Which Dodge Nitro year should I avoid?

NHTSA data shows 2011 has the highest Complaint Index (100) of the three Nitro model years, with 122 complaints, 5 crashes, and 7 injuries, more than 2010 and far more than 2012.

What is the best Dodge Nitro year to buy?

2012 shows the lowest Complaint Index (0) with only 2 complaints, 0 crashes, and 0 injuries, making it the strongest year among the ones with data.

What is the most common problem on the Dodge Nitro?

Electrical System issues are the top complaint area across all Nitro years, with 84 complaints making up 42% of the total 202 complaints on file.

Are there recalls on the Dodge Nitro?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns across the 2010-2012 Nitro, with 3 recalls each for 2010 and 2011 and 1 recall for 2012, and none marked as do-not-drive recalls.

At what mileage do Dodge Nitro problems usually show up?

Median mileage at failure was 70,000 for 2010, 61,750 for 2011, and 91,500 for 2012, based on NHTSA complaint data.

Dodge Nitro Best and Worst Years (2010–2012)

Among Dodge Nitro years with data, 2011 has the highest Complaint Index (100) with 122 complaints, 5 crashes, and 7 injuries, making it the year with the most reported problems. 2012 has the fewest complaints (2) and a Complaint Index of 0, standing out as the lowest-complaint year.

Model years: 3; 2010–2012
NHTSA complaints: 202
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Electrical System

Nitro Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Nitro problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	No verdict	50	78	3	2	3	Electrical System	17.5	—
2011	No verdict	100	122	5	1	3	Electrical System	17.5	—
2012	No verdict	0	2	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—

Most common Dodge Nitro problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System84 (42%)
Airbags37 (18%)
Engine37 (18%)
Fuel System30 (15%)
Brakes27 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain21 (10%)
Other19 (9%)
Visibility & Wipers11 (5%)
Steering10 (5%)
Structure & Body7 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Nitro year should I avoid?: NHTSA data shows 2011 has the highest Complaint Index (100) of the three Nitro model years, with 122 complaints, 5 crashes, and 7 injuries, more than 2010 and far more than 2012.
What is the best Dodge Nitro year to buy?: 2012 shows the lowest Complaint Index (0) with only 2 complaints, 0 crashes, and 0 injuries, making it the strongest year among the ones with data.
What is the most common problem on the Dodge Nitro?: Electrical System issues are the top complaint area across all Nitro years, with 84 complaints making up 42% of the total 202 complaints on file.
Are there recalls on the Dodge Nitro?: NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns across the 2010-2012 Nitro, with 3 recalls each for 2010 and 2011 and 1 recall for 2012, and none marked as do-not-drive recalls.
At what mileage do Dodge Nitro problems usually show up?: Median mileage at failure was 70,000 for 2010, 61,750 for 2011, and 91,500 for 2012, based on NHTSA complaint data.