Which Years Of Used Dodge Nitros Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
Black Dodge Nitro

Dodge Nitro by Vauxford - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV selection from Dodge, lasting from 2007-2012. It existed across a single generation and provided plenty of room for riders and cargo in a much smaller shell. If you’re interested in a used version of the older Dodge Nitro, you might wonder - what is the most reliable Dodge Nitro year on the market?

It’s a big deal to purchase a vehicle, especially if you’re going to be buying used. Some years will provide high value for your money, while others will act as vampires on your bank account. It might feel impossible to land on the ideal year - which is where we come in. Read on to learn more about the best Nitro years, the worst, and other valuable information. 


THE DODGE NITRO YEARS TO AVOID

So for today’s post, we highlight the worst Dodge Nitro years to avoid and offer insights into why used car buyers should avoid them. Let’s take a look.


Most Reliable Years for The Dodge Nitro

The Dodge Nitro didn’t last long, but it made an impact in the six years it was available. It has room for five passengers inside and even more cargo, allowing for excellent road trips and commutes with friends and families. There are many reliable used selections for the Dodge Nitro on the market today.

Here are the best years available for the Dodge Nitro available for sale:

  • 2010 Dodge Nitro
  • 2011 Dodge Nitro

If you’re searching for the most reliable Dodge Nitro year, keep these two in your mind to avoid paying more than you need.

It’s vital to purchase the best available, especially if you’re pursuing an SUV that will carry many people from one place to another on the busy street. It’s always better to be safe than sorry with dependability, and these two years stand out as champions.

Are Dodge Nitros Generally Reliable?

There are two top-notch selections from the Dodge Nitro. However, these choices don’t speak for the Dodge Nitro as a whole. What does reliability look like across all years? Is this vehicle worth the overall investment?

According to repairpal.com, the Dodge Nitro scores 3.55. This number puts it right in the middle of the pack, which is okay for a vehicle of its size. According to withclutch.com, the Nitro scores 53. This number does not bode well for used versions on the market.

Go with the best years, and you will be safe with your Dodge Nitro. It’s a quality vehicle with several troubles that appear occasionally, on the move.


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Which Dodge Nitro Years Are the Least Reliable?

We’ve talked about the worst years, but what about the best? There are several quality choices for the Dodge Nitro among the available selections on the market. We’ve compiled a list to make it easier for you to pick your favorite.

Here are the worst years for the Dodge Nitro:

  • 2007 Dodge Nitro
  • 2008 Dodge Nitro
  • 2009 Dodge Nitro


If you’re looking for the most reliable Dodge Nitro year, avoid these choices at all costs.

These years have the most complaints and troubles from customers by far. A few gripes included issues with the transmission, electrical system, air conditioning system errors, brake troubles, build quality, and more. These years are not as high-quality as their competitors, and the price you spend annually on repairs will reflect that laziness.  

Are Dodge Nitros Expensive to Maintain?

According to carparts.com, the Dodge Nitro costs $582 to repair annually, which puts it almost $100 below the average. It won’t cost more than its competitors per year unless you put it in harm’s way or refrain from caring for it for a long time.

It’s unlikely you will need to take your Dodge Nitro to the shop for a repair. However, if you do, there is a slightly higher chance your necessary repairs will be expensive. 

If you are the owner of a Dodge Nitro, ensure you care for it as best as possible. Take it to the shop for routine maintenance, listen for breaks, and ensure you drive at a consistent speed. The better you care for your vehicle, the longer it will last.

Which Dodge Is Most Reliable?

Perhaps you’re determined to invest in a Dodge, but you only want the most dependable car. The Nitro is a dependable selection, but others rank above it in terms of reliability.

According to iseecars.com, here are the most reliable choices from Dodge:

  • Dodge Caravan
  • Dodge Durango
  • Dodge Charger

These are the best from the Dodge brand.

If you’re determined to purchase a vehicle with the best dependability, go with one of these three vehicles. However, if you’re determined to get the Nitro, it will provide decent performance, too.


THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET

Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals. 


What Are the Most Common Dodge Nitro Problems?

As with any vehicle, some troubles appear across all years. It’s ideal to know about them before making a final decision.

According to carparts.com, here are the most common issues in the Dodge Nitro:

  • Engine will not start
  • Defective power lock on the door
  • Loose steering wheel emblems 

Search for these as you hit the gas.

These could appear in the best or worst years of the Dodge Nitro. However, they are most likely to surface in the least dependable selections.

Is The Dodge Nitro Worth It?

If you want a unique compact SUV for a lower price, the Dodge Nitro is worth it. It’s very straightforward and offers excellent options for those behind the wheel.

There are always alternatives if you don’t want the Dodge Nitro. However, it’s a top contender if you pick the best year.


IS GAP INSURANCE WORTH IT?

Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? We break down what gap insurance is, if it’s worth it, and more - simply and with plenty of examples. 


Final Thoughts

The Dodge Nitro has several excellent years and others that aren’t as ideal. We recommend the 2010 and 2011 options to ensure you get the most out of your money. It’s well worth the purchase, so long as you stick with the years with the best track record. 

We hope this information is valuable! The more you know about the Dodge Nitro, the easier it will be to land on the right year for your wallet to invest in at the store.



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