ProblemsByVin File / 2012-DODGE-NITRO NHTSA data synced 1 day ago

Dodge

2012 Dodge Nitro problems

The 2012 Dodge Nitro has 1 active recall campaign on file and only 2 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

The 2012 Dodge Nitro has 2 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Dodge Nitro owner complaints by model year
Model year	Owner complaints	Recalls
2009 Nitro	36	1
2010 Nitro	78	3
2011 Nitro	122	3
2012 Nitro (this page)	2	1

Reliability score

Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 2 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2012 Nitro?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 2 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2012 Nitro's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Nitro · electrical

The ignition switch snapped back and turns the key off resulting in a complete engine and electrical shut down at speed. The steering and brakes do not work at that point. It happened twice while going 70 MPH on the freeway. One additional time, the ignition switched snapped…

10/27/2020 · at 145,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11366769.0

2012 Nitro · airbags

We were notified that there was a recall on our Dodge nitro. However Dodge has made it as difficult as possible to have this recall corrected in the hopes you won't take your vehicle in and they won't have to spend money or time correcting the problem. In order to have a our…

05/18/2015 · at 38,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10717116.0

Had a problem with your 2012 Dodge Nitro? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 13V282000 July 2, 2013

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012

In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Nitro reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 2 owner complaints have been filed for the 2012 Dodge Nitro, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2012 Dodge Nitro?

Only 2 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2012 Dodge Nitro without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2012 Dodge Nitro?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2012 Dodge Nitro to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2012 Dodge Nitro a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 2 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Dodge Nitro?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Dodge Nitro has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Dodge Nitro?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 2 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Dodge/Nitro. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Dodge. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.