Generations
KA — First Generation
2007–2012
2.8L CRD
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Major
Suspension pin and bush excessive wear (KA)
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.
What happens if ignoredWorn 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.
Independent garage
£400–£800
Specialist
£500–£1,000
Main dealer
£700–£1,400
Parts only
£150–£400
Major
Parking brake efficiency failure (KA)
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.
What happens if ignoredA 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.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£250–£500
Main dealer
£350–£700
Parts only
£80–£200
Major
Brake binding (KA)
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.
What happens if ignoredBinding 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.
Independent garage
£250–£450
Specialist
£300–£550
Main dealer
£400–£750
Parts only
£100–£250
Minor
Exhaust system deterioration (KA)
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.
What happens if ignoredA 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.
Independent garage
£150–£300
Specialist
£200–£400
Main dealer
£300–£600
Parts only
£80–£200
1 more known issues tracked
Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems.
MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Suspension pin, bush or joint worn
Suspension · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 22x the fleet average
Sample: 276 tests
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r...
Brakes · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 18x the fleet average
Sample: 417 tests
Electrical wiring fault
Lights & Electrics · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 14x the fleet average
Sample: 181 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 10x the fleet average
Sample: 189 tests
Fluid leak
Exhaust & Emissions · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.5x the fleet average
Sample: 114 tests
Parking brake inoperative on one side
Brakes · 80-100k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.2x the fleet average
Sample: 209 tests
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Related
- Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A buyer's guide
- Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A service history check
- Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A service schedule & costs
- Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A MOT failure rates
- Buying a car without service history
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Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A?
The Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most common problems relate to Suspension pin and bush excessive wear (KA) and Parking brake efficiency failure (KA).
Is the Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A reliable?
The Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A has 0 dangerous and 3 major known issues. No dangerous issues are tracked, which is a positive sign.
How much does it cost to fix Dodge (usa) Nitro Sxt Crd A problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Suspension pin and bush excessive wear (KA)) costs £400–£800 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.