2011 Dodge Nitro recalls and problems

The 2011 Dodge Nitro has 3 safety recalls and 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
122
Crashes / fires
5 / 1
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 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 13V-282: Air Bags, Electrical System

Reported Jul 2, 2013 · 442,320 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 11V-315: Steering

Reported Jun 8, 2011 · 11,096 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System54
Air Bags24
Power Train16
Engine16
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Visibility/Wiper10
Service Brakes9
Unknown or Other9
Vehicle Speed Control8
Exterior Lighting8
Steering6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 61,500 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 2011 Dodge Nitro complaints

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

Electrical System · at 126,174 miles · reported Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle frequently experienced electrical malfunctions, and the interior lights and windshield wipers would activate spontaneously. The “TEM” warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, activating the turn signals unintendedly caused the wipers to activate, and the air bag warning light would remain illuminated. While the vehicle was turned off, the warning lights continued flashing intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired.…
Electrical System · reported Oct 9, 2024
I am experiencing electrical issues with my 2011 Dodge Nitro SXT. Despite replacing the alternator and battery, the SUV continues to have operational problems. Additionally, I replaced the TMP. I subsequently took the vehicle to a local mechanical shop, where it was confirmed that the issue lies with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). I have read about a recall related to electrical issues in the Nitro, and I would like to inquire about the possibility of obtaining reimbursement. Thank you for your assistance.
Electrical System · at 103,000 miles · reported Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost electrical and motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Air Bags · reported Jan 11, 2023
Airbags: This vehicle has had a recall for a "Ram" emblem being placed over the airbag such that it becomes a projectile in an airbag depleyment. Dodge makes it very difficult to avail of getting it removed. I am not close to the dealership, I am very busy and somewhat disabled. Since the first notice arrived in the mail-- maybe three years ago-- I have returned the notices with a request for them to send a tech to my home and make the repair. I see there has been at least one death due to this obvious flaw, butthey have not cared enough to answer. Why should I take a day so that they can fix…
Air Bags · reported Dec 29, 2022
Airbag symbol keeps jumping on and dinging and their is a malfunctioning of the airbag which showed after being but on a machine. The tire even when changed or applying air the light still jumps on like it’ has low air pressure. And the electrical the door lock n unlock is backwards lock will be unlock and unlock is locked. Only 3 doors will lock automatically.

Other Dodge Nitro years

Compare all Dodge Nitro years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Nitro: 20V-396 (air bags, steering), 13V-282 (air bags, electrical system), 11V-315 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Nitro?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (54 reports), followed by air bags (24). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 61,500 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.