WASHINGTON — Dodge is recalling 84,680 2007 Dodge Nitro vehicles to fix faulty windshield wipers, which could become inoperable and pose a visibility problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"The windshield wiper system may experience a condition over time where high usage of the variable-pause wiper function may eventually affect primary wiper function, rendering the wiper system inoperable," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "Inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility, increasing the risk of a crash."
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Dodge said: "No property damage, crashes, injuries or fatalities have been found attributable to this condition."
Dodge dealers will inspect and add external relays and update the power module software to control the wiper functions. The recall is expected to begin by the end of November. Dodge owners may contact Chrysler at (800) 835-1403 for more details.
Inside Line says: If you own the 2007 Dodge Nitro, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
willd4 says:
05:53 AM, 03/17/2010
Each car is to each persons taste. If you don't like it, don't buy one....
One of my cars is the Nitro, and yes, I can see some of it's shortcomings, like with every car I've ever owned (27 and counting :D ),
- Knee airbags are too low.
- Seats need to be slightly more supportive.
- Sun Visors are of poor quality.
- Handbrake lever doesn't return to 'off' position very comfortably.
....but as for it's LOOKS - I really like it. It's so refreshing to have spomething that looks different from the usual generic crud that all looks like a slightly different mould of it's rival.
If you compare it to a Range Rover Sport, it in no ways can match it. But it's a third of the price! And the price it comes in at, for the car you get, it's brilliant value for money, and in that sense blitzes the RRS's and Muranos etc etc.
The engine is strong, and whereas it's not the most frugal in it's category (doesn't really fit into any category to be honest) I still get a measured 48MPG on UK Motorways, and around 28-30 around town....which is goood for a 2.8ltr 4x4 car with no aerodynamics!
And "lightninmcqeen" says "fun as hell to drive - so true. When I read the reviews on this car, they said the handling was not good. In my first few weeks of ownership I was wanging it round roundabouts and corners in a similar fashion I do with my boxster - and it was stuck to the road, composed, and constant.
The Nitro is a great car, and until you own one and experience it for what is, you can't appreciate that fact!
lightninmcqeen says:
11:32 PM, 12/21/2009
I own one of these, exactly like the Red one up top. Freaken thing is fun as hell to drive.
cz75 says:
10:02 PM, 11/19/2009
Can they recall for faulty styling?
firstclass says:
06:26 PM, 11/19/2009
Perhaps the faulty wipers will save customers from the embarrassment of being seen in such an ugly vehicle. My bet is that customers are just afraid to turn them on.