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2010 Dodge Nitro powertrain problems

moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →

Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500

When does it fail?

Of the 5 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Dodge Nitro, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (33.3%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
1 (33.3%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
1 (33.3%)

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 has the fewest owner complaints on file (5).

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 Bulletin 9004009 Apr 2021

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9004361 Mar 2021

NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9004361 Mar 2021

NAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin S1121000006RevA Aug 2020

(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

powertrain · 160,000 mi · filed 12/19/2024

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the rear driveshaft suddenly detached from the rear of the vehicle and dragged on the ground. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was…

powertrain · 48,470 mi · filed 12/06/2010

Outside temp was approx 30-35 f, engine was running aprox 10 mins,while accelerating from 30mph to 50 MPH on the highway, the gas pedal stayed to the floor after I took my foot off, causing vehicle to continue accelerating to a higher MPH. I put transmission selector into neutral, engine raced to a higher RPM, used brakes to slow vehicle down and exited highway. When I stopped the vehicle, I…

powertrain · 88,276 mi · filed 11/06/2014

Moment before my drive shaft broke, I was driving 70 MPH on the highway. If my driveshaft would have broke like the way it did, I could have seriously been injured or caused a death. I excited the highway, and got off was stopped at a redlight and pressed the gas with no results. My vehicle started to back up, and I had to press the emergency brake. Thank you *tr

Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Dodge Nitro?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?

Based on the 5 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 81,549 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

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/2010/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.
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