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Model year record

2008 Dodge Nitro recalls & problems

The 2008 Dodge Nitro has 3 safety recalls and 393 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (200 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints393filed by owners
Crashes · fires17 · 12reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths18 · 0reported in complaints
2008 Dodge Nitro in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJul 7, 2020

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 20V396000925,239 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module; Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar

StructureApr 3, 2013

Structure

Recall 13V12100062,578 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Structure; Air bags; Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

Parking brakeOct 8, 2008

Parking brake

Recall 08V5250003,663 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Dodge Nitro 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk21.9%
2008 Dodge Nitro NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Nitro 2WD

19mpg combined
City / highway16 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Nitro 2WD

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Nitro 2WD

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Nitro 4WD

18mpg combined
City / highway16 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Nitro 4WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 21 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Nitro 4WD

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemHorn; 12v/24v/48v battery20008190,500 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly6700138,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system4600061,500 mi
Exterior lighting3800090,000 mi
Visibility/wiper3701189,000 mi
Engine29211100,000 mi
Service brakes2701095,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission2610195,000 mi
Unknown or other2500090,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal239011115,641 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)18100107,574 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members1431583,662 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations