VehicleVerdict

2010 Dodge Nitro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Dodge Nitro sits mid-pack among Nitro years: 111 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 111, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 33 reports (30% of the total).

111

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Nitro years?

Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted676 complaints2005: 1 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 609 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 111 complaints2011: 197 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nitro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Dodge Nitro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3330%
Fuel System1312%
Airbags1211%
Engine1110%
Brakes109%
Other87%
Transmission55%
Lighting44%
Speed Control44%
Steering44%
Latches & Locks33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2010 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V396000AirbagsJuly 7, 2020 · 925,239 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

10V315000BrakesJuly 7, 2010 · 20,626 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE TUBES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

10V009000BrakesJanuary 11, 2010 · 20,045 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE ALARM ACTIVATED AS SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 17, 2014 · fire

“UPON FILLING UP GASOLINE AT TWO SEPARATE GAS STATIONS ON TWO SEPARATE DAYS, GASOLINE WAS OBSERVED TO SPEW OUT EVEN THOUGH THE GAS PUMP ITSELF HAD SHUT OFF. POSSIBLE INLET CONTROL VALVE DEFECT, FILLER TUBE DEFECT. UNSURE BUT GAS SIMPLY SPEWS OUT, ABOUT A HALF GALLON BEFORE STOPPING. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 19, 2014

“2010 DODGE NITRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AFTER SEVERAL VEHICLE ACCIDENTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY HIM LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 2, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS. THERE IS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS COME ONE BUT WE ALL HAVE THE BELTS BUCKLED. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING IT. I HAVE TAKEN IN TO GET CHECKED BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETEMINE MALFUNCTION.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 11, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE NITRO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING RUBBER ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE ROTORS. THE CONTACT HAD TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH EXTRA FORCE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 12, 2016 · fire

2010 Dodge Nitro — common questions

Is the 2010 Dodge Nitro reliable?

It is close to typical for the Nitro: 111 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 Nitro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (33 complaints), fuel system (13 complaints), airbags (12 complaints).

Does the 2010 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 Dodge Nitro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Nitro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Nitro years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011. The cleanest record among Nitro years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.