What kind of motor is in a Dodge Nitro?

The Dodge Nitro uses gasoline internal-combustion engines, not diesel or electric propulsion. It was offered with two V6 powertrains: a 3.7-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter inline-6, depending on the year and trim.

The Nitro was produced in the late 2000s to early 2010s as a boxy, mid-size SUV built on the same platform as the Jeep Liberty. For prospective buyers and restorers, understanding the engine options helps explain performance, maintenance, and parts compatibility across model years.

Engine options

Below are the two gasoline engine choices that were commonly available in the Dodge Nitro, along with typical power outputs.

• 3.7-liter PowerTech V6 (SOHC, 24 valves) — about 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.


• 4.0-liter Magnum inline-6 (SOHC, 24 valves) — about 242 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.

Note: Exact figures varied by year, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), and whether the vehicle was tuned for specific markets. The 4.0L engine is an inline-6, not a traditional V6, and offered stronger low-end torque for off-road or heavier-duty use.

What this means for drivers

In practice, the Nitro’s motors provided two distinct power profiles: the 3.7L V6 delivered adequate everyday performance, while the 4.0L inline-6 offered stronger acceleration and towing potential. Neither engine option was diesel or hybrid, and both relied on conventional gasoline fuel systems paired with automatic transmissions in most configurations.

Summary

The Dodge Nitro’s motor lineup centers on two gasoline engines: a 3.7-liter PowerTech V6 and a 4.0-liter Magnum inline-6, with horsepower typically ranging from about 210 to 242 hp and torque from roughly 235 to 270 lb-ft, depending on year and drivetrain.

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.

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. 

What year to avoid Dodge Nitro?

The 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro model years are generally considered the ones to avoid due to a high number of common issues, including electrical problems, no-start conditions, and power door lock failures. While specific years like 2007 and 2009 had various recalls, the issues with electrical systems (like the wireless control module), persistent starting problems, and door lock malfunctions were reported across the entire production run. 
You can watch this video to learn about the history and major flaws of the Dodge Nitro: 50sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019
Common problems across 2007–2011 models 

• Electrical issues: A common problem is the wireless control module (WCM) being affected by electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can cause the anti-theft system to activate and prevent the vehicle from starting. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) or fuse box can also cause numerous electrical problems.
• No-start condition: Even with a working battery, starter, and alternator, the vehicle may fail to start due to the WCM or other electrical gremlins.
• Power door locks: Many owners report issues with power door locks that either don't work or work intermittently.
• Illuminated liftgate light: The liftgate "ajar" light and interior courtesy lights can stay on even when the liftgate is fully closed. 

This video explains the common problem of Dodge Nitro's engine not starting: 41sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 27, 2024
Specific year issues

• 2007: Had a recall related to hydraulic service brakes that could cause a loss of control.
• 2008–2010: Involved in a recall for the airbags, steering, and power train which included a potential for the driveshaft to break and cause the airbags to deploy. 

This video discusses the common problems and issues with the Dodge Nitro: 1mAutoProblemsYouTube · Apr 21, 2023

What engine does the Dodge Nitro have?

3.7-liter V-6
The Nitro's base engine was a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, while the performance-oriented R/T trim got a 260-hp, …