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 122 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Nitro, and it carries 3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 18 | 15% |
| Air bags | 11 | 9% |
| Power train | 8 | 7% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 6% |
| Engine | 6 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 5 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 4 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 2% |
| Structure | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 ve
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 wa
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 cl
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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
NHTSA complaint: Steering
My car is always acting as if it is going to flip or gets locked up, even in slow speeds below the speed limit. I am a single mom, not a speed racer.
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2011 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 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, t
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 Novembe
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 BUIL
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
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-
| Reliability raw | 62 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 78 | good |
| Depreciation | 67 | good |
| Performance | 64 | average |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 18 of them (15%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 62/100 (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 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 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 65/100. 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.