An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical components while driving and while parked. These failures occur without warning and create a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of propulsion in interstate traffic and unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has become progressively more frequent despite previous repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection. I fear for my life.
Dodge Nitro wipers problems
181 of the 1,114 owner complaints about the Dodge Nitro describe windshield wiper failure, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 181
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 91,000
By model year
Often reported together
Headlights 31Door locks 25Stalling 24Won't start 14Check engine light 9Loss of power 7Fire or smoke 7Warning lights 6
Trouble codes mentioned
P0507 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle frequently experienced electrical malfunctions, and the interior lights and windshield wipers would activate spontaneously. The “TEM” warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, activating the turn signals unintendedly caused the wipers to activate, and the air bag warning light would remain illuminated. While the vehicle was turned off, the warning lights continued flashing intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,174.
Took car in for windshield wiper safety recall on 3/24/23. BEFORE the recall the wipers worked perfectly. After the dealer serviced the wipers they sometimes would not go off and then seemed to be stalling a lot but I did not have many occasions where I needed to use the wipers as I work from home and have a second car in the household. Today I was driving in a severe thunderstorm when they stopped working completely. In fact, they are now stuck in the upright position and will not move. This is EXTREMELY dangerous and exactly what the recall was meant to avoid! It makes me wonder if the mechanics actually did anything to my car at all.
Windshield wipers stopped working while in the “on” position on the windshield. I replaced the wiper motor but the wipers still do not work. Yes, this issue was inspected by several reputable mechanics and service centers. This issue causes safety issues as I live in a region who experiences most of almost all precipitation including rain, hail, snow and etc. I am unable to drive under these conditions because I am unable to use my wipers. There were no warning signs or messages before the wipers failed. I was informed by the Dodge/Chrysler dealership that this is a common issue with this truck and year.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the horn and the rear and front windshield wipers were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that her neighbor disconnected and reconnected the battery and the failure was corrected. The vehicle was not diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 168,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle the horn inadvertently started blowing and windshield wipers activated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with an unknown electrical wiring failure. The dealer replaced the battery cables; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
Wipers have stopped working after the recall was repaired
The wiper relays went out recently and somehow caused the door locks to beep and go crazy then die completely. And a few weeks ago the brake came undone somehow and fell into the wheel well, ripping the inside of the rim open causing a blow out while my wife, 2 year old and I were on the freeway. And now after taking it to 2 different dodge dealerships, the problems are not fixed, there is more warning lights on than I've ever seen. And so far both places have told me they fixed an emblem on the steering wheel, and that the other recalls aren't applicable because of being a 2007 and the recalls are for the 2008. Even though my nitro is obviously having the same if not worse problems. All the way down to the emergency brake not working, we love our nitro and dodge as a company and would please like some kind of help with this situation. Our vehicle is our only source of transportation and it is not safe for us to be driving, especially in the winter conditions we just got hit with here. Thank you for your help to whom this may concern. Here are some pictures of what happened with the brakes, thank the lord we were getting off the freeway when the brakes gave way, if we had been on the freeway 15 seconds more, the accident would have been fatal without question.
The vehicle windshield wiper system comes on while driving constantly. It is very distracting and definitely causes an obstruction in your visibility. It is very annoying as well. It acts as if the wiper system does not want to go in the park position on the wiper motor.
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while his daughter was starting the vehicle, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the windshield wipers remained operational after the windshield wiper button was disengaged. The contact's daughter was also unable to move the gear shifter from PARK to DRIVE. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Related recalls
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 dodge nitro passenger vehicles. The windshield wiper system may experience a condition over time where high usage of the variable pause wiper function ("delay" mode) may eventually affect primary wiper function, rendering the wiper system inoperable.
- Risk
- Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and add external relays and update the totally integrated power module software to control the wiper functions. The safety recall is expected to begin during february 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑835‑1403.
Recall number 09V438000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Nitro wipers
Which Dodge Nitro years have windshield wiper failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (115 complaints), 2007 (36 complaints) and 2011 (19 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix windshield wiper failure on the Dodge Nitro?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 19 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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