VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Nitro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2012 Dodge Nitro — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Nitro years?

Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted676 complaints2005: 1 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 609 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 111 complaints2011: 197 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nitro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Nitro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags133%
Electrical System133%
Other133%

Does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V282000AirbagsJuly 2, 2013 · 442,320 units

Defect

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, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. 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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON OUR DODGE NITRO. HOWEVER DODGE HAS MADE IT AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THIS RECALL CORRECTED IN THE HOPES YOU WON'T TAKE YOUR VEHICLE IN AND THEY WON'T HAVE TO SPEND MONEY OR TIME CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. IN ORDER TO HAVE A OUR VEHICLE RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 6, 2015

“WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON OUR DODGE NITRO. HOWEVER DODGE HAS MADE IT AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THIS RECALL CORRECTED IN THE HOPES YOU WON'T TAKE YOUR VEHICLE IN AND THEY WON'T HAVE TO SPEND MONEY OR TIME CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. IN ORDER TO HAVE A OUR VEHICLE RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 6, 2015

“THE IGNITION SWITCH SNAPPED BACK AND TURNS THE KEY OFF RESULTING IN A COMPLETE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SHUT DOWN AT SPEED. THE STEERING AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK AT THAT POINT. IT HAPPENED TWICE WHILE GOING 70 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. ONE ADDITIONAL TIME, THE IGNITION SWITCHED SNAPPED BACK, AND THE ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 27, 2020

2012 Dodge Nitro — common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Nitro reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.