2012 Dodge Nitro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2012 Dodge Nitro has a complaint index of 17, the lowest of any year with data, with only 2 complaints and 1 recall on record. It ranks 6th out of 7 model years for reported problems, well behind the 2007 and 2008 Nitro.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #6 of 7 Nitro years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2012 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags1 (50%)
- Electrical System1 (50%)
- Other1 (50%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Ignition switch can snap back and shut off the engine and electrical system while driving.
- Loss of engine power at highway speed can also cause steering and brakes to stop working.
- One owner reported this happening twice at 70 mph on the freeway.
- The electrical failure occurred at a median mileage of 145,000.
2012 Dodge Nitro recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2012 compared with other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Dodge Nitro reliable?
- NHTSA data shows only 2 complaints and a complaint index of 17 for the 2012 Nitro, the lowest of the 7 model years with data, suggesting fewer reported problems than other years.
- What problems does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have?
- NHTSA lists one airbag complaint at a median mileage of 38,000 and one electrical system complaint involving an ignition switch shutting off the engine at a median mileage of 145,000.
- Does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (13V282000) covers an airbag control module issue also affecting other Chrysler models from the same production period; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2012 Nitro compare to other Nitro years?
- The 2012 Nitro ranks 6th of 7 years worst-first, with a complaint index of 17, far below the 2007 Nitro (index 100, Avoid) and 2008 Nitro (index 83, Avoid).