YearToAvoid

2011 Dodge Nitro Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 23 engine complaints for the 2011 Dodge Nitro, 19% of its 122 total complaints, with median failure mileage at 60,000. No related recall covers this engine issue.

Engine complaints
23
19% of 122
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
60,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report unexpected engine stalling at low speeds, including while parked, turning, or accelerating from a stop.
  • Some describe the vehicle surging or accelerating on its own before stalling, forcing hard braking to regain control.
  • Oil leaks were reported from a loose oil filter seal, requiring dealer visits to tighten the fitting.
  • Several owners mention the engine cutting off completely while driving, sometimes in traffic or at night.
  • A few complaints describe a smell of raw gas along with cruise control acting erratically and misfiring at stops.
  • One owner linked a stall to a failed integrated power module with fried wiring near the alternator and PCM.

When 2011 Dodge Nitro engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 15, 2011, latest Jan 29, 2022.

2011 Dodge Nitro engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2011Aug 2014Jan 2015Nov 2015Jun 2017Oct 2017Oct 2019
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2011 to Jan 2022; peak Apr 2014 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Dodge Nitro

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Nitro model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (18%)
  2. 201123 (19%)
  3. 20120 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have?
NHTSA lists 23 engine complaints for the 2011 Dodge Nitro, which is 19% of the 122 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Dodge Nitro engine problems?
No. There are no related recalls listed for the engine complaints on the 2011 Dodge Nitro.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2011 Nitro?
The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 60,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Did the engine problems cause any crashes?
NHTSA data shows one crash associated with engine complaints for the 2011 Dodge Nitro and no reported fires or injuries.
How does the 2011 Nitro compare to 2010 for engine complaints?
The 2011 Nitro has 23 engine complaints (19% share) versus 14 complaints (18% share) for the 2010 model year, based on NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.