2010 Dodge Nitro recalls and problems

The 2010 Dodge Nitro has 3 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 2

Injuries / deaths

4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Dodge Nitro vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Dodge Nitro recalls

Recall 20V-396: Air Bags, Steering

Reported Jul 7, 2020 · 925,239 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-315: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 7, 2010 · 20,626 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 10V-009: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 11, 2010 · 20,045 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	27
Air Bags	12
Fuel/Propulsion System	10
Engine	9
Service Brakes	8
Unknown or Other	8
Power Train	5
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Steering	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Fuel System, Gasoline	3

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Horn — 2
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 1
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Dodge Nitro complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 163,000 miles · reported Jan 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine cranked, but the vehicle failed to start, and it became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure might be related to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

Air Bags · reported Sep 15, 2025

Passengers front seat head rest deployed on its own. The air back feature of my head rest deployed and it broke in the process. It is available for inspection. It happened when I was cleaning my car. So thank goodness not when I am driving. I was actually cleaning my car to trade it in for a dodge durango but after reading some articles that this is considered normal wear and tear also that dodge won't cover the cost for the repair and don't consider this a recall. I am highly reconsidering staying with dodge now. Specially the outcome of this. It hasn't been inspected yet. No warning signs.

Power Train · at 160,000 miles · reported Dec 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the rear driveshaft suddenly detached from the rear of the vehicle and dragged on the ground. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 160,000. The VIN was not available.

Air Bags · at 145,000 miles · reported Oct 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact received a recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part may not be available, and the contact was informed that she would receive a call back to schedule an appointment but had not yet received a callback. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…

Air Bags · reported Jul 3, 2022

One day the airbag light started cutting on and off and then the horn started blowing randomly without being touched or even without even being in the vehicle with the car turned off. Took it to a mechanic and they have no clue whatâs wrong.

Other Dodge Nitro years

2012 201120102009 2008 2007

Compare all Dodge Nitro years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Dodge Nitro: 20V-396 (air bags, steering), 10V-315 (service brakes, hydraulic), 10V-009 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Dodge Nitro?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (27 reports), followed by air bags (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.