2008 Dodge Nitro

Above average

Owners filed 393 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Dodge Nitro years to avoid. Which Dodge Nitro years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
79,000 milesMedian miles at failure

319 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Dodge Nitro problems

157 of the 393 complaints (40%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System156
061
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system62
001
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system35
000
Air Bags · airbags21
8010
Service Brakes · brakes19
010
Engine15
110
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control13
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers11
010
Power Train · transmission10
000
Unknown or Other6
000

2008 Dodge Nitro electrical system problems

40% of all complaints

157 of the 393 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls16% · 25
  • sets off warning lights on the dash8% · 12
  • loses power4% · 6
  • will not start4% · 6
  • turns on the check engine light4% · 6
  • smokes or smells of burning3% · 5

Share of the 157 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
91,000 mi
median of 132 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
32 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 6 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
None
“An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical …”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 14, 2026
“The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the windows, lights, and radio would independently turn off, or on. The contact stated that occasionally while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast off the road safely.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 29, 2022 at 85,648 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2007: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'072008: 4 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2009: 6 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'092010: 24 complaints, 5 about the electrical system2011: 33 complaints, 4 about the electrical system'112012: 45 complaints, 8 about the electrical system2013: 38 complaints, 16 about the electrical system'132014: 49 complaints, 32 about the electrical system2015: 59 complaints, 31 about the electrical system'152016: 25 complaints, 12 about the electrical system2017: 21 complaints, 8 about the electrical system'172018: 27 complaints, 10 about the electrical system2019: 27 complaints, 12 about the electrical system'192020: 11 complaints, 7 about the electrical system2021: 7 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'212022: 5 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2023: 4 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'232024: 2 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2025: 3 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'252026: 2 complaints, 2 about the electrical systemRecall 08V525000 (parking brake)Recall 13V121000 (body and frame)Recall 20V396000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation DP14004
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2008 Nitro peaked in 2015, with 59 filed that year. No recall on file covers the electrical system, the subject of 40% of the complaints. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V396000
Filed Jul 7, 2020925,239 vehiclesChrysler (FCA US LLC)

Defect. 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 steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Risk. Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

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 FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Structure13V121000
Filed Apr 3, 201362,578 vehiclesChrysler Group LLC

Defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

Risk. If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

Parking Brake08V525000
Filed Oct 8, 20083,663 vehiclesChrysler LLC

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.

Risk. THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARK BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2008 Nitro.

Totally Integrated Power Module FailureDefect petition DP14004Closed
Opened Sep 25, 2014Closed Jul 24, 2015electrical system

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 …

Technical service bulletins

59 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 Nitro. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 12engine 11transmission 9electrical system 6airbags 5body and frame 5seat belts 2equipment adaptive/mobility 2
14-003-13Warranty extensionMar 5, 2013fuel system

Fuel Spit Back During Refueling Due To Inlet Check Valve (X46 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank with a revised part. Some customers may experience a fuel spit back condition during a refueling event.

14-003-13Warranty extensionMar 5, 2013equipment

Fuel Spit Back During Refueling Due To Inlet Check Valve (X46 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank with a revised part. Some customers may experience a fuel spit back condition during a refueling event.

14-003-13Warranty extensionMar 5, 2013body and frame

Fuel Spit Back During Refueling Due To Inlet Check Valve (X46 Lifetime Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves replacing the fuel tank with a revised part. Some customers may experience a fuel spit back condition during a refueling event.

9100226Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 15, 2023electrical system

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is …

9100226Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 15, 2023electrical system

Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is …

S1121000006 Rev.Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 19, 2020electrical system

(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns

S1121000006RevAService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 19, 2020electrical system

(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns

08-052-16Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 30, 2016electrical system

SUBJECT: Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative SYMPTOM/CONDITION: The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete loss of UConnect operation. · A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality

08-052-16Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 30, 2016electrical system

Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: · A complete loss of UConnect operation. · A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2008 Dodge Nitro 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★21.9%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 14, 2026AR

An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical components while driving and while parked. These failures occur without warning and create a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of propulsion in interstate traffic and unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has become progressively more frequent despite previous repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection. I fear for my life.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 26, 2026AR

Car shut off while driving, prior have had issues. Have replaces TIPM module, ignition, grounding, etc

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Dec 29, 2025203,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 5 MPH, the front drive shaft fractured, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop, and the front driver's side and passenger's side airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that there was no collision during the incident. The contact's son sustained a concussion and facial injuries, causing severe swelling to the face and severe headaches. No medical treatment was received, but the son remained bed ridden for several days from the injuries sustained during the air bag deployment. The cause of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000(Power Train, Air Bags, Structure), which the contact's son related to the failure. The failure mileage was 203,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2025PA

TIPM system and/or electrical system failure. Right turn signal intermittently works when it wants to. Door locks from the inside at random or will not lock at all when using the master lock button. Now car will not start or turn over at all. Zero sound comes from he vehicle while turning the key. Commonly known problem with other Dodge Nitros and nothing being done about it. A recall needs to happen or at the very least acknowledgement from Dodge.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 21, 2025KY

I had just entered Gene Snyder Expressway going west when my throttle light started flashing and I lost gas pressure and it started going down fast and then it shut off and right in the middle of rush-hour traffic and it’s 65 mph on the expressway and People as usual go around 80 mph and I just entered and almost got slammed in the rear but luckily I got off the highway in time. I still have not been able to turn my truck over at all. It is in the throttle electrical system, which is currently being checked out as we speak but it’s spit out two codes. One was PO633 and one was P2 112.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 12, 2024TX

ESP BAS LIGHTS (APPEARED AFTER). AS I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR FELT LIKE IT HIT A BRICK WALL EVEN THOUGH IT DIDNT, IT SLAMMED ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THEN CONTINUED DRIVING. AT THAT POINT, THE ESP BAS LIGHT CAME ON. HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT DODGE OR CHRYSLER BY PHONE WITH NO CHANCE AT REACHING A PERSON CAUSE OF ROBOTIC ANSWERING SERVICES.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 2024KS

TIPM connectors melted. Ground wires melted.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 2023MD

The vehicle throws the abs, esp,break and traction control lights and then while driving completely at random then turns off WHILE DRIVING!!!! which can cause an accident (I and my daughter are lucky to be alive) this is not ok the vehicle drives fine then at random throws those lights and shuts off after restarting it the check engine light comes on and says the transmission shift solenoid b is malfunction and the vehicle wouldn't shift properly. Luckily I had my code reader I. The car with me I cleared the code and now the car drives fine until this happens again I'm scared to drive it this is dangerous their's no warning. I drive on the highway everyday their's no warning it happens at random 2 times I've been lucky. No codes came up driving after clearing it and the car drives fine now but it's happened 2 times while driving this is extremely dangerous and I don't know what to do because with the codes gone the issues are gone but they randomly all the lights mentioned above come on and then the car shuts off with no warning then when you restart it it throws a different code for a different problem the first time was a low voltage code I cleared it and even Tho my battery tested good I replaced it and two days later the same issue and a different code

Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2023MI

Power steering locks up, power steering fluid not helping. Looks like oil mixed in with the coolant. Car smoking and overheating

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 3, 2023VA

2008 Dodge nitro in a collision going between 35 and 45 miles per hour had a major rear end accident. Police paramedics and fire came on scene. The air bags never deployed. This vehicle was taken for the air bags emblem recall in 2022. The vehicle should have air bags that deploy.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 26, 2023MT

Was driving tipm caught fire Now insurance telling me moisture and corrosion

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 25, 2022168,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the horn and the rear and front windshield wipers were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that her neighbor disconnected and reconnected the battery and the failure was corrected. The vehicle was not diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 168,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 22, 202257,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle the horn inadvertently started blowing and windshield wipers activated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with an unknown electrical wiring failure. The dealer replaced the battery cables; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 29, 202285,648 milesIN

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the windows, lights, and radio would independently turn off, or on. The contact stated that occasionally while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast off the road safely. The contact stated that she then got out the vehicle to look under the hood to tap the TIPM box, which allowed her to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she had contacted the dealer to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was 85,648.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 4, 2022KS

I have received multiple recall notices (recall W09/NHTSA 20V-396) since the recall was issued on my vehicle 20 months ago however I have been unable to get the recall completed because Dodge will not provide the parts needed to complete the repair. The notices all say that the part is available yet when my dealership tries to get the part, they are told it is out of stock with no eta as to when it will be available. This is NOT a timely manner and Dodge needs to provide the part now.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 19, 2022PA

Gas keeps overflowing every time I pump gas into no matter what pump or gas station I am using.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2021MT

The TIPM in these vehicles are faulty and nothing is being done about it by Dodge. There are hundreds of complains across several forums and every time Dodge is contacted about the issue they use the no recall excuse. I have a Nitro myself and it has multiple electrical issues for no reason other than poor manufacturing. The TIPM is the issue and it's not just my Nitro having this problem. My vehicle has accelerated without my assistance, it's had braking issues when there should be no issue. Components that need my action to work have activated on their own, such as... horn, wiper, wiper fluid, accelerator, etc... The wiring in these vehicles are faulty and it needs to be fixed by the manufacturer at their expense. It's time they step up a make it right by the consumer.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 13, 2021130,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel was spilling from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2021152,458 milesSC

IT STARTED WITH ALL DASH LIGHTS COMING ON SAYING IT HAD ISSUES AND THEN JUST STOPPED DEAD IN ROAD. I HAD TPIM PUT IN, THEN ALTERNATOR , AND THEN NEW BATTERY. WAS FINE AND THEN HEAD LIGHTS STOPPED COMING ON . NEXT, IT STARTING WITH HORN, AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN COMING ON AND NOT STOPPING. TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY THOUGHT THEY FOUND IT, AND DROVE FOR A DAY AND AS SOON AS I TURNED ON HEADLIGHTS IT STALLED. IN MOTION ON A STREET DRIVING.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 28, 2021134,024 milesTX

ON 2/11/2021 ME AN MY MOM WAS HEAD TO DOCTOR AT 445AM AND IT WAS JUST RAINING COLD AND WE HIT A PATCH OF ICE GOING 20 MILES AND HOUR AND I LOST CONTROL AND WE WENT ROLLING 3 TIMES AND AIR. BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT RESTRIORS DIDNT RESTRICT AS WE WAS ROLLING SOME TIME IN PROCESS MY HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD AND GOT KNOCKED OUT IT WAS ON A HWY MOVING THEIR WAS NO ONE ON THE ROAD BUT US.. IT WOUNT LET ME UP LOAD MY PICTURES I HAVE BUT WILL BE GLADE TO MAIL THEM TO U WAITING ON POLICE REPORT HE PUT WRONG INFORMATION ABOUT ME ON FOR SO IT NEEDTO BE FIXED.*DT

Air Bags
Filed Feb 6, 2021GA

TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A RECALL. THE RECALL WAS FOR REPLACING THE EMBLEM ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE EMBLEM WAS REMOVED BUT THE REPLACEMENT COVER WAS NOT INSTALLED. ALSO THE RECALL FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOT DONE.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 2021147,668 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNLOCKED, THE ALARM, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND HORN ENGAGED. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER CAROLINA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (1001 HALSTEAD BLVD, ELIZABETH CITY, NC 27909, (252) 391-9609) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 147,668.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 8, 202127,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD OVERFLOW WITHOUT WARNING WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REFUEL VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE IN 2009. THE CONTACT RECENTLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CARSON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (3059 S CARSON ST, CARSON CITY, NV 89701) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE DECLINED TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 6, 2020125,000 milesFL

DRIVING TO WORK AND NOTICED SMOKE. OPENED HOOD AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF FUSE BOX. CLOSED HOOD AND GRABBED PURSE AND PHONE. LADY WHO PULLED OVER BEHIND ME AND PEOPLE INSIDE OFFICE CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE ENGINE COMPLETELY INVOLVED. TOOK A BIT FOR FIRE DEPT. TO GAIN CONTROL AND EXTINGUISH. I DID RESEARCH AND SAW SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS RE FUSE BOX. INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO EXAMINE 12/7/2020*DT THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 23, 2020178,000 milesNC

TIPM MALFUNCTIONS..VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING..STARTER CRANKED CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT TURNING ENGINE OVER. CONTINUOUSLY RAN FUEL PUMP WHICH CAUSED NEED FOR REPLACING,AND A NEW BATTERY AS WELL. AFTER REPLACING FUEL PUMP,AND BATTERY,THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AGAIN..WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE,AGAIN WILL NOT START. STARTER KEEPS RUNNING UNLESS YOU TURN THE KEY TO THE "OFF POSITION"

Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 202063,000 milesVA

WAS DRIVING IT AN THE WHOLE DASH LIGHTS UP RANDOM CODES NOW WON'T START

Electrical System
Filed Aug 1, 2020145,000 milesWA

3 DIFFERENT TIMES I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY IN MY NITRO DUE TO THE STEREO. THE RADIO IS NOT POWERING DOWN PROPERLY AND KEEPING THE COMMUNICATION BUS AWAKE CAUSING PARASITIC BATTERY DRAW. I HAVE A MYGIG HEAD UNIT WITH NAVIGATION AND SIRIUS SATELLITE DVD PLAYER. AT TIME THE THE NITRO WILL LOCK ME IN OR OUT DUE TO THE STEREO NOT POWERING OFF PROPERLY DUE TO THIS ISSUE YOU ALSO CAN NOT GET SATELLITE SERVICE TO WORK. DODGE NEEDS TO RECALL THIS ISSUE AS WE DID NOT ASK FOR THE ISSUE. ALSO WHEN FILLING UP WITH FUEL IT DOES NOT STOP ON IT IS OWN LIKE OTHER CARS AND TRUCKS, IT SPITS FUEL BACK OUT AT YOU AND SPILLS EVERYWHERE ON YOU THE CAR AND GROUND. THE BATTERY PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN IT IS TURNED OFF WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION.

Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2020168,000 milesNY

TWO ISSUES. IT STALLS GOING AT SPEED ON HIGHWAY AND IT ALSO HAD THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP LIKE AN XMAS TREE WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON AND THEN THE CAR WILL NOT START. EVERYTHING HAS POWER WHEN THIS HAPPENS BUT THE TRUCK WILL NOT START AT ALL. WHEN YOU EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE TRUCK STILL ACTS LIKE THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND THE KEY IS IGNITION AS IT DINGS AS A WARNING. I HAVE HAD THE POWER MODULE REPLACED TWICE AND THE SAME THING HAPPENS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 8, 2020160,000 milesGA

THE TIPM ON THIS NITRO IS CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES. ITS STALLED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT CRANKS BUT DOESN'T START. THE WIPERS WILL NOT TURN OFF. IT THROWS UP STRANGE ERROR CODES THEN THEY JUST GO OFF. MY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND CRUISE CONTROL WORKS WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT. SOME ISSUES HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING , BUT SOME HAPPEN WHEN STATIONARY. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 25, 2020118,000 milesNY

WHEN REFUELING, GASOLINE SPLASHES FORCEFULLY OUT OF THE FILLER NECK EVERY SINGLE TIME, NO MATTER HOW CAREFULLY OR SLOWLY THE VEHICLE IS FUELED. THE QUANTITY EJECTED IS SUFFICIENT TO CREATE A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. I HAVE LEARNED TO STAND FAR TO THE SIDE TO AVOID BEING SOAKED WITH GASOLINE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 22, 202035,000 milesPA

I BOUGHT MY NITRO BRAND NEW IN 2009 2 YEARS LATER MY RADIO WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND DOOR WAS OPEN. I HAD TO PULL THE FUSE SO MY BATTERY WOULD NOT DIE. IT ALSO WOULD SHIFT OFF AND ON WHEN EVER IT FELT LIKE WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY FLASHED IT BUT IT ONLY MAD IT WORSE. NOW IF THE FUSE WAS IN I WOULD BE DRIVING AND I'LL OF A SUDDEN MY WHOLE DASH WOULD LIGHT UP AND MY GAUGES WOULD START GOING BACK AND FORTH OUT OF CONTROL AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD TURN ON. I TOOK THE FUSE OUT IN 2010 AND STILL HAVE NOT HAD A RADIO IN MY NITRO SINCE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 22, 202050,000 milesPA

I BOUGHT MY NITRO BRAND NEW IN 2009. EVERYTHING SEEMED TO BE WORKING EXCEPT THE RADIO. IN 2017 I STARTED HAVING BRAKE ISSUES . I HAD MY BREAKS REPLACED AND CALIPERS 4 TIMES BECAUSE THE BACK BREAKS WOULD NOT RELEASE ALL THE WAY CAUSING MY BREAK PADS TO WEAR FAST. I HAD TO LET IT SIT FOR SOME TIME BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN IN IT FOR FEAR THAT THEY WOULD LOCK UP COMPLETELY. I TOOK IT 1 DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY NITRO FROM AND THEM 3 OTHER MECHANICS TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. IT IS NOT 2020 AND I JUST HAD IT IN THE SHOP BECAUSE THE WATER PUMP WENT AND FOUND OUT MY EMERGENCY BREAK SNAPPED I NEEDED NEW BREAKS AGAIN. I HATE TO GET RID OF MY NITRO BUT IT HAS BEEN NICKLE AND DIMING ME NOT KNOWING WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE BREAKS.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 30, 2020MS

BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY, PROBLEMS WITH HEATER CORE

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 24, 2020111,000 milesWI

WHILE DRIVING THE EXITER RING BROKE CAUSING ABS/TRACTION CONTROL/ESP LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE. OPENING THE DOOR THE SPRING DETACHED, DOOR NOW FREELY SWINGS OPEN. HEATER CORE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. THE CAR NO LONGER HEATS UP. THE REAR WINDOW WIPER NO LONGER WORKS PROPERLY. THE DOORS IN THE REAR OF THE CAR NO LONGER LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN USING THE ELECTRIC LOCK CONTROL. THE HEAT SHIELD FROM UNDER THE CAR BROKE OFF THE VEHICLE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 11, 2019162,000 milesPA

WHEN I TRIED TO START THE DODGE NITRO THE DOORS LOCKED , HORN BLOWS, WIPERS AND FLUID RUN. AND NOW THE CAR WONT START AT ALL. UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TERMINAL AND HOOKED IT BACK UP, DOORS ALL LOCK WITH KEYS INSIDE. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2007 NITROS FOR THE SAME REASONS. WHY WONT THEY FIX THE 2008 MODELS AS WELL. THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS

Engine
Filed Nov 29, 2019130,000 milesID

WHILE DRIVING CAR STALLS FOR NO RHYME OR REASON AT DIFFERENT TIMES. I'VE ALMOST PUT IT IN THE DITCH MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. THANKFULLY ALL WHILE GOING 25-40MPH AND NOT FASTER ON THE HIGHWAY

Electrical System
Filed Nov 29, 2019WI

THE DOOR LOCKS FOR THE REAR DOORS DO NOT WORK. THE ENGINE HEATER CORE ALSO STOPPED PROVIDING HEAT TO THE CAR. EVEN AFTER CLEANING IT OUT.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 9, 201980,000 milesFL

2008 DODGE NITRO WITH 80,000 MILES DRIVING IN TOWN AND ALL THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON BLINKING AND THE ENGINE ALMOST STALLED. IT CONTINUED WHILE DRIVING IT. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC NEXT DAY BUT LIGHTS WERE NOT ON. 3 PAGES OF "LOST COMMUNICATION" CODES PRINTED. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE MAIN COMPUTER BUT THE LIGHTS WERE NOT ON SO THEY COULDN'T FIX. THE NEXT DAY LIGHTS ALL CAME BACK ON DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CAR ALMOST STALLED AND IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. WE DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO MECHANIC. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THANKFULLY IT WAS PARKED AT THIS TIME. MECHANIC SAID IT'S THE MAIN COMPUTER MODULE AND WILL COST $1500-$2500 TO FIX. IF IT DIED WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC! IT HAS UNDER 100,000 MILES THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED ALREADY. WE DID NOT TAKE PICTURES OF ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS THAT WOULD BE THE ONLY EVIDENCE WE HAVE. WE CAN UPLOAD A BILL ONCE WE GET IT.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 4, 2019190,000 milesVA

THE CAR JERKS BACK AN SHIFTS OFF RANDOMLY IN THE ROAD AN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 9, 2019195,700 milesGA

THE ABS, TRACTION, BAS ESP LIGHTS CAME ON JUST A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AFTER I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE A RECALL COMPLETED. YESTERDAY THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED RED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A BRIEF STOP ABRUPT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND I CONTINUED DRIVING. THE A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOCKED UP CAUSING THE GAS METER, SPEEDOMETER AND RPM TO ALL FALL TO ZERO AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. I MADE IT OFF OF THE ROAD BY COASTING THE CAR AND PUT IT IN PARK. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING SO IT WASN'T THE BATTERY. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME BACK ON BRIEFLY AND ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN WENT AWAY. IMAGINE MY DISMAY AS I HAD JUST HAD A RECALL COMPLETED AND WAS NOT INFORMED AS TO WHAT THE OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN. I HONESTLY AND TRUTHFULLY BELIEVE THAT THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A RECALLED PLACED ON IT FOR THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. I COULD HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THIS VEHICLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 4, 2019131,580 milesMO

GAS TANK OVERFLOWS AFTER GAS PUMP SHUTS OFF

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 3, 2019253,000 milesSC

VEHICLE STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES. WIPERS AND LIGHTS WOULD JUMP ON BY THEMSELVES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. TIPM AND ESP ICON LIT UP ON THE DASH SHORTLY AFTER. VEHICLE WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISES WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE INTO DIFFERENT GEARS (PARK, REVERSE, AND DRIVE). DOORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AS IT WAS PROGRAMMED TO DO. FUNCTIONS ON KEY FOB NO LONGER WORKED AS THEY SHOULD (LOCK BUTTON WOULD UNLOCK THE DOORS AND UNLOCK BUTTON WOULD ACTIVATE THE AUTOMATIC START). I REMOVED THE BATTERY FROM THE KEY FOB AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS BROKEN INTO ONCE THE FOB STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED FOR THE LAST 3.5 WEEKS AFTER ELECTRICAL ISSUES GOT WORSE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED COMING ON. I HAVE READ SEVERAL REVIEWS AND CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND IT SEEMS THAT SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY 2008 DODGE NITRO ARE VERY COMMON AMONGST OTHER DODGE DRIVERS AS WELL AS CHRYSLER 300 DRIVERS. I KNOW OF 2 OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR CHRYSLER 300S (OLDER 2007 MODELS). A RECALL NEEDS TO BE STARTED FOR SAFETY PURPOSES BECAUSE OPERATING THESE VEHICLES IN THIS STATE ARE HIGHLY UNSAFE. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK (ABOUT 530ISH ONE MORNING) AND THE ABS, ESP, TIPM, AND AIRBAG ICON ALL CAME ON AND THEN MY TRUCK STARTED STALLING OUT. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME AND IT'S BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS IF AND ONCE THESE LIGHTS COME ON.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 201997,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S HORN SOUNDS INDEPENDENTLY AND REMAINED ACTIVATED, THE RADIO TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATE FASTER THAN NORMAL, AND THE SPEED DECREASED FROM 60 TO 40 MPH, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE AND JERK. IN ADDITION, THE LIFTGATE INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT IT WAS OPEN WHEN IT REALLY WAS NOT AND THE ESP, CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG, AND NO FUSE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. FURTHERMORE, THE DOOR LOCKS WERE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED SHERMAN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (7601 SKOKIE BLVD, SKOKIE, IL 60077, (847) 262-3598) AND WAS INFORMED IT COULD BE THE TIPM AND WAS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2019130,000 milesWV

AIRBAG LIGHT HAD BEEN FLASHING OFF AND ON FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD THE LIGHT HAS NOW REMAINED ON FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT JUST CONTINUOUSLY REMAINS ON FOR A PERIOD OF OVER 6 MONTHS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 24, 2019173,543 milesSC

THE TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE HAS GONE, CAR WON'T RUN, ANTI-THEFT ALARM WON'T STOP GOING OFF. THE CAR IS STATIONARY, ONLY WAY TO STOP ALARM WAS TO UNHOOK BATTERY CABLES. LIGHTS FLASHING, WINDSHIELD WIPES GOING, WINDSHIELD FLUID POURING OUT, HORN BLURRING, THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TIME, NOW CAR WON'T START, BUT THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM KEEPS GOING *DT *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 2019IL

THE WIPER TURNS ON AT A HIGH SPEED, FASTER THAN NORMAL, HORN GET STUCK, RADIO GOES OFF AND ON FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND WHEN YOU TURN THE TRUCK OFF ALL CONTINUE TO WORK EVEN WITH THE KEY OUT OF IGNITION. THIS HAPPEN WHEN I'M DRIVING OR WHEN IT'S STATIONARY. DOES NOT MATTER WHERE I'M AT, COULD BE ON EXPRESSWAY, HWY OR ROAD. IT GIVES NO WARNING.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 201991,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AT NIGHT, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE HORN SOUNDED, WIPER FLUID SPRAYED ONTO THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELDS, AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. ALSO, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2007 MODELS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO SIERRA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (LOCATED AT 1305 MOUNTAIN AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016, (626) 739-5400), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 201937,700 milesWV

I LOVE THIS VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKES. WE'VE HAD TO GET THE BRAKES WORKED ON MORE THAN 10 TIMES. WE'VE REPLACED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH BRAKES. JUST WHEN YOU THINK THEY ARE FIXED, SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENS. THIS IS A 2008 AND HAS LESS THAN 38000 MILES ON IT. WE TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYWHERE BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE IF IT WILL MAKE IT. I WAS GOING TO TRADE MY NITRO IN FOR A FOR SOMETHING NEW. I THINK I WILL BE LOOKING INTO A FORD SUV. VERY , VERY DISSATISFIED!!!!

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 1, 2019110,000 milesTX

AFTER PARKING CAR ANY WHERE AND LOCKING DOORS WITH FOB OR MANUALLY THE LOCKS WILL UNLOCK THEMSELVES WITHIN SECONDS TO HOURS MULTIPLE TIMES CAUSING BATTERY TO DEPLETE. REPLACED BATTEIES IN FOBS AND CAR-DIDN'T CORRECT PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE NOT BEING ABLE TO KEEP DOORS LOCKED.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 201932,000 milesTX

AUTOMATIC 2 WHEEL DRIVE EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD WHEN APPLIED. TOOK TO DODGE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS OR REPAIR. WAS TOLD NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. RECALL ON 4 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY. HAD NEW BRAKES- ROTORS- CALIBERS AND PADS INSTALLED EMERGENCY BRAKE STILL NOT WORKING.THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

Complaints 1-50 of 393, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20122100Routine
2011122310Routine
201078320Routine
200924100Routine
2008 — this page3933120Above average
20074947110Above average
20051000Routine

Compare every Nitro year →

2008 Dodge Nitro: questions buyers ask

Is the 2008 Dodge Nitro a good car?

It is not among the Nitro years to avoid. Owners filed 393 complaints, against about 258 for a typical Nitro year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (40%).

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Nitro?

The electrical system: 157 of the 393 complaints (40%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (16%), sets off warning lights on the dash (8%) and loses power (4%). The typical report comes at 91,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Nitro have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 7, 2020. The largest, 20V396000, covered 925,239 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Nitro problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 79,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 91,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 Dodge Nitro?

Yes, once. DP14004 ("Totally Integrated Power Module Failure") was opened Sep 25, 2014 and closed Jul 24, 2015.

Are there service bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Nitro?

The manufacturer filed 59 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (11), the transmission (9) and the electrical system (6). They include a warranty extension, 14-003-13, filed Mar 5, 2013. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 7, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.