2010 Dodge Nitro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Dodge Nitro has 78 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th worst of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. Electrical System problems lead at 35% of complaints, followed by Engine, Brakes, and Fuel System issues, plus 3 recalls covering airbags and brakes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 Nitro years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 78
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17.5
- 16 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2010 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System27 (35%)
- Engine14 (18%)
- Brakes13 (17%)
- Fuel System13 (17%)
- Airbags12 (15%)
- Other8 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (6%)
- Steering4 (5%)
- Structure & Body4 (5%)
- HVAC1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Warning lights illuminate across the instrument panel followed by smoke and fire while driving at low speed.
- Airbags fail to deploy or deploy with a delay during rear-end and other collisions.
- Brakes fail to release from the rotors after a burning rubber odor is detected, forcing extra force on the accelerator.
- Brake pedal becomes hard and difficult to press, reducing stopping ability during low-speed maneuvers.
- Throttle sticks open at highway speed while brakes fail to engage, causing unintended acceleration.
- Engine stalls without warning during low-speed turns, sometimes recurring despite dealer visits.
2010 Dodge Nitro recalls
3 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 10V315000Jul 7, 2010Brakes20,626 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
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.
Risk: This could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
- NHTSA 10V009000Jan 11, 2010Brakes20,045 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
Risk: This could result in brake failure without warning which could cause a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will replace the brake booster input rod retaining clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2010 Dodge Nitro fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 17.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,700
- 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.
2010 compared with other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Dodge Nitro reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2010 Nitro a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among 7 model years. Electrical System problems make up 35% of its complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Dodge Nitro?
- Owners most often reported Electrical System issues (35% of complaints), followed by Engine (18%), Brakes (17%), and Fuel System (17%) problems.
- Does the 2010 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Nitro, covering airbag driver cover replacement and two separate brake system issues involving brake tubes and a brake booster retaining clip.
- How does the 2010 Nitro compare to other Nitro model years?
- The 2010 Nitro's complaint index of 50 is better than the 2007 (100, Avoid) and 2008 (83, Avoid) model years but worse than the 2009 model year, which scored 33 and earned a Good verdict.
- Were there any crashes or fires reported for the 2010 Dodge Nitro?
- NHTSA data shows 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries reported among the 78 complaints for the 2010 Nitro, with no deaths recorded.