2011 Dodge Nitro: common problems and reliability
An average Nitro year.
122 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Nitro?The 2011 Dodge Nitro has 122 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Nitro years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Nitro?
Across the 5 Nitro model years we track, complaint volume runs from 36 (2009) to 825 (2007). With 122 complaints, the 2011 Nitro sits about the same as the model's median of 122.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Nitro
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V396000Chrysler (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.
electrical system
Campaign 13V282000Chrysler 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.
steering:column
Campaign 11V315000CHRYSLER 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.
What owners say across generations
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Nitro. See the full Nitro owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Nitro listings typically run $5,199–$8,490 across 2007 to 2011 model years.
Other Nitro model years
Compare every Nitro year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Nitro against its rivals
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