Two problems related to starter have been reported for the 2007 Dodge Nitro. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The malfunction light esp/bas, esp/tcs, abs, and airbag warning lights illuminate (no flashing) with loss of cruise control function intermittently, but notable vehicle malfunctioning occurs when all lights turn off! with no warning malfunction lights, the engine misfires at speeds greater than 55mph, breaks lock up when attempting to break at any speed (even coasting w/dry road conditions, and there will be complete loss of cruise control fx. When the lights turn back on, the vehicle functions properly w/no misfiring or breaking issues. Whhen the problem first started, cruise control would work at this time also, until that function completely stopped working after a few instances as stated. In addition, the horn stopped sounding, radio randomly turns on when car door is opened w/3 button key fob (no engine starter), radio/disc player freezes intermittently with loss of function/ability to change anything besides turning on or off. Break illumination light intermittently turns on, then will turn off (no e break being activated). When warning lights are on, no car dealership or service is able to obtain codes and adamantly state this is not okay/normal for any vehicle to be having these serious issues w/no warning lights illuminating and for vehicle to improve when warning lights turn on. More so, that the systems large amount of erratic intermittent malfunctioning is a very serious safety hazard!! currently no recalls for VIN # but 2007 Nitros have recalls-my vehicle is experiencing similar safety issues with an emergent need to report immediately to NHTSA. I will resume operating vehicle regularly when responsibility is taken, admittance to there being problems of no fault of my own (owner 2009 approx 2000 miles at purchase w/all proper maintenance performed to date). Eagerly awaiting NHTSA's reply in order to properly document and correct this safety issue.
The vehicle windshield wipers wont turn off and turn on, and turn on by themselves when you use the turn signal, or the wipers do not work at all. Whenever this random situation occurs the vehicle will also not start. The starter turns but the engine will not kick over. The driver side door handle broke off at 25,000 miles and the drivers side controls for the windows and locks operates at about 25% functionality.