2007 Dodge Nitro

The 2010 Nitro shares the same failure-prone TIPM as the contemporary Jeep Liberty (both built on the same platform). The fuel pump relay within the TIPM sticks, causing no-start conditions or a continuously running fuel pump. Additional TIPM failures cause intermittent windshield wiper activation, horn honking, and power window malfunctions.

Replace the TIPM assembly with a new or remanufactured unit. A fuel pump relay bypass kit can be installed as a temporary measure for the fuel pump relay issue specifically. TSB 08-040-10 covers TIPM diagnostic procedures. Ensure the replacement TIPM is the correct part number for the specific model year and engine configuration.

The 3.7L PowerTech V6 engine develops a ticking or knocking noise from the cylinder heads caused by valve seat recession and worn rocker arm shafts. In severe cases, a valve seat drops into the cylinder, causing catastrophic engine damage. Carbon buildup on the intake valves also causes rough idle and misfires.

If the engine is knocking but has not suffered valve seat failure, replacing the rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters may resolve the noise. TSB 09-005-10 covers rocker arm inspection. If a valve seat has dropped, the cylinder head must be replaced or rebuilt. Using top-tier fuel with proper detergent levels helps prevent carbon buildup.

The exhaust manifold bolts on the 3.7L V6 are prone to breaking due to heat cycling, causing a ticking exhaust leak that is especially noticeable on cold starts. The broken bolts are extremely difficult to extract from the aluminum cylinder heads without damaging the head. This issue is nearly universal on high-mileage 3.7L engines.

Extract the broken exhaust manifold bolts using a left-hand drill bit and easy-out extractor. If the bolt breaks flush with the head, a professional extraction or heli-coil repair may be needed. Replace all exhaust manifold bolts with updated Mopar studs and copper exhaust manifold gaskets. Applying anti-seize compound to the new fasteners prevents future seizure.

The 4WD system on the Nitro uses a front axle disconnect mechanism that fails to engage or disengage properly, leaving the vehicle stuck in 2WD or 4WD. The transfer case motor and shift fork also wear, causing grinding when shifting between 2WD and 4WD modes. Leaking transfer case seals cause fluid loss and eventual internal damage.

Replace the front axle disconnect actuator motor and fork assembly. Check the transfer case fluid level and condition, replacing with Mopar ATF+4 if contaminated or low. TSB 21-009-10 addresses transfer case shift motor diagnosis. If the transfer case is grinding during engagement, internal damage may require rebuild or replacement.

The front lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends wear prematurely on the Nitro, causing clunking over bumps, loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear. The ball joint boots crack, allowing grease to escape and water to enter, accelerating wear. This issue is especially prevalent on vehicles used off-road or in areas with rough road surfaces.

Replace both front lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends. The lower ball joints are pressed into the lower control arms and require a ball joint press for replacement. Perform a four-wheel alignment after all steering and suspension component replacement. Inspect the upper ball joints as well, as they often wear shortly after the lowers.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 DODGE NITRO PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM MAY EXPERIENCE A CONDITION OVER TIME WHERE HIGH USAGE OF THE VARIABLE PAUSE WIPER FUNCTION ("DELAY" MODE) MAY EVENTUALLY AFFECT PRIMARY WIPER FUNCTION, RENDERING THE WIPER SYSTEM INOPERABLE.

INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE IMPAIRED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD EXTERNAL RELAYS AND UPDATE THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE SOFTWARE TO CONTROL THE WIPER FUNCTIONS. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.

THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARK BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE MAY ALLOW A MOMENTARY DELAY IN BRAKING WHEN COASTING UP A HILL DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS.

THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH NEW SOFTWARE THAT PREVENTS THIS CONDITION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIPM) WAS PROGRAMMED WITH SOFTWARE THAT MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TIPM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKES TO LOCK UP DURING CERTAIN BRAKING CONDITIONS.

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.