2008 Dodge Nitro Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Dodge Nitro has a Complaint Index of 83 and ranks 2nd-worst out of 7 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Electrical System complaints dominate at 52% of all reports, followed by Fuel System issues at 28%, with 3 recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 83/100
- #2 of 7 Nitro years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 393
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 17
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 12
- Injuries
- 18
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 21.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 18 / 0
Top 2008 Dodge Nitro problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System206 (52%)
- Fuel System112 (28%)
- Brakes49 (12%)
- Engine44 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers40 (10%)
- Other27 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (7%)
- Airbags23 (6%)
- Structure & Body20 (5%)
- Steering12 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the engine compartment catching fire and filling with smoke shortly after the check engine light comes on.
- Owners describe sudden stalling on the highway followed by loss of power steering, making the vehicle hard to control.
- Some drivers report the vehicle unexpectedly moving forward or accelerating on its own at low speeds.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in frontal or rollover crashes, leading to injuries despite seatbelt use.
- Owners report the parking brake failing even after recall repairs, with the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly.
- A front suspension knuckle reportedly broke while driving, causing the vehicle to drop and lose control.
2008 Dodge Nitro recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V396000Jul 7, 2020Airbags925,239 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
- NHTSA 13V121000Apr 3, 2013Structure & Body62,578 vehicles
Structure
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.
- NHTSA 08V525000Oct 8, 2008Brakes3,663 vehicles
Parking brake
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.
2008 Dodge Nitro fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 21.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Dodge Nitro reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 Nitro a Complaint Index of 83, the second-highest among Nitro model years, with 393 complaints logged. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Nitro years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Dodge Nitro?
- Electrical System complaints make up 52% of all reports for this year, with a median failure mileage of 90,000 miles. Fuel System issues follow at 28% of complaints.
- Does the 2008 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Nitro covering airbags, a structural heat shield bracket, and the parking brake lever assembly. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Which Dodge Nitro model years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2007 has the worst Complaint Index at 100 and is also rated Avoid, while 2008 ranks second-worst at 83. The 2009 model year is rated Good with a much lower index of 33.