(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Dodge Nitro engine problems
moderate 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Nitro we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 51.
Owners have filed 51 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar® Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make a complete oil pan gasket. 5. Lay the oil pan gasket(s) onto the oil pan flange.~ 6. Ensure the oil pan gask
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Dodge Nitro shows a pattern of severe electrical and mechanical defects. The most prevalent issue is complete engine shutdown while driving at any speed—from 10 to 70 mph—with simultaneous loss of power steering and braking, creating acute crash hazard. Owners report stalling recurring intermittently across years, sometimes months apart. Despite TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) reprogramming recall 07V291000, many owners say the problem persisted. Dealers typically cannot replicate or diagnose the fault.
Water pumps fail repeatedly—one owner replaced the pump three times in eight years. AC compressors fail prematurely within four years, with one owner replacing it twice in six months. Owners report burning smell, grinding noise, and complete refrigerant loss despite no visible leaks. Dodge denied warranty coverage.
Additional defects include jerking at 40 mph, rough idle at stops, uncontrolled acceleration with no dealer diagnosis possible, battery explosion, engine smoking after routine service, EGR valve requiring annual replacement, gas tank EVAP leak causing fuel overflow and hard starts, and heating system design flaws confirmed by the manufacturer. One owner's engine seized with a broken pin puncturing the piston. Dealers routinely state they cannot find the problem or replicate failures. Owners express fear of driving these vehicles and frustration with manufacturer and dealer refusal to help.
Same Dodge Nitro engine reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling / Complete Power Loss While Driving
Engine shuts off completely while vehicle is in motion at various speeds (10–70 mph), killing engine, radio, and all dashboard lights. Vehicle either restarts automatically within seconds to minutes or requires manual restart. Loss of power steering and braking capability during event, creating serious crash hazard.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; as early as 4,500 miles; occurs intermittently across multiple years
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving at highway speeds (50–70 mph) and lower speeds (10–40 mph); All dashboard lights and radio shut off simultaneously; Loss of power steering and braking during stall; Vehicle restarts automatically or manually after 5 seconds to 1+ minute; Recurring intermittently, sometimes months apart
Codes mentioned: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) software fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose in most cases; TIPM reprogramming attempted with continued failure; owners report multiple shop visits (up to 7+) without resolution; some owners report fuel injector and relay replacement without success
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 07V291000 (PE07027) issued July 2007 for TIPM software reprogramming; many owners report recall did not resolve issue or vehicle not covered by recall
Jerking/Shuddering and Rough Idle at Stop
Vehicle jerks or shudders, particularly around 40 mph or when going over bumps. At idle (traffic lights, parking), engine tries to shut off or runs extremely rough, requiring constant attention to keep running.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; first few months to several years in service
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking or shuddering when traveling, especially around 40 mph; Jerking when going over bumps (RPM drops to 0 momentarily); Rough idle at red lights; engine tries to shut off periodically; Difficulty starting; multiple attempts required before engine stays running
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers drop transmission multiple times attempting diagnosis; fuel injector replaced; relay replaced; no permanent fix identified in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate Dodge representative test-drove vehicle and confirmed problem but stated vehicle 'is just supposed to run that way' per service manager
Uncontrolled Acceleration
Engine revs unexpectedly at high RPM while driver has foot on brake, causing wheels to spin and inability to stop vehicle. Occurs during parking or low-speed maneuvers.
When: At least once per owner reporting; timing varies
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs suddenly while foot is on brake (not accelerator); Wheels spin uncontrollably; Inability to stop vehicle; brake pedal unresponsive; Requires collision with other vehicles to stop
Codes mentioned: BCM (Body Control Module), ECM (Engine Control Module), TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler and independent engineers unable to diagnose; computer diagnostics checked but issue remains unresolved
Water Pump Failure
Water pump fails repeatedly, causing engine overheating. One owner reports three separate water pump replacements in 8-year ownership span.
When: 2011, 2014, 2015 (same vehicle); occurs across different owner timeframes
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge spikes to hot while driving; Engine overheats; warning light illuminates; Water pump mechanical failure confirmed by repair shop
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced three times in one vehicle (2011, March 2014, February 2015); owner reports frustration with repeat failures
Engine Overheating / Coolant System Failure
Vehicle overheats suddenly while driving. In one case, oil cooler clamp was missing from factory. In another, water pump came loose and serpentine belt detached.
When: Early ownership (within 20 minutes of purchase in one case); throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rises to hot; Battery lamp illuminates simultaneously; Water pump loose; serpentine belt detached; Missing oil cooler clamp (factory defect)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler clamp replaced; water pump, serpentine belt, and head gasket replaced in separate case; head gasket replacement needed in another
Battery Explosion
Factory-installed battery explodes without warning when ignition key is turned, causing loud thump, battery acid spillage, and potential injury to operator.
When: While parked; triggered when turning ignition key
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosive thump from engine compartment; Complete electrical power loss; Battery caps blown off; top cracked open; Battery acid poured out
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced by owner; owner had to clean battery acid from clothing and vehicle
Smoke from Engine / Electrical Fire
Smoke emanates from engine compartment, occurring in wet conditions and dry conditions. In one case, smoke appeared immediately after routine oil change service.
When: Throughout ownership; one case reported directly after dealer oil change service
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible from engine even when engine is off; Smoke occurs in rainy/wet weather initially, then in normal conditions; Burning smell detected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated entire wiring harness needed replacement after oil change; issue not resolved; owner reports local shop work but expresses concern about recurrence
AC Compressor Failure
Air conditioning compressor fails prematurely, well before typical service life expectancy. Multiple owners report rapid failures; one owner replaced compressor twice in 6 months.
When: Within 4 years of ownership (first failure); recurring failures within months of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: AC blows cold, then warm/cool, then cold again inconsistently; A/C compressor makes grinding/metal noise when engaged; Burning smell from AC vents when A/C is turned on; Freon depletes completely every year despite no detectable leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Compressor replacement required; two dealers unable to find problem despite inspections; second compressor failure within 6 months of first replacement; one owner reports second compressor failure and replaced it twice
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denied warranty coverage, stating repair is owner responsibility; multiple owners report Dodge refused to investigate despite numerous complaints online
Engine Noise and Misfire
Loud, constant ticking noise from 4.0 V6 engine. Engine stalls and loses power during turns. Engine misfires during acceleration.
When: Timing unspecified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Constant loud ticking from engine; Engine stall and power loss when turning; Engine misfire during acceleration
EGR Valve Failure
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve requires replacement annually. Multiple replacements in short timeframe cause check engine light to remain on, preventing vehicle inspection and causing engine damage.
When: Annually; owner has replaced 3 times
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Prevents passing vehicle inspection; Causes engine damage over time
Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve replaced yearly; owner has paid for 3 replacements
Evaporative (EVAP) System Leak / Faulty Gas Tank
Gas tank has manufacturing defect causing EVAP system leak. Tank does not stop accepting fuel during filling, causing overflow. Check engine light illuminates for 'gas cap' error. Hard start condition associated.
When: Throughout ownership for overflow; hard start issue for better part of a year
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel overflows when filling; splashes on vehicle and ground; Gas cap error check engine light; Hard cold starts; Small EVAP leak detected in gas tank internals
Codes mentioned: EVAP leak code
Repairs/costs cited: Gas tank internal defect identified; no repair solution mentioned; owner workaround is to not fully fill tank
Electrical System Dropout / Parasitic Drain
Vehicle loses all electrical power intermittently while driving or when parked. In some cases, cooling fan runs continuously when vehicle is locked via key fob, draining battery.
When: Throughout ownership; can occur at any mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical failure: all lights, radio, engine cut off simultaneously; Cooling fan runs uncontrolled when car is locked with key fob; Battery dead after locking vehicle with key fob (overnight); Vehicle cannot be unlocked when fan is running via fob
Repairs/costs cited: Owner stopped using key fob to avoid battery drain; local mechanic replaced fuse but stalling recurred
Engine Block/Piston Failure
Engine seized while driving; internal inspection revealed broken pin that punctured piston and cracked block, resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
When: During normal acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: No warning signs prior to failure; Engine suddenly went dead during acceleration; Complete engine failure; pin broke through piston
Repairs/costs cited: Engine blow; complete engine replacement or rebuild required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair shop identified as 'known design flaw'
Heating System Design Flaw
Heater produces excessive cold air from floor vents even on high heat setting while warm air comes from upper vents. Design flaw confirmed by manufacturer.
When: Early ownership; first service visit around 8,000–10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cold air from floor vents on high heat; Warm air only from upper vents; Inconsistent heating throughout cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted repair; foam added under driver console to partially reduce cold air; second dealer visit lasted 3 weeks with incomplete repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler representative inspected vehicle; confirmed 'design flaw with the heating system'
Engine Hydrolock
Engine became hydro-locked (liquid entered combustion chamber), causing catastrophic damage.
When: Timing unspecified; triggered check engine light
Symptoms owners cite: Electronics control module warning light illuminated; Engine hydro-locked
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis made by dealer; repair cost and method unspecified in narrative
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Dodge Nitro?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 51 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 6,185 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,185; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Dodge/Nitro.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.