Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electrical System — runs 4.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
122Complaints
3Recalls
5Crashes
1Fires
7Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (43.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Electrical System complaints here are 4.0× the median for that category across the 2547 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Electrical System
53 · 43.4%
Recalled
Recall 13V282000
Air Bags
23 · 18.9%
Recalled
Recall 20V396000
Power Train
16 · 13.1%
No official action
—
Engine
16 · 13.1%
No official action
—
Fuel/propulsion System
14 · 11.5%
No official action
—
Visibility/wiper
10 · 8.2%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 122 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECUASE OF THE ROLLOVER SENSOR ISSUE.”NHTSA complaint 11268364 — filed 10/14/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED. DURING THE FAILURE, THE TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE…”NHTSA complaint 11265611 — filed 10/02/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“WAS DRIVING UP MECHANICSVILLE TURNPIKE IN RICHMOND,VA. HEADING HOME WHEN VEHICLE CUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING THEN HAD TO TRY AND START IT BACK UP…”NHTSA complaint 11170509 — filed 01/17/2019 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 53 of 122 NHTSA complaints (43.4%), followed by air bags (23), power train (16), engine (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have?
122 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 5 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V396000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Dodge Nitro's reported problems?
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
Install CarModelProblemsAdd it to your home screen for one-tap access — no app store.
Install CarModelProblemsTap Share, then Add to Home Screen.