MotorDeets

2011 Dodge Nitro: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Dodge Nitro: 3 recalls, 122 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
122owner complaints
5mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2011 Dodge Nitro
Photo: FaceMePLS · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Steering Vehicle recall #11V315000 · 2011 · 11,096 vehicles

What's wrong: Some of these vehicles May have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

Why it matters: 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…

The 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.

Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V282000 · 2013 · 442,320 vehicles

What's wrong: Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module May lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

The 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 November 19, 2013.

Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #20V396000 · 2020 · 925,239 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 driver air bag module May become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Why it matters: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical54
Airbags24
Transmission & drivetrain16
Engine16
Fuel & propulsion14
Visibility/Wiper10
Brakes9
Other / unknown9

What owners describe

The 2011 Dodge Nitro has 122 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 7 Nitro model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 159). Complaints peaked in 2014 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 61,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (78 complaints, 3 recalls), 2012 (2 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Regular
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162118Regular
3.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive152117Regular
4.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive162117Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Dodge Nitro.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 Dodge Nitro manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2011 Dodge Nitro manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2011 Dodge Nitro manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Dodge Nitro manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Nitro problems?

Owners have filed 122 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (54), airbags (24), transmission & drivetrain (16).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Dodge Nitro get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Dodge Nitro repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Nitro years

2005200720082009201020112012