Model year guide

2011 Dodge Nitro

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Dodge Nitro is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 166 on record.

2011 Dodge Nitro — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Dodge Nitro at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints122
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$12,032

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Dodge Nitro recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V396000 · 07/07/2020

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.

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. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #13V282000 · 02/07/2013

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,…

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

Steering:column NHTSA Campaign #11V315000 · 08/06/2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Dodge Nitro common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2011 Dodge Nitro safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2011 Dodge Nitro SUV 4WD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2011 Dodge Nitro MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Dodge Nitro worth?

Low
$8,747
Typical price
$12,032
High
$15,300

From 165 comparable 2011 Dodge Nitro listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Dodge Nitro costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,750
Total$24,250
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($12,032) with the same model 4 model-years older ($6,652), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Dodge Nitro trims & engines on record

Trims
Heat · SE Fleet · SXT Fleet · Shock · Detonator · SXT
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 4.0L 6-cyl

2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles on record

Other Dodge Nitro model years

2011 Dodge Nitro — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Dodge Nitro have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Nitro?

Based on 122 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, forward collision avoidance.

What is the 2011 Dodge Nitro safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2011 Dodge Nitro crash-test ratings of rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Dodge Nitro get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Dodge Nitro at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 21 highway).

How much is a 2011 Dodge Nitro worth?

Comparable 2011 Dodge Nitro listings run roughly $8,747–$15,300, typically around $12,032 (from 165 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.