2011 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 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. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.

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

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.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.