2010 Dodge Nitro Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Dodge Nitro, 12% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. This is very scary cause I loose sterring control when it shuts down.”
NHTSA complaint #10968728, filed 2017-03, 2 miles“I was driving at about 20-30 MPH. My car started making a whining sound then my dashboard lit up with multiple lights starting with the battery and then all of them. Luckily I was able to get to the side of the road before it completely died. I had it towed to a garage. They tried changing the alternator and battery. It still won't turn on. It is now at a dealership and currently can't figure out what is wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11257156, filed 2019-09, 147,500 miles“Takata recall engine locked up while driving on the highway while moving from one state to another. Oil in engine, didn't know why engine locked up. Replaced transmission, starter and A/C condenser leaked.”
NHTSA complaint #11171350, filed 2019-01, 178,000 miles“Takata recall. My 2010 Dodge Nitro makes a very loud, almost diesel truck like sound, whenever my car is running. It almost sounds like a vacuum cleaner inside the car. The steering wheel, seats, pedals, body, and gear shift of the Dodge shake constantly. This happens sitting still and in motion. The anti theft light turned on when the car was running, then the car turned off and would not turn back on for at least fifteen minutes. The drivers side window is starting to not work.”
NHTSA complaint #11160556, filed 2018-12“The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart on the first attempt. The contact also indicated that the traction control and ABS systems would randomly stop operating causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle. In addition, the contact indicated that while the vehicle was parked on a hill the park/brake interlock failed and the vehicle began to roll. …”
NHTSA complaint #10723686, filed 2015-06, 500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10180221Aug 19, 2020(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
- 10128948Feb 6, 2013Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2010 Dodge Nitro
26 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Dodge Nitro
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology