro owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.…
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…
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…
Own a 2011 Nitro?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.