What would cause my 2011 Dodge Nitro check engine light to come on?

The check engine light, on a 2011 Dodge Nitro and all other vehicles, is essentially a catch all for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which need to be read with an OBD-II scan tool. The causes for the light to come on run the gamut, from a loose gas cap to a failed oxygen sensor to problems with the fuel pump. While some issues are more common than others, there's really no way to tell what Your issue may be without reading Your codes. If You don't have access to a scan tool, You can typically find free access through most automotive part stores. Once You know the relevant DTC to Your issue, it's simple to find the problem and discover the solution; until then, however, it's impossible to narrow Your issue based on a check engine light alone.