Do they still make Dodge Nitro?

The Dodge Nitro is not in production. It was discontinued after the 2011 model year, and Dodge has not revived the name or introduced a direct successor. Today, any Nitro you encounter is a used vehicle, not a new model from Dodge.

What happened to the Dodge Nitro?

The Nitro arrived in Dodge’s lineup as a mid-size SUV for the 2007 model year. It remained on sale through 2011, with only minor styling updates and no new generations. Following Chrysler’s bankruptcy and the brand’s restructuring under Fiat ownership, Dodge ultimately exited the Nitro and redirected resources toward other models. There has been no official return of the Nitro nameplate, and the closest contemporary Dodge alternatives are larger or smaller SUVs and crossovers, rather than a Nitro successor.

Production timeline

Here's a concise timeline of the Nitro's production run and discontinuation.

1. Introduced for the 2007 model year and sold through 2011.


2. Entered its production span with limited changes and no major generational overhaul.


3. Discontinued after the 2011 model year; no 2012 Nitro was offered in most markets.


4. Post-discontinuation: no direct replacement was launched; the Nitro nameplate has remained dormant.

In summary, Dodge ended the Nitro with the 2011 model year, and there has been no official revival or direct successor since.

Current status and buying options

Before exploring the market, note the current status and what buyers should expect if they are considering a Nitro today.

• The Nitro is not available new; there are no current factory builds or dealer orders.


• Any Nitro on the market today will be a used vehicle from model years 2007–2011, with condition and mileage highly variable.


• Parts and service can be limited or costly; some components may cross-reference with other Chrysler/Mopar platforms or Jeep models, so finding knowledgeable support matters.


• Direct alternatives within Dodge’s current lineup include the Durango for a modern, three-row option, while Jeep’s Grand Cherokee or other mid-size SUVs offer comparable space and capability.

When shopping for a used Nitro, verify maintenance history, check for rust and transmission/4x4 performance, and consider a pre-purchase inspection to assess overall reliability and future repair costs.

Summary

The Dodge Nitro’s run was brief and ended more than a decade ago. There is no new Nitro on sale today, and Dodge has not reintroduced the model. For buyers today, the Nitro lives on only in the used-vehicle market, with availability and condition highly variable, while contemporary Dodge and Jeep alternatives offer current technology, warranties, and dealer support.

Is a Dodge Nitro a reliable car?

The Dodge Nitro's reliability is mixed, with some sources indicating it's a dependable vehicle, particularly in its later years, while others cite common issues. While some owners report high mileage without major problems, common complaints include electrical issues, starting problems, and transmission leaks. Other potential issues to watch for include problems with power locks and remote keyless entry.
 
This video discusses the common problems and weaknesses of the Dodge Nitro: 1mMasterCarsProYouTube · May 28, 2023
Positive reliability reports

• Some owners report that the Nitro is a very reliable vehicle, with some reaching high mileage with only regular maintenance. 
• Consumer reviews for models like the 2010 and 2011 indicate a reliability rating of 4.5 to 4.7 out of 5, says Cars.com, says Cars.com. 
• RepairPal gives the Nitro an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5. 

Common problems and issues

• Electrical problems: This is a frequent complaint, along with the engine not starting and stalling. 
• Transmission issues: Some owners report leaking transmissions. 
• Power locks and keyless entry: These systems have been identified as common failure points. 
• Heater problems: Some owners note that the heater may only blow hot air on one side of the cabin. 
• Interior and build quality: Some reviews mention issues with build quality, while others cite problems with interior parts. 

This video explores the history and major flaws of the Dodge Nitro: 58sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019
What to consider

• Age: The Nitro has not been produced since 2011, so reliability will depend on the vehicle's age and how well it has been maintained. 
• Maintenance history: A well-maintained Nitro is more likely to be reliable. 
• Inspection: Before purchasing, a thorough inspection is recommended to check for potential problems like those listed above.

What replaced Dodge Nitro?

This means the Hornet will actually be more of a direct replacement for the Dodge Nitro which was in production from 2007 to 2012. 2002 Dodge M80 Concept. (Dodge).

Why did the Dodge Nitro fail?

Poor quality in materials and profitability were just a few reasons for the Nitro's termination. In many ways the Nitro was developed as a close mirror to rival GM-made Jeep Liberty, also known as Jeep Cherokee, especially in regards to the configuration of the model's parts and engine capacity.

Why was Dodge Nitro discontinued?

The Dodge Nitro was discontinued primarily due to low sales and a combination of poor performance, fuel economy, and interior quality. The vehicle suffered from a rough ride, a noisy cabin, a cramped interior, and an outdated design that didn't compete well with rivals, leading to a steady decline in sales after its initial launch.
 
This video explains why the Dodge Nitro was discontinued, including its shortcomings: 51sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019

• Poor sales: After a decent start, sales dropped sharply, with the model failing to gain significant traction in a competitive market. 
• Poor fuel economy: The Nitro's engines were not fuel-efficient, which was a significant drawback compared to other SUVs on the market. 
• Lackluster interior: The interior was criticized for using cheap, hard plastics and having a poorly designed layout, which contributed to a low-quality feel. 
• Unrefined ride and handling: The Nitro had a rough, noisy ride and vague steering, making it uncomfortable for many drivers. 
• Underpowered engines: For its weight, the Nitro's engines were considered underpowered, especially the base V6. 
• Outdated platform: The vehicle was based on an older platform from the Jeep Liberty and didn't receive significant updates, leaving it behind newer models.