The 2007 Dodge Nitro is an inexpensive option on the used market for a compact SUV, and with its distinctive styling, it may be appealing to some buyers. However, the 2007 model has several dangerous problems, including rear driveshaft failure, and brakes locking due to faulty software.
Key Points
- Software in one of the power modules may cause the 2007 Dodge Nitro to stall without warning.
- A dangerous flaw with a piece of heat shielding can cause the rear driveshaft to break, sometimes deploying the airbags.
- Drivers have reported vibrations from the transmission at around 40 miles per hour.
- The interior and exterior of the 2007 Nitro has some quality issues, resulting in doors that won’t open, roof racks that come loose, and parking brake lever that could cause a crash.
- Due to the numerous safety concerns, the 2007 Dodge Nitro should be avoided in favor of a newer model or different compact SUV.
2007 Dodge Nitro Has Eight Recalls, and Several Were Launched Over Dangerous Brake System Problems
The 2007 Dodge Nitro has been recalled eight times and has over 800 registered complaints with the NHTSA.
The compact sport utility vehicle’s owner complaints show a wide range of problems for the Nitro. Some of the most dangerous issues are related to the brake system.
Drivers report that the brakes will suddenly require a large amount of force to bring the vehicle to a stop. Some say the issue required them to swerve to avoid a collision on multiple occasions.
Also, a recall was issued in 2006 over the antilock brake system’s software, which may cause the rear brakes to lock up, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
A year later, a second recall was issued, because the ABS system software may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill.
Poorly Mounted Heatshielding May Cause the Rear Driveshaft to Break, Deploying the Airbags
One of the most dangerous problems encountered on the 2007 Dodge Nitro is a faulty rear driveshaft. Heat shielding is known to dislodge and rub against the driveshaft, and in some cases, cause it to snap.
Drivers say the problem can happen at slow or highway speeds and can even cause the airbags to deploy.
This problem was addressed in a 2013 recall, prompting dealers to add an additional support bracket on the heat shielding.
However, drivers are still reporting the problem years later, showing that many of the affected vehicles are still on the road.
If you were to encounter this problem, the cost of replacing the driveshaft averages around $750. And remember, that doesn’t include the price of repairing additional damage or replacing airbags if they had deployed.
Drivetrain Problems on the Nitro Include Transmission Vibrations and Engine Stalling
Electrical problems on the 2007 Dodge Nitro may cause the engine to stall, seemingly at random.
One of the vehicle’s recalls mentions that one of the power modules may be allowing the engine to stall, requiring dealers to reprogram the system.
NHTSA complaints report the problem happening at highway speeds, creating dangerous situations where drivers find themselves without power steering and power brakes.
Problems continue, as owners on Nitro Forumz have also reported various transmission issues, including experiencing vibrations at around 40 mph. The problem has not been addressed in a recall or investigation, and the cause is not clear.
However, according to one driver, the vibrating transmission problem seemed to be solved with a new torque converter.
For drivers who experience these issues, the cost of a replacement torque converter will likely be between $600 and $1,000.
Quality Issues Plague 2007 Dodge Nitro’s Interior and Exterior
Some of the most common complaints about the 2007 Dodge Nitro are related to build quality of the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Over 200 Dodge Nitro owners note on Repair Pal that they’ve experienced one or more of the power door locks become inoperative.
Reportedly, modifications to the door hardware and door panel may be necessary to correct the problem.
Other owners have reported that the roof rack has started to come loose from the roof of the vehicle, posing a danger to other drivers.
Also, a recall was issued over a problematic parking brake lever that could move inadvertently and cause a crash.
2007 Dodge Nitro’s Safety Issues May Be Reason Enough to Look for a Newer Model Year or Different Vehicle Altogether
Because of the numerous safety concerns, the 2007 Dodge Nitro should be carefully scrutinized or avoided altogether.
If you do decide to purchase a used Dodge Nitro, it’s advisable to look for a later model year as some of the problems will have been resolved via recalls.
Additionally, the vehicle should be taken to a Dodge dealership to ensure that all of the eight recalls have been addressed on your particular Nitro.
Photos: Stellantis
