Problems · NHTSA complaints

2010 Dodge Nitro problems

Owners filed 78 complaints about the 2010 Dodge Nitro with NHTSA between May 2010 and Jan 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (26).

Complaints
78
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system26
  2. Air bags12
  3. Fuel/propulsion system10
  4. Engine9
  5. Service brakes8
  6. Power train5
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)5
  8. Steering4
  9. Exterior lighting4
  10. Vehicle speed control4
  11. Latches/locks/linkages3
  12. Fuel system, gasoline3
  13. Engine and engine cooling2
  14. Parking brake1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20105
20112
20122
20135
201413
201513
20165
20174
20187
20199
20203
20215
20221
20231
20241
20251
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

26 reports1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026Electrical systemODI 11710732

Air bags

12 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2025Air bagsODI 11687446

Fuel/propulsion system

10 reports
“TIPM FLASHING , WIPERS DO NOT WORK, ABS LIGHT ON- SPEED WILL NOT GO OVER 40 AND TAKES A WHILE TO REACH SPEED. ACTS AS IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS, BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 12, 2019Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11219604

Engine

9 reports
“The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn was inoperable while needed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with rear shocks and struts, air compressor, condenser, HVAC system, and electrical system failure. The mechanic replaced the spark plugs, engine coils, air compressor, and condenser. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist since the vehicle was purchased from a Chevrolet dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 23, 2021Electrical system, EngineODI 11444817

Service brakes

8 reports1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE NITRO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING RUBBER ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE ROTORS. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH EXTRA FORCE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TRI-COUNTY CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM (1290 HEBRON RD, HEATH, OH 43056, (740) 522-3153) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 25, 2019Service brakesFire reportedODI 11172069

Power train

5 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 19, 2024Power trainODI 11631567
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.