DodgeNitro20113.7L/dodge/nitro/2011/3-7l/
KA platform

2011 Dodge Nitro — 3.7L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Nitro 3.7L.

Body SUVEngine 3.7LTransmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2011 Dodge Nitro 3.7L is a compact SUV built on the KA platform and powered by a 3.7‑liter engine that requires a 5‑quart oil change with filter using 5W‑20 API‑rated fluid. It pairs that drivetrain with an automatic four‑speed transmission and achieves EPA ratings of 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and a combined 18 mpg. In the broader 2005‑2012 Nitro lineup, 2011 sits toward the lower end of the complaint spectrum—far below the 2007 peak of 825 complaints and only modestly above the 2005 low of a single complaint—though owners still report the most frequent issues in the electrical system, reflected in the 122 total complaints and three recalls recorded for the model year.

Model year20112010200920082007

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque95 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy16/22/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 34 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BH. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 34 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP245-50R20OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BH alt 05184231AB
Engine air filter68037059AA
Spark plugSPZFR6F11G alt SZFR5LP13G
BatteryBB34F101AA
Front wiper blades68003937AB
Thermostat68273161AA alt 68174083AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height69.7 in
Wheelbase108.7 in
Curb weight4105 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined16 / 22 / 18 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API engine oil, Front: 80W-; Rear: 198RB in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilFront: 80W-; Rear: 198RB
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.8 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil5W-20 · API · MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity5 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs8.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts70 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts95 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.12 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.00 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.12 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test16 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)53.0-63.0 psi
Engine Oil Pressure25-110 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket28 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle100 ft-lbs / 75 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.001 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.049 in / 0.409 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9020 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages
1Tighten bolts 1-8, 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).20 ft. lbs
2Verify that bolts 1-8, all reached 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.), by repeating step-1 without loosening the bolts. Tighten bolts 9 through 12 to 14 Nm (10 ft. lbs.).20 ft. lbs
3Tighten bolts 1-8, 90 degrees.90 degrees
4Tighten bolts 1-8, 90 degrees, again. Tighten bolts 9-12, 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.)90 degrees
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
18.75
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown.

1Hand tighten bolts 1D, 1G and 1F until the bedplate contacts the block.
2Tighten bolts 1A - 1J to 40 ft. lbs.40 ft. lbs
3Tighten bolts 1 - 8 to 5 ft. lbs.5 ft. lbs
4Turn bolts 1 - 8 an additional 90 degrees.90 degrees
5Tighten bolts A - E 20 to 20 ft. lbs.20 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 8,000 mi; spark plugs every 64,000 mi; coolant at 104,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 104,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 8,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 16,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 16,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect)
Every 24,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 32,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Parking Brake System (adjust) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 48,000 miCV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 64,000 miSpark Plug Wires (replace)
Every 96,000 miPCV Valve (inspect)
At 104,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Dodge Nitro sits mid-generation, following a dramatic spike in 2007 (825 complaints, 8 recalls, 3 investigations) and a subsequent improvement through 2009 (36 complaints). However, 2010-2011 show a concerning uptick, with the target year recording 122 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations—though still a fraction of 2007's volume. The 86 TSBs for 2011 is the highest across the generation, indicating substantial dealer-level service attention. The top complaint areas are Electrical System (18), Air Bags (11), and Power Train (8), with 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire complaint on record. Notably, 2012 drops to just 2 complaints and 1 recall, suggesting either major corrective action or the model's phaseout. The 2011 model appears to represent a late-generation iteration with unresolved recurring issues, particularly in electrical and airbag systems, which the data does not indicate were definitively resolved by 2012. A buyer should weigh the higher documented complaint rate and multiple active recall campaigns against the likelihood that many systemic issues may have been addressed through the 86 TSBs—but without concrete evidence of a root-cause fix, this is not the strongest year to purchase within this generation.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
86
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
122
Owner complaints
5 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 122 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System18
Air Bags11
Power Train8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Engine6
Service Brakes5
Unknown Or Other4
Electrical System,Air Bags4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V396000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 07/07/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact…

13V282000Electrical SystemReported 02/07/2013

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 86 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1074182025-09-18Service BrakesSWITCH - CLUTCH STARTER INTERLOCK & MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY - CLUTCH
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91001962023-07-27EquipmentLubrication and Maintenance Fluids If MOPAR fluids and chemicals are not readily…
31001222022-08-19StructureApproved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Nitro. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Nitro 3.7L take?

5 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Nitro have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.7L get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg.