Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 825 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Dodge Nitro, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 138 | 17% |
| Electrical system | 130 | 16% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 63 | 8% |
| Structure | 55 | 7% |
| Power train | 47 | 6% |
| Air bags | 23 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 21 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 21 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 2% |
| Engine | 15 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The day after I bought this vehicle it had to go directly back because of the catalytic converter. I was told they replaced it but did not show me the proof nor did they give me a valid warranty card. There is somethin
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owned a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000 (POWER TRAIN, AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE). The contact stated that while stopped, the sound of an explosion was heard,
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Our heater core has gone out twice now, preventing us from properly being able to defrost our windows /windshield in winter and remove moisture during cooler days. It creates a substantial risk by reducing, or in some ca
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
Ever since I bought this vehicle, I have been having issues with it registering the key, which keeps causing an automatic security alert system to shut down my vehicle the moment I start it. I've already replaced the b
NHTSA complaint: Steering
This 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 4x4 electrically stalled and died at 65mph on the [XXX] . This is the 3rd time it has stalled out electrically. The vehicle was inspected and told bad TIMP. Told the G25 RECALL should be plac
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000 (P
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I had my vehicle a week before it start misfiring it’s been months I had it worked on numerous times and still has not been fixed. When I try to crank it I have to keep my foot on the gas and if I let go it will cut back
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Took car in for windshield wiper safety recall on 3/24/23. BEFORE the recall the wipers worked perfectly. After the dealer serviced the wipers they sometimes would not go off and then seemed to be stalling a lot but I
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2007 Dodge Nitro. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 dr
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 s
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the d
Risk: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additiona
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysle
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE NITRO PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION OVER TIME WHERE HIGH USAGE OF THE VARIABLE PAUSE WIPER FUNCTION ("DELAY" MODE) MAY EVENTUALLY AFFECT PRIMARY WIPER FUNCTION, RENDERING THE WIPER SYSTEM INOPERABLE.
Risk: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD EXTERNAL RELAYS AND UPDATE THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE SOFTWARE TO CONTROL THE WIPER FUNCTIONS. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) WAS PROGRAMMED WITH SOFTWARE THAT MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TIPM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
| Reliability raw | 57 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 66 | good |
| Maintenance | 78 | good |
| Depreciation | 67 | good |
| Performance | 69 | good |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 825 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel system is the most reported area with 138 of them (17%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 57/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 66/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2007 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 64/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.