At a Glance
The Dodge Nitro has 33 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Nitro (2007-2012) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 30K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Dodge Nitro common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Dodge Nitro generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Dodge Nitro Generations
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Most Common Dodge Nitro MOT Failures
Every reason Dodge Nitro vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake pads or linings worn | 20.75% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 11.82% |
| 3 | Brake disc or drum worn | 5.52% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.06% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 3.71% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.14% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 2.53% |
| 8 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.38% |
| 9 | Fog lamp not working | 2.19% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.13% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 1.81% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.79% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 1.68% |
| 14 | Indicator fault | 1.56% |
| 15 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.53% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.49% |
| 17 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.43% |
| 18 | ABS fault | 1.37% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.34% |
| 20 | Position lamp not working | 1.34% |
| 21 | Airbag warning light on | 1.11% |
| 22 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.11% |
| 23 | Propshaft fault | 1.11% |
| 24 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.04% |
| 25 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.92% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.88% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.88% |
| 28 | Front lamp not working | 0.85% |
| 29 | Brake caliper fault | 0.80% |
| 30 | Headlamp fault | 0.74% |
| 31 | Track rod end worn | 0.71% |
| 32 | Steering rack fault | 0.69% |
| 33 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.66% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.65% |
| 35 | Rear lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 36 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.58% |
| 37 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.56% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.56% |
| 39 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.50% |
| 40 | Rear suspension fault | 0.50% |
| 41 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.50% |
| 42 | Steering lock fault | 0.47% |
| 43 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.45% |
| 44 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.41% |
| 45 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.40% |
| 46 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.40% |
| 47 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.39% |
| 48 | Driver door fault | 0.34% |
| 49 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.33% |
| 50 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.31% |
| 51 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.30% |
| 52 | Brake lever fault | 0.28% |
| 53 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.28% |
| 54 | Driver airbag fault | 0.25% |
| 55 | Chassis condition | 0.24% |
| 56 | Driver seat fault | 0.24% |
| 57 | Electrical switch fault | 0.22% |
| 58 | Front passenger door fault | 0.22% |
| 59 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.22% |
| 60 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.19% |
| 61 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.17% |
| 62 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.17% |
| 63 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 64 | Spare wheel fault | 0.17% |
| 65 | Brake fluid leak | 0.16% |
| 66 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 67 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.16% |
| 68 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.15% |
| 69 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.13% |
| 70 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 72 | Exhaust leak | 0.11% |
| 73 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 74 | Horn not working | 0.11% |
| 75 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.11% |
| 76 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.11% |
| 77 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 78 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.11% |
| 79 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.10% |
| 80 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.10% |
| 81 | Passenger seat fault | 0.10% |
| 82 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.08% |
| 83 | Drag link end worn | 0.08% |
| 84 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 85 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 86 | Transmission oil leak | 0.08% |
| 87 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 88 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.07% |
| 89 | Towbar fault | 0.07% |
| 90 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 91 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.06% |
| 92 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 93 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 94 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.05% |
| 95 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 96 | Dip switch fault | 0.05% |
| 97 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 98 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 99 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | 0.05% |
| 100 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.04% |
| 101 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.04% |
| 102 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 103 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 104 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 105 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 106 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 107 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 108 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Halfshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Step damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 114 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 116 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 117 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.01% |
| 118 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 119 | Front suspension fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 121 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Seat belt anchorage fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Steering free play excessive | 0.01% |
| 127 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 129 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.01% |
| 130 | Wheel hub fault | 0.01% |
| 131 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
Showing all 131 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Dodge Nitro MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Dodge Nitro, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Nitro problems?
Based on analysis of 30K Dodge Nitro MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 33 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Dodge Nitro generation has the most problems?
The Dodge Nitro Nitro (2007-2012) (2007–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (42). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Dodge Nitro?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Dodge Nitro owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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