TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,714…
2011 dodge Nitro engine problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
THE HEATER CORE ON MY CAR HAS CRACKED AND IS LEAKING FUEL INTO THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A CAR WITH 60000 MILES THAT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD. I WAS TOLD THAT AN AVERAGE OF 178 HEATER CORES ARE BEING BOUGHT PER WEEK FOR DODGE NITROS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY HIGH NUMBER AND I WOULD HOPE A RECALL IS BEING LOOKED INTO. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 dodge Nitro?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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