Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2010 Dodge Nitro, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system26
- Air bags12
- Fuel/propulsion system10
- Engine9
- Unknown or other8
- Service brakes8
- Electronic stability control (esc)5
- Power train5
- Steering4
- Vehicle speed control4
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 4 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 13 2010 Nitro vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 6 people died inside them, and 3 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2010 Dodge Nitro failed the safety check 2.18% of the time — 13% less often than the average 2010 passenger car (2.50%). Median odometer at inspection: 129,306 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2010
1,114 new Dodge Nitro cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2010; the largest markets were Germany (498), Spain (303), France (140).
- Average mass
- 2,046 kg
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 96% · Petrol 4.1%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In Finland
17 of these cars first registered in 2010 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 263,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
46 2010 cars are on the New Zealand register; 28% arrived as used imports, 70% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
3 Transport Canada recalls for the 2010 Dodge Nitro.
| 2020311 8 Jul 2020 | Airbag Issue: On certain vehicles, the emblem on the steering wheel could become loose. If this happens, the emblem or its retainers could become projectiles when th… |
| 2010223 7 Jul 2010 | Brakes Certain vehicles may have an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit brake tube assembly end-flare that could lead to a loss of brake fluid … |
| 2010009 19 Jan 2010 | Brakes On certain vehicles, the brake booster input rod may have been installed without the retaining clip, or in some cases, with an improperly formed retaining clip.… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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 driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 LEFT HAND DRIVE JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE NITRO AND RAM 1500 TRUCK; RIGHT AND LEFT HAND DRIVE JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED MASTER CYLINDER TO HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) BRAKE TUBE ASSEMBLY END FLARE.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2010 Dodge Nitro: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10242717 | Lubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review Service Library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used |
| 10228020 | Customer Satisfaction Notification V51 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module |
| 10227983 | If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. |
| 10224083 | Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X85 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset. |
| 10224058 | Warranty Bulletin D-20-17 (X85) Active Head Restraint - Select 2010-2013 Jeep Liberty (KK) and 2010-2012 Dodge Nitro (KA) |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10221831 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10221554 | Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, the technician may find the following DTCs set in the PCM memory: **U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM) (10-12 MY only). Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay Enhancements To Improve Fuel Pump Relay Initialization At Key On - (10-12 MY only).** P0401 - EGR System Performance. In addition the cu |
| 10221097 | Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10220843 | NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission |
| 10220576 | SAFETY RECAL W09 DRIVER AIR BAG EMBLEM Updated Dealer Instructions |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220098 | Authentic Mopar Glass Replacement This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the recommended usage of Authentic Mopar Glass. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10217714 | Clock In The Radio Loses Time This bulletin involves replacing the Wireless Control Module (WCM)/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). Customer may experience a condition where the clock will lose over one minute a month. |
| 10216407 | Left And/Or Right Door High Closing Effort This bulletin involves inspecting front door body mounted seal placement and if necessary, adjusting seals and/or left and/or right front door striker to eliminate high closing effort. The customer may experience high closing efforts on the left and/or right front doors when closing. |
| 10216395 | Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components. |
| 10215969 | Clock In The Radio Loses Time This bulletin involves replacing the Wireless Control Module (WCM)/Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM). Customer may experience a condition where the clock will lose over one minute a month. |
| 10212248 | Oil Filter If a Mopar Oil Filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils. Recommended Brands: Wix, Purolator, and NapaGold |
| 10204370 | Customer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem |
| 10204368 | Customer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem |
| 10190590 | NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Electrical overstress
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation