2007 Dodge Nitro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2007 Dodge Nitro has a complaint index of 100, the worst among the 7 model years with data, and ranks 1st (worst) overall. NHTSA lists 494 complaints, 7 recalls, and a median failure mileage of 70,000 miles, earning it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 7 Nitro years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 494
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 22
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 21.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 22 / 0
Top 2007 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System139 (28%)
- Fuel System138 (28%)
- Structure & Body72 (15%)
- Engine69 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain54 (11%)
- Other43 (9%)
- Airbags41 (8%)
- Brakes36 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers33 (7%)
- Steering19 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles suddenly lost engine power or stalled while parking or driving, sometimes leading to multi-car crashes.
- Brakes failed to respond even when the pedal was pressed to the floor, resulting in rear-end collisions.
- Front airbags failed to deploy in some frontal crashes while side airbags did deploy.
- The steering wheel seized or a tie rod fractured, causing the wheel to detach and loss of control at highway speed.
- Owners reported the driver-side seatbelt released after a side-impact crash.
- The dodge emblem on the steering wheel airbag cover shot outward with force during airbag deployment.
2007 Dodge Nitro recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V396000Jul 7, 2020Airbags925,239 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
- NHTSA 13V121000Apr 3, 2013Structure & Body62,578 vehicles
Structure
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.
Risk: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.
- NHTSA 09V438000Nov 6, 2009Visibility & Wipers82,079 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
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.
Risk: Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and add external relays and update the totally integrated power module software to control the wiper functions. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-835-1403.
2007 Dodge Nitro fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 21.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Dodge Nitro reliable?
- No. Among the 7 Dodge Nitro model years with data, 2007 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, with an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System issues lead with 139 complaints (28% share), closely followed by Fuel System issues with 138 complaints (28% share).
- Does the 2007 Dodge Nitro have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns covering airbags, brakes, structure/body, visibility/wipers, and electrical system components, including a TIPM software recall for engine stalling.
- At what mileage do 2007 Nitro problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all reported issues is 70,000 miles, though electrical system failures show a higher median of 99,378 miles.
- Which Dodge Nitro model years are better than 2007?
- The 2009 Nitro has a complaint index of 33 and a Good verdict, the lowest complaint index among years with meaningful data, making it a stronger alternative to 2007.