Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Electrical system recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
33
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11618955 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
45
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
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. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,174.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11715387 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
7
Most reports here involve loss of braking.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11447313 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
4
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
Read full complaint
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the windshield wipers remained operational after the windshield wiper button was disengaged. The contact's daughter was also unable to move the gear shifter from PARK to DRIVE. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11447890 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
20
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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 this deadly "extra feature" of shrapnel being placed over an explosive? Electrical: This is a serious safety issue that Dodge will not recognize or even discuss. Getting the window back up is a matter of finessing the "up" switch every which way, multiple attempts required (switch has now fallen out). Very distracting, after going through a toll booth after dark and 15 degrees. You can't stop and F with it, you have to do it on the move. It can take as long as five minutes to get it back up (Window now completely disabled). They will do anything to save seventeen cents per car, who cares if it makes it unsafe for the owner. Not Dodge! I wrote to Dodge (no reply), then the MI Attorney General about this, they responded "We have written to this manufacturer twice and have not received a response". Dodge takes no responsibility for their shoddy work. We pay, we die, they keep doing what they do. It disappoints that even the AG's "Consumer Protection Division" has no teeth. Visibility: It would be interesting to learn how many pedestrians have been hit with this particular model. With all the safety regs out there, it's amazing that a design that blocks visibility gets a pass. Unfortunately it is not the kind of thing you can discover in a test drive, but - crosswalks and four-way stops in particular are dangerous. You can hide a Ryder truck behind these A pillars.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11501240 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
6
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING AT 15-20 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A UNKNOWN TRUCK. AS A RESULT, THE CROSS MEMBER DETACHED FROM VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,220.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11350300 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
7
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
While my husband was driving home from work, the drive shaft of our vehicle completely snapped at 50mph causing him to come to a complete stop. There is a recall specially specially this on the 2008 models and after this incident we believe it should for the 2011s also.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11451358 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 122 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (78). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.