Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (180 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2011
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner experiences.
8 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor build quality and cheap interior materials
- IsolatedRandom stalling/shutting off while driving
- IsolatedPersistent coolant/leaking issues linked to heater core
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- Chronic electrical system failures
Very frequent. Includes issues with power windows, window switches, door locks, and the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) causing no-start conditions.
- Major engine problems
Recurrent. Includes blown head gaskets, cylinder wall damage from detonation, oil consumption, and valve seat failures.
- Transmission problems
Recurrent. Includes rough shifting, failure, and torque converter issues.
- Suspension and steering component failures
Recurrent. Includes worn control arms and ball joints leading to alignment issues.
- Excessive fuel consumption
Recurrent. Cited as 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway (EPA), with real-world figures often 1-2 MPG lower.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended. One owner mentions daily driving a 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat RWD with high mileage, but this is presented as an isolated anecdote against a backdrop of widespread criticism.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Jeep Liberty (platform sibling), Nissan Xterra, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber.
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner experiences. The vehicle is widely criticized for poor build quality, unreliable mechanical and electrical systems, and a general lack of durability. Positive remarks are extremely rare and isolated, typically referencing a single owner's experience with high mileage. The consensus characterizes the Nitro as one of the worst vehicles of its era, with a reputation for failing early and being expensive to maintain. It is frequently described as a vehicle of last resort for buyers with no other choice.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an inferior, less reliable alternative to its direct platform sibling, the Jeep Liberty, which shares many components. Frequently compared unfavorably to contemporary Japanese SUVs like the Nissan Xterra and Toyota RAV4, which are cited as more reliable choices buyers should have considered. Grouped with other poorly regarded Chrysler products from the same period, such as the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot, as emblematic of low-quality, "recession-era" vehicles.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended for purchase. One mention suggests the 4WD version is capable in deep snow but suffers from poor fuel efficiency.
General recommendations
Strongly not recommended for purchase by the overwhelming majority of feedback. Considered suitable only as an ultra-low-cost, short-term beater with the full expectation of major, costly repairs. Buyers are advised to avoid it entirely and seek more reliable alternatives like a Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Xterra. If purchase is unavoidable, secure the vehicle for a very low price (examples cited are $1,500-$3,000) and be prepared to immediately address multiple failures. An extended warranty is suggested if purchasing from a dealer.
Remarks
The Dodge Nitro is consistently singled out as a symbol of poor automotive quality from the late 2000s. Its production lifespan (2007-2012) is frequently cited as a period of low reliability for Chrysler products. Owner discussions suggest these vehicles have largely disappeared from roads due to mechanical attrition, with sightings becoming rare. The vehicle's reputation is so entrenched that its mere existence in 2025 is treated with surprise and humor. Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner discussions and anecdotes.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2007. Years to avoid: 2008, 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Dodge Nitro years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 122 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2010 | 78 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 36 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 393 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 825 | 7 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices17 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2011 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V396000
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.
2011 · electrical systemcampaign 13V282000
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.
2011 · steering:columncampaign 11V315000
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.
2010 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V396000
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.
2010 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 10V009000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
2010 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylindercampaign 10V315000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 LEFT HAND DRIVE JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE NITRO AND RAM 1500 TRUCK; RIGHT AND LEFT HAND DRIVE JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED MASTER CYLINDER TO HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) BRAKE TUBE ASSEMBLY END FLARE.
2009 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V396000
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.
2008 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V396000
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.
2008 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 13V121000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
2008 · parking brakecampaign 08V525000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.
2007 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V396000
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.
2007 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 13V121000
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
2007 · visibility:windshield wiper/washercampaign 09V438000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE NITRO PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION OVER TIME WHERE HIGH USAGE OF THE VARIABLE PAUSE WIPER FUNCTION ("DELAY" MODE) MAY EVENTUALLY AFFECT PRIMARY WIPER FUNCTION, RENDERING THE WIPER SYSTEM INOPERABLE.
2007 · electrical systemcampaign 07V291000
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) WAS PROGRAMMED WITH SOFTWARE THAT MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
2007 · parking brakecampaign 08V525000
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.
2 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
4.0 i V6 24V
4.0L 6-cylinder · 258 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2007–2011