Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Nitro electrical problems
moderate 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 48 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Nitro, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 48 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of electrical system failures in the 2011 Dodge Nitro, with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) appearing at the center of many complaints. The most dangerous failure mode is unplanned engine shutdown while driving. Multiple owners report the engine cutting off at highway speeds, in intersections, or during braking—sometimes requiring restart attempts before regaining control. Some also describe uncontrolled acceleration followed by shutdown, with one owner noting a "red lightning bolt" warning before losing power. A second Nitro experienced a driver-side door fire traced to the power master window switch (PMWS), melting the door panel.
Power window failures are widespread. Owners struggle to operate driver-side windows, with one noting the switch fell out after repeated finessing attempts over five minutes. A few report windows rolling down on their own after the vehicle is parked and locked.
The TIPM failure cascade triggers wipers that activate unbidden and won't turn off, blinkers that stop working, horn blaring while parked or at idle (sometimes for hours), gauge cluster failures ("NO BUS" messages), and loss of speed/fuel gauges during driving. Multiple owners report their VINs were excluded from recalls despite identical failure symptoms. Repair attempts often fail—one owner's TIPM was reprogrammed twice with no permanent fix. Dealerships sometimes misdiagnose these electrical faults as mechanical problems (door sensors, wiper motors) or claim no codes exist, leading to costly out-of-pocket repairs.
Keyless entry and ignition issues also recur: fobs won't unlock doors, vehicles won't start despite working batteries, and anti-theft alarms sound constantly. One owner reports disconnecting the battery to silence a honking horn.
Same Dodge Nitro electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine shutdown while driving
Engine cuts off unexpectedly during motion or at stops; sometimes requires multiple restart attempts; occurs at highway speeds, intersections, and in traffic.
When: Occurs unpredictably while driving and at rest; some owners report it happening repeatedly over months to years
Symptoms owners cite: engine shuts off without warning; loss of power steering and brake assist; dashboard warning lights flash; red lightning bolt indicator appears before shutdown; vehicle requires restart attempts before responding
Codes mentioned: NO BUS message on gauge cluster, CHECK ENGINE light
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement attempted in some cases; dealerships initially claim no fault codes exist; one owner paid $1,030 for TIPM replacement not covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denies warranty coverage, states defect did not originate from engine; no recall issued for affected VINs
TIPM-related cascading electrical failures
Totally Integrated Power Module failures trigger multiple simultaneous electrical malfunctions including loss of gauge control, wiper activation, blinker failure, and horn operation.
When: Intermittent; can recur multiple times per day or sporadically over weeks; one owner reported 9 instances during a 6-hour drive
Symptoms owners cite: windshield wipers activate and won't turn off; turn signals become inoperable; all dashboard gauges and warning lights flash simultaneously; odometer displays 'NO BUS'; horn sounds continuously or unexpectedly; loss of high beam and fog light control; loss of speed and fuel gauges; chiming and system reset sounds
Codes mentioned: TIPM fault (implied by symptom pattern), Gate ajar warning
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement quoted at $708–$936 plus labor; one TIPM reprogramming ($708) failed; second reprogramming also failed to resolve issues permanently; one owner reported paying ~$4,000 out-of-pocket before realizing warranty should have covered it
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for some model year/VIN combinations (Campaign 13V282000), but many owners' VINs excluded despite identical symptoms; Dodge refuses to cover as warranty or recall; some dealers unable to source replacement parts
Power window switch failure / door fire
Driver-side power master window switch (PMWS) fails; in one case, the switch overheated and caught fire, melting the door panel and trapping occupants.
When: 2014 model-year owner experienced multiple window failures in August 2014, culminating in door fire on 10/20/2014
Symptoms owners cite: window won't respond to switch input; switch falls out of mounting; requires repeated attempts to raise or lower window; PMWS smokes and ignites, melting door panel; occupant unable to exit vehicle through driver door
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs; fire incident required vehicle to be written off or extensively repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler notified 10/21/2014; owner states no callback received despite promise of 24-hour response; no recall mentioned
Uncontrolled acceleration and stalling
Accelerator pedal depresses on its own or vehicle accelerates without input; brakes sometimes fail to respond; followed by stalling in intersections or mid-road.
When: Multiple incidents over 2–3 years; one owner reported it happening in 2015, 2016 (twice), and 2017
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle accelerates on its own; accelerator pedal depresses without driver input; brakes do not respond; steering seized; engine stalls in intersection; red lightning bolt warning before stall; vehicle shuts down mid-street
Codes mentioned: Red lightning bolt indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced relay box; failure recurred; subsequent visits charged diagnostic fees; another dealer eventually confirmed electrical root cause; owner out-of-pocket for diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge states no warranty coverage; denies electrical origin; no recall; dealer (Ed Shults) initially insisted it was not electrical; second dealer (Dave Warren) confirmed electrical issue
Keyless entry and ignition failure
Keyless fob won't unlock doors; vehicle won't start even with working battery; anti-theft alarm activates when doors open or close.
When: Intermittent; some owners report multiple incidents within one week, worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: keyless fob fails to unlock doors; ignition won't engage despite key insertion; anti-theft alarm sounds continuously when doors open/close; alarm won't deactivate with fob or key; dashboard lights come on but engine won't crank
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer remedy: pulling and re-inserting fuse; one owner towed vehicle at own expense; no permanent fix identified in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall reported; dealership pulled fuse as temporary fix
Random horn activation
Horn sounds independently while vehicle is parked, locked, or moving slowly through parking areas; can sound for extended periods.
When: Occurs sporadically; one owner reports two incidents about two months apart; another had multiple episodes
Symptoms owners cite: horn blares unexpectedly while parked; horn activates while driving at low speeds; horn won't deactivate; starles driver and pedestrians
Codes mentioned: TIPM failure (implied), Anti-theft system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: disconnect battery; one owner pulled horn fuse; permanent fix requires TIPM replacement; owners note this is 'a common issue for this year model'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Horn fuse removal mentioned; TIPM replacement recommended but not recalled for all affected vehicles; one owner's VIN excluded from recall despite manufacturing date within recall window
Door lock module failure
Electronic door lock system fails; rear hatch latch becomes inoperable; only one door has manual key lock; system failure is widespread in 2011 Nitro models.
When: Occurs after vehicle is parked; intermittent at first, then total failure
Symptoms owners cite: doors cannot be unlocked electronically; rear hatch latch inoperable; only one door has manual key lock available; occupants can only unlock doors from inside
Repairs/costs cited: Part on national back order due to 'overwhelming failures'; repair cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; part shortage indicates widespread known issue
Anti-theft alarm false triggers
Alarm activates repeatedly even when vehicle is locked and parked; often triggered by door opening/closing or locking; won't deactivate normally.
When: Occurs after locking vehicle overnight or when opening any door; can repeat multiple times in succession
Symptoms owners cite: alarm sounds while vehicle is locked in driveway; alarm triggers within minutes of locking vehicle; alarm sounds when opening any of the four doors; trunk 'ajar' or 'gate ajar' warning displays incorrectly; alarm won't stop even after unlocking and relocking vehicle
Codes mentioned: Gate ajar warning (false), Trunk unlocked warning (false)
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM reprogramming attempted; diagnoses of faulty door sensors proved incorrect after owner manual cleaning of all contacts; owner paid for unnecessary parts and labor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership misdiagnosed as door sensor fault initially; TIPM reprogramming did not permanently resolve; some owners charged out-of-pocket despite warranty coverage
Windshield wiper malfunction
Wipers activate on their own, turn on when engine starts despite no input, or won't turn off once activated; also fail to operate when needed.
When: Can occur at startup, while stationary, or during driving; intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: wipers activate without input; wipers won't turn off; wipers turn on when engine starts; wipers activate and deactivate randomly; wipers fail to work when needed; pulling wiper fuse temporarily disables them
Codes mentioned: TIPM fault
Repairs/costs cited: Initial diagnosis: wiper motor failure ($300); upon wiper motor replacement failure, identified as TIPM issue; TIPM replacement quoted at $936 plus labor (~$1,500 total); one owner out-of-vehicle for a week
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially blamed wiper motor; TIPM replacement not recalled for owner's VIN despite prior recalls on similar model years
Turn signal and lighting control failure
Blinkers and high beams become inoperable; dashboard lighting controls fail; lights may stay on when vehicle is off.
When: Intermittent; can occur during TIPM cascade failures or independently
Symptoms owners cite: turn signals won't engage; high beams inoperable; lighting controls unresponsive; headlights remain bright when vehicle is off; brake lights flash or won't turn off; interior and dashboard lights activate spontaneously
Codes mentioned: TEM warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced circuit board and bulbs; lights failed again within three days; root cause not identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement reported; dealership replaced components without addressing underlying electrical fault
Airbag warning light and system malfunction
Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently or stays on; no diagnostic indicates actual airbag faults; related to broader electrical system issues.
When: Illuminates during startup or while driving; some owners report intermittent activation
Symptoms owners cite: airbag warning light illuminates intermittently; airbag warning light stays on continuously; no airbag diagnostic codes detected; light may flash along with other dashboard warnings
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning (cause not identified)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealership diagnostics found no fault
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V282000 issued for some VINs (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, parts unavailable and many owners' VINs excluded despite matching symptoms; manufacturer unable to provide expected date for remedy parts
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) false warnings
Tire pressure warning light remains on even after tires are properly inflated or replaced.
When: Intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS light illuminates despite correct tire pressure; light stays on after tires changed or aired; no actual tire pressure issue present
Codes mentioned: Tire pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: No effective repair identified by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unresponsive
HVAC system malfunction
Defrost and air conditioning fail to operate or activate unexpectedly; engine runs hot when systems engage.
When: Occurs when vehicle is started, stationary, or in motion
Symptoms owners cite: defrost inoperable; air conditioning fails; engine begins to run hot when HVAC activated; systems engage without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports repeated HVAC failures requiring multiple repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty assistance mentioned
Radio and dashboard display failure
Radio stops working; dashboard display lights illuminate unexpectedly; radio display lights illuminate without cause.
When: Intermittent or persistent
Symptoms owners cite: radio inoperable; radio display lights illuminate unexpectedly; dashboard lights come on randomly
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement reported
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Airbag symbol keeps jumping on and dinging and their is a malfunctioning of the airbag which showed after being but on a machine. The tire even when changed or applying air the light still jumps on like it’ has low air pressure. And the electrical the door lock n unlock is backwards lock will be unlock and unlock is locked. Only 3 doors will lock automatically.
Wipers stopped working 12/20/16. Dealership said it was the wiper motor and it was $300.00 to repair. When the wiper motor replacement didn't work we were told it was the tipm and no recalls however previous years prior there where recalls. The tipm is going to cost $936.00 plus the repair cost looking at rough estimate of $1,500. It's fortunate I was in my driveway and not driving in a rain…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge nitro. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the engine began to rev as the rpms increased independently. In addition, the doors failed to lock electronically and all doors locked independently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the tipm needed to be replaced however, the part…
When I get in the car, all the lights and door ajar sounds happen like normal. When I put the key into ignition and attempt to crank it, all the lights in the dash come on but the vehicle will not start or even turn over or click,,,nothing. After start attempt, the check engine light, gas cap light and tire light stay on and everything else shuts off. I have been a week without the car because…
My 2011 Dodge seems to have an electrical issue. I am unable to use the defrost, or air. Each time I turn it on the engine begins to run hot. Also my windshield wipers turn on when I start my engine, but they were not engaged. This happens wen the vehicle is turned on and stationary as well as when in motion.
My windshield wipers come on in and won't turn off. It happens when I turn on vehicle and wont turn off unless I pull out the fuse for them and leave the fuse out for while. At the same time the problem starts with the wipers, my blinkers won't work at all. I haven't been able to find a quick fix to get them to work again, unless I disconnect my battery and then reconnect it. That doesnt always…
Driving on 2 lane highway and had to brake hard as another vehicle cut me off. As soon as I did (brake) my SUV shut off...all the lights flashed on the dash board. I immediately put the flashers on and hoped I didn't get rear-ended. I tried 3x to restart my 2011 Dodge nitro- it finally started. I was near the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, I pulled in, told them what just happened.…
Using my keyless entry fob, I unlocked my door and tried to start my vehicle. The vehicle would not start, but the dash lights came on so I knew the battery was not dead. I thought the battery on the key fob might be going out, so I went to purchase another key fob battery. With the new battery in the key fob, I tried to unlock my vehicle and it would not open. I used the key to manually…
3 weeks after having my 2011 Dodge nitro detenator would stick between gears, at both slow and high speeds and I was burnning through gas way too fast. Nissian found my tansmittion oil to be black, I paid for flush and told it was good to go. Next day the car died, the throttle body indicator came on, this was fixed, still burning through gas! Couple weeks later now it sounds like a disel engine…
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 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 electrical problem on the 2011 Dodge Nitro?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 48 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 55,127 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,127; 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2011/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.