VehicleVerdict

2008 Dodge Nitro problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 609 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.5 times the median Nitro year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 7 Nitro years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 30 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 217 reports (36% of the total).

609

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

30

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Nitro years?

Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted676 complaints2005: 1 complaints2007: 676 complaints2008: 609 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 111 complaints2011: 197 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Nitro NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nitro years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Dodge Nitro problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System21736%
Fuel System11319%
Visibility & Wipers417%
Lighting396%
Engine386%
Brakes335%
Other274%
Transmission264%
Airbags234%
Body & Structure142%
Steering122%
Speed Control81%
Latches & Locks61%
Suspension61%
Tires & Wheels30%
Seat Belts20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2008 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V396000AirbagsJuly 7, 2020 · 925,239 units

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.

Consequence

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.

13V121000Body & StructureApril 3, 2013 · 62,578 units

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.

Consequence

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.

08V525000BrakesOctober 8, 2008 · 3,663 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ON 5/11/10 MY 2008 DODGE NITRO CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE IN A PARKING LOT SERVICE LANE. I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED ACTING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. IT CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN I TURNED TO GET OUT OF THE SERVICE LANE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. AS A RESULT OF MY NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 11, 2010 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 1, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED SMOKE AND SAW THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 16, 2013 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 2018

“CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO POLE. THE CAR IS TOTALED. PASSENGER AIRBAGS WENT OFF. DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF. WITH THE AMOUNT OF IMPACT THE CAR TOOK ON, THE DRIVERS AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. SIGNIFICANT INJURIES, HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD, FOUR BROKEN RIBS, 2 BROKEN TOES, ONE DISLOCATED. HAS BEEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2012 · crash

2008 Dodge Nitro — common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Nitro reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 609 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 7 Nitro years. It is one of the Nitro years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Nitro problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (217 complaints), fuel system (113 complaints), visibility & wipers (41 complaints).

Does the 2008 Dodge Nitro have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Dodge Nitro under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Nitro years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Nitro years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011. The cleanest record among Nitro years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.