2011 Dodge Nitro Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 3 Nitro years
The 2011 Dodge Nitro has the highest complaint index (100) among the 3 model years with data, driven mainly by Electrical System (46% of complaints) and Airbags (20%) issues. It carries 3 recalls, none classified do-not-drive.
- Complaints
- 122
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17.5
- 16 city / 21 hwy
Top 2011 Dodge Nitro problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System56 (46%)
- Airbags24 (20%)
- Engine23 (19%)
- Fuel System17 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (13%)
- Brakes14 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers11 (9%)
- Other10 (8%)
- Steering6 (5%)
- Structure & Body3 (2%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in low- and moderate-speed rear-end and side-impact crashes, sometimes despite the steering wheel airbag firing.
- A cross member reportedly detached after a low-speed rear-end collision, with airbags again failing to deploy.
- Some owners describe the engine surging or revving on its own, with one report of the vehicle driving through a garage door before it could be stopped.
- Cruise control was reported to accelerate and decelerate unexpectedly along with a raw-gas smell and misfiring at stops.
- Keyless entry and remote start problems left the vehicle unable to start or unlock despite a working battery.
- Transmission complaints describe hard shifting, delayed engagement with a loud bang, and bucking, especially once the transmission warms up.
2011 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 13V282000Jul 2, 2013Airbags442,320 vehicles
Air bags
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
- NHTSA 11V315000Jun 8, 2011Steering11,096 vehicles
Steering:column
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.
Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2011 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.
2011 compared with other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
- What is the biggest problem area for the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
- The Electrical System accounts for 46% of complaints (56 of 122), the largest share for this model year, followed by Airbags at 20%.
- How does the 2011 Nitro compare to other Nitro model years?
- The 2011 Nitro has a complaint index of 100, the highest (worst) among the 3 model years with data, versus 50 for 2010 and 0 for 2012.
- Does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Nitro, covering airbags (two separate campaigns) and a steering column pivot issue. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do 2011 Nitro problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 61,750 miles, though Electrical System issues have a higher median of 71,685 miles and Airbags issues 97,500 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2011 Nitro?
- NHTSA data lists 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries for the 2011 Nitro, with Airbags complaints tied to 4 of the crashes.