What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A.
The Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A range, with 3 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
KA (2007–2012) — Engine options included the 2.8L CRD. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Suspension pin and bush excessive wear (£400–£800 to address).
The Nitro experiences accelerated wear of suspension bushes and pins, particularly in the front suspension arms and anti-roll bar links. MOT data shows this model fails at 22.4 times the national fleet average for suspension component wear. The issue appears across multiple mileage bands from 60,000 miles onwards, suggesting a design weakness rather than normal wear patterns. This affects ride quality, handling precision, and can lead to uneven tyre wear.
Worn suspension components compromise handling safety and cause accelerated tyre wear. Multiple components typically need replacement together, with labour costs escalating due to the need to disturb adjacent components. The vehicle remains driveable but handling becomes less predictable and stopping distances may increase.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The Nitro's parking brake system shows poor efficiency at MOT test, failing at 18.2 times the national average. This typically indicates worn brake shoes in the rear drum portion of the brake system, cable stretch, or adjuster mechanism problems. The parking brake on this model incorporates drum brakes within the rear disc brake assembly, and the adjustment mechanism is known to seize or fail to compensate for shoe wear.
A parking brake with less than 50% efficiency will fail the MOT test and the vehicle cannot be driven legally on public roads. On steep inclines, the vehicle may roll even when the parking brake is applied. Repair typically requires replacement of rear brake shoes, adjustment mechanism service, and cable renewal.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
MOT data shows the Nitro fails at 3.8 times the national average for brake binding, where significant brake effort is recorded with no brake pedal applied. This indicates brake calipers that are not releasing fully, typically due to seized pistons, corroded guide pins, or deteriorated brake hoses. The problem is worsening according to MOT trend data and can cause rapid brake pad wear, overheating, and reduced fuel economy.
Binding brakes cause rapid pad and disc wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential brake overheating leading to brake fade or fire risk. The affected corner may pull the vehicle during normal driving, compromising safety. Repair requires caliper rebuild or replacement and often includes brake hose renewal.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The Nitro shows elevated MOT failure rates for exhaust system problems at higher mileages, failing at 2.4 times the national average. This typically manifests as corrosion of the rear silencer, middle section joints, or flexible sections. The exhaust system on this model is prone to premature corrosion, particularly at the joints between sections where moisture accumulates.
A leaking exhaust system will fail the MOT test for emissions or noise levels. Leaks before the catalytic converter can affect engine performance and fuel economy. Exhaust leaks near the passenger compartment present a carbon monoxide risk. Repair typically requires sectional replacement rather than full system renewal.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
MOT data indicates the Nitro experiences brake pad wear at 2.1 times the national average in the 100,000-120,000 mile range. This elevated wear rate may be related to the brake binding issues documented elsewhere on this model, or due to the vehicle's weight and brake system design. The pattern suggests systematic rather than normal wear characteristics.
Worn brake pads reduce stopping performance and can damage the brake discs if allowed to wear to the metal backing plates. The elevated wear rate on this model means more frequent brake service intervals and higher running costs. Pads worn below 1.5mm will fail the MOT test.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A common problems page.
Based on 2k real DVSA MOT tests, the Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is suspension pin, bush or joint worn at 22x the fleet average, followed by parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (18x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 6k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Dodge (usa) Nitro SXT CRD A issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.