YearToAvoid

2012 Dodge Nitro Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

0/100

#3 most-complained of 3 Nitro years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Dodge Nitro has 2 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and a complaint index of 0, the lowest of the 3 model years with data. It ranks 3rd out of 3 years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than the 2010 and 2011 Nitro.

Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2012 Dodge Nitro problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags1 (50%)
  2. Electrical System1 (50%)
  3. Other1 (50%)
2012 Dodge Nitro complaints: complaints filed per month2May 2015Oct 2020
3 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2015 to Oct 2020; peak May 2015 (2).

2012 Dodge Nitro recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201020112012
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010No verdict5078317.5
2011No verdict100122317.5
2012No verdict021—

All Dodge Nitro years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Nitro reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Nitro has a complaint index of 0, the lowest among the 3 model years with data, and only 2 complaints on file.
What problems does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have?
NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2012 Nitro, split evenly between the Airbags and Electrical System areas. One owner reported an ignition switch issue at 145,000 miles that caused an engine and electrical shutdown at highway speed.
Does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 13V282000) covers the Airbags, involving the Totally Integrated Power Module or occupant restraint controller.
How does the 2012 Nitro compare to the 2010 and 2011 Nitro?
The 2012 Nitro has a complaint index of 0 versus 50 for 2010 and 100 for 2011, and fewer total complaints (2 versus 78 and 122), making it the year with the fewest reported problems among the three.

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.