This problem has happened to me 3 different times. And the last time was back in november 2014. While I am driving my vehicle stalls, my brakes lock up and my steering wheel looses power with the rest of my car except my radio. This is extremely scary because I am putting my life and others in danger. And Chrysler says there is no problem because it doesn't show up on diagnostic. But when you…
2007 Dodge Nitro powertrain problems
severe 83 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
5fires
9injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 83 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Dodge Nitro, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Nitro we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 83.
Owners have filed 83 powertrain 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2007 Dodge Nitros report transmission problems as the most frequent complaint: hesitation and surging at speeds of 35-45 mph, erratic shifting between gears with hard banging or lurching, transmission slipping, inability to accelerate, and transmission shuddering or stuttering—often within weeks or months of purchase. Dealers perform computer updates and torque converter replacements repeatedly, yet the problems persist. Some owners say multiple dealer visits and even full transmission replacement fail to resolve the issue. Diagnostic scans often show no error codes or faults, leaving technicians unable to pinpoint the cause.
Driveshaft failures are another major concern. Multiple owners report the driveshaft suddenly breaking, exploding, or separating while accelerating from stops or driving at low speed. The shaft either cracks in half, twists, or emerges through the floorboard. Side airbags have deployed during these events, and in at least two cases, the driveshaft breakthrough through the floor caused injuries to occupants' faces and hearing. Owners consistently point to a loose or unsecured heat shield striking and grinding against the aluminum driveshaft, wearing it down until failure. The heat shield lacks factory fasteners in some cases, and warranty denials cite alleged water damage or abuse—claims owners dispute with photos and documentation showing no water damage.
Secondary powertrain issues include unexplained stalling while driving at highway speeds (50-80 mph) with loss of all power, sudden loss of power when accelerating, and wheels locking up. Electrical problems tied to the powertrain include erratic TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) behavior causing horn blaring, window failures, wiper malfunctions, and in one case, the TIPM catching fire under the hood. One owner experienced a complete electrical meltdown—wipers, flashers, windows, and horn all malfunctioning simultaneously.
Recall 13V121000 (underbody transmission tunnel shield) was supposed to address the heat-shield-to-driveshaft problem, but owners report long delays in parts availability (months to years) and in some cases repairs that fail to stop the noise or prevent reoccurrence. Multiple owners report manufacturer silence or refusal to assist despite documented complaints and injuries.
Same Dodge Nitro powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hesitation, surging, and erratic shifting
Vehicle hesitates or surges at 35-45 mph; transmission shifts erratically with hard banging or lurching forward; transmission slips or bogs down during gear changes; some vehicles lose power or stall while driving. Owners report multiple computer updates and torque converter replacements without resolution.
When: Within weeks of purchase; recurring throughout ownership; some at 78,000 miles and higher
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation and surging at 35-45 mph; Hard banging noise while shifting; Transmission slipping between gears; Lurching or jerking motion while in gear; Loss of power during acceleration; Transmission entering limp mode; Vehicle stalling at highway speeds (50-80 mph)
Codes mentioned: Torque converter failure, Transmission speed sensor failure, Electronic throttle control issues, TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) faults
Repairs/costs cited: Computer flash updates; torque converter replacement; transmission reprogramming; full transmission replacement (cost over $1000 in some cases); O-ring replacement; seal replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates (TSB); torque converter recalls; Recall G25 (TIPM engine stalling); dealerships often claim no problem can be found or tell owners the issue is normal
Driveshaft breakage and separation
Driveshaft suddenly breaks, cracks, twists, or separates from the vehicle while accelerating from stops or driving at low speed. Shaft either breaks in half, emerges through the floorboard, or spins apart. Heat shield striking and grinding the aluminum driveshaft is cited by multiple owners as the cause.
When: Low speed acceleration (10-15 mph); at traffic lights; while backing up; some at 70,000-288,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion or banging noise from undercarriage; Driveshaft visible protruding through floor; Driveshaft breaks in half or cracks; Vehicle loses all power after noise; Side airbags deploy; Vehicle unable to move forward or reverse; Visible shaving or grinding marks on driveshaft
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement (cost over $1000); heat shield replacement; some repairs exceed $1200
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V121000 (underbody transmission tunnel shield); warranty denials citing user damage or water immersion; field inspections ordered in some cases; in at least one case, manufacturer deemed vehicle a total loss; recalls marked as incomplete due to delayed parts availability
Heat shield striking and damaging driveshaft
Underbody heat shield loosens or falls and strikes the aluminum driveshaft, grinding and shaving the metal until the shaft fails or breaks. Owners note the heat shield lacks factory-installed fasteners to hold it in place.
When: Variable; some within first service; others later in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or rubbing noise from undercarriage; 6-8 inch shaved or ground section on driveshaft; Heat shield visibly resting on driveshaft; Driveshaft metal particles in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Heat shield removal or replacement; driveshaft repair or replacement; debris flushed from transmission and pump
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V121000 (underbody transmission tunnel shield—parts delayed months to years); warranty denials citing high-water damage or abuse; owners provide photos and documentation showing no water damage, intact oil pan, and undamaged undercarriage
Sudden power loss and stalling
Engine loses all power while driving; vehicle stalls without warning at highway speeds or during acceleration. Power returns after restart or does not return, leaving vehicle stranded. Occurs without warning lights or diagnostic codes.
When: Highway speeds (50-80 mph); intersections; during acceleration; some recurring multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power; Engine stalls without warning; All dashboard lights illuminate; Vehicle unresponsive to accelerator; Brake lights remain on; Loss of steering power assist (in some cases)
Codes mentioned: No codes displayed in some cases, TIPM-related faults
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose in many cases; TIPM recalls issued
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall G25 (TIPM engine stalling); computer updates; owners report calls to Chrysler with no response or follow-up
Transmission fluid leaks
Constant leaking of transmission fluid from the transmission and front of vehicle while parked or driving. Leaks persist after inspection but are not diagnosed or repaired.
When: Variable; reported at 97,790 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid pooling under vehicle while parked; Fluid dripping while driving; Constant loss of transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Extensive diagnostic testing required at owner expense; vehicle not repaired
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) electrical failures
Fuse box module malfunctions causing uncontrolled electrical activation and hazardous behavior. Horn blares continuously, windows roll up and down on their own, wipers and sprayers activate uncontrolled, headlights flicker, and in one case, the TIPM catches fire under the hood with flames surrounding the unit.
When: Variable; fire incident at unknown mileage; other incidents reported at various points in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Horn cycling or blaring uncontrollably; Windshield wipers activating on their own and unable to turn off; Emergency flashers activating on their own; Power windows rolling up and down uncontrolled; Headlights flashing on and off; Shifter lock not releasing normally; TIPM catching fire with flames and smoke; Multiple systems activating simultaneously (horn, wipers, windows, lights); Radio and lights flickering
Codes mentioned: TIPM module failure
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM module replacement; battery disconnection required in fire case to extinguish flames
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall G25 (TIPM engine stalling); some owners report no follow-up from Chrysler
Rear differential breakage and axle detachment
Rear differential fails with broken welds at the trailing arm mount, causing the axle to detach or separate from the vehicle.
When: At 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Axle detachment; Broken welds at trailing arm mount at rear differential
Repairs/costs cited: Axle welding and specialist testing; second dealer inspection recommended
Engine overheating and coolant system failure
Engine overheats repeatedly; antifreeze will not remain in engine; temperature jumps suddenly to hot without warning; vehicle loses power and must be pulled over. Multiple repairs to head gasket, water pump, and heating core element fail to resolve the issue.
When: Recurring episodes; one vehicle overheated 10 minutes after leaving dealer lot after repairs; continued failure six months later
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Antifreeze loss; Temperature gauge jumping to hot suddenly; Loss of power coinciding with overheating; Vehicle requiring emergency pullover
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement; water pump replacement; five other parts replaced; heating core element replacement
Electronic throttle and acceleration control faults
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate or will not accelerate over 10 mph even when pedal is depressed. Erratic power delivery. Acceleration stutter and shake when pedal is depressed.
When: At 85,000 miles (persistent failure); at 139,000 miles (stuttering on acceleration)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate over 10 mph; Persistent inability to accelerate; Stuttering noise on acceleration; Shaking and hesitation when pressing accelerator; Erratic power delivery
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control failure, Cylinder valve control failure
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic throttle control inspection; computer may need replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin TSB 10034229 (software update) referenced but not repaired
Transmission rolling backward in Drive on incline and unexpected shutdown
Vehicle rolls backward while in Drive gear on an incline. Vehicle shuts off without warning on incline at low speed (6 mph). On flat surface, vehicle can be pushed backward while in Drive.
When: At 150 miles (failure mileage); at 4,000 miles (current)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolling backward in Drive on incline; Unexpected shutdown on incline; Vehicle pushes backward on flat surface while in Drive
Repairs/costs cited: ABS control unit recall (NHTSA Campaign 07V434000) was performed but failure continued
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated failure was normal; dealer acknowledged but did not repair
Fuel tank overfill issue
Fuel pump does not shut off automatically when tank is full. Gas spills onto ground and owner. Owner must estimate tank capacity and fuel level before adding fuel, never allowing a full tank.
When: Started 2 years before complaint; ongoing at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump continues flowing after tank is full; Gasoline spills out of filler neck; Problem persists across multiple gas stations and pumps; Unable to fill tank to full capacity
Repairs/costs cited: Owner unable to fill tank normally; must estimate fuel level
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
About three weeks ago on 05 december 2011, I was driving my 2007 Dodge nitro 4x2 until I came to a stop at a red traffic light. I had my blinker on and was ready to make a right turn as soon as the light turned green. When the light turned green I lightly stepped on the accelerator when a loud explosion was heard and felt in the vehicle undercarriage. The vehicle's drive shaft had exploded…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Dodge nitro 4x2. While driving between 60-65 MPH, the transmission pulls, stutters, vibrates, and shakes. The vehicle jerks when the contact depresses the accelerator pedal. The vehicle also has difficulty shifting into the correct gear. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer more than ten times for the transmission. The o-ring has been replaced, the computer has…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Dodge nitro. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle made a stuttering noise, shook, and hesitated to accelerate. The contact called rochester hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (located at 1301 s rochester rd, rochester hills, mi 48307, 248-652-9650) and was informed that there was no recall; however, there was technical service bulletin number: 10034229…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Dodge Nitro?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 62 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 29,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 74,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.