Vehicles / Dodge / Nitro / 2008

2008 Dodge Nitro

393 federal complaints (611 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 46 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 7 model years of the Dodge Nitro →
Engine
3.7L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
16 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
393
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Electrical system
200
Fuel system
113
Glass & wipers
41
Lighting
39
Engine & cooling
39
Brakes
31
Power train
26
Other
25
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 11 complaints01 years old: 14 complaints2 years old: 44 complaints3 years old: 39 complaints4 years old: 35 complaints5 years old: 40 complaints56 years old: 40 complaints7 years old: 48 complaints8 years old: 25 complaints9 years old: 20 complaints10 years old: 23 complaints1011 years old: 25 complaints12 years old: 12 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 393 of 393 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 16 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 45 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 48 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 48 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 57 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 35 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 31 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 16 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 10 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 7 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 315 of 393 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Electrical system

200 complaint records8 fire reports
"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..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Fuel system

113 complaint records
"AT THE TIME OF FUELING, THE NOZZLE CLICKED OFF ABOUT A 1/2 CUP OF GAS CAME OUT OF THE TANK ALL OVER THE SIDE OF THE TRUCK. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

41 complaint records2 fire reports
"TPMI ISSUE -WHILE DRIVING WIPERS AND WASHER CAME ON BY THEMSELVES. HORN BEEPING AND HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. LOOKED ON LINE AND THERE WERE THOUSANDS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP14004
opened Sep 2014
closed Jul 2015Electrical SystemTotally Integrated Power Module Failure
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)...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V396000SteeringChrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles.Normally free
13V121000StructureChrysler 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,...Normally free
08V525000Parking BrakeCHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020311
2020-07-08
Airbag188,249Issue: On certain vehicles, the emblem on the steering wheel could become loose. If this happens, the emblem or its retainers could become projectiles when the airbag inflates in a crash.
2013102
2013-04-05
Powertrain1,036On certain vehicles, the tunnel heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, which could eventually result in the drive shaft breaking and loss of motive power.
2008372
2008-10-10
Other720On certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the park brake lever clutch drum may distort and reduce the effectiveness of the park brake system.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
107418
Sep 2025
Service BrakesSWITCH - CLUTCH STARTER INTERLOCK & MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY - CLUTCH
9100226
Sep 2023
Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability.
Y22 Combo Rev1
Nov 2021
Air BagsCustomer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem
Y22 Combo
Nov 2021
Air BagsCustomer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem
9004009
Apr 2021
Power TrainTransmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage.
Show 41 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004361
Mar 2021
Power TrainNAG1 Transmission Before installing the transmission with the engine, check for dowel pins (2) for alignment. If the pins are missing request to add the dowel pin first and then install the transmission
9001784
Feb 2021
EquipmentMechanical rocker arm, intake, 1.7 ratio.
72301
Feb 2021
Air BagsSAFETY RECAL W09 DRIVER AIR BAG EMBLEM Updated Dealer Instructions
S1121000006 Rev.
Aug 2020
Electrical System(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
S1121000006RevA
Aug 2020
Electrical System(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
DOR-X2F3G-02
Jan 2020
VisibilityThis SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the geometry of the part.
DOR-U3S6H-02
Jan 2020
StructureThis SKU is a Power Window Regulator and Motor Assembly. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the geometry of the part.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
9003220
Aug 2019
EquipmentRADIO [RES] - New and/or Service Exchange For RES radio concerns. Use the wiTECH 2.0 and inspect the radio part number and serial number under the Radio/ECU Details tab. Please verify that the radio part number and/or serial number is not "FFFF".
9003687
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Remove I-Sheet from packaging. Correct information sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
9003681
Mar 2017
Seat BeltsRestraints Information Sheet (I-Sheet) has been added to Star Parts. Print I-Sheet for technician use.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2.
08-052-16
Apr 2016
Electrical SystemSUBJECT: 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
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
RL108213A$
Jan 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingNAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application.
9002887
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009,...
N10040413
Apr 2013
Equipment Adaptive/MobilitySome of the above vehicles may experience a condition where the underbody transmission tunnel shield may partially separate from the vehicle floor pan and contact the aluminum driveshaft.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois,...
14-003-13
Mar 2013
Fuel SystemFuel 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.
SB-14-003-13
Mar 2013
Fuel SystemJEEP: ON SOME JEEPS, WHEN REFUELING, THE FUEL WILL SPIT BACK DUE TO INLET HECK VALVE AND INFORMATION IS PROVIDED REGARDING REPLACING FUEL TANK WITH NEW PART. MODELS 2008 LIBERTY, 2007-2008 NITRO. *PE
09-001-13
Feb 2013
EngineGasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
SB-21-001-10
Apr 2010
Power TrainJEEP: MANUAL TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR. THE TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF FIRST GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING. THE CONDITION, MAY OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AND MAY BE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE.
SB-J19
Aug 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingCHRYSLER/JEEP/DODGE: CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WARRANTY ADDENDUM. THE WARRANTY BOOK ON CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN ERRORS OR MAY BE MISSING INFORMATION REGARDING THE COPONENTS COVERED BY THE CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS WARRANTY.
SB-18-013-09
May 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingJEEP: IN COLD CLIMATES A MIL ILLUMINATION P0123 OR P0222 OR STORED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0123 OR 00222 AND THE ETC LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS INVOLVES REPLACING THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AND CLEAN AIR DUCT. *PE
21-018-08
Jul 2008
Power TrainCHRYSLER/DODGE/JEEP: FLASH:DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE, DTC P0740 OR P1798 AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT IMPROVEMENTS 1-2 OR 2-3 COLD SHIFT IMPROVEMENTS. *PE
18-027-08
Jun 2008
Power TrainFLASH: TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER OR HIGH CABIN TEMPERATURES ON START-UP. *NJ
H 11
Jun 2008
EquipmentCHRYSLER DODGE JEEP SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION H11; RADIO SOFTWARE UPDATE.
08-031
Apr 2008
EquipmentDVD SOFTWARE UPDATE MYGIG RADIO FOR MANY RADIO FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AND IMPROVEMENTS. *NJ
08-007-08
Mar 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingNO ENGINE CRANK OR NO ENGINE START DUE TO ELECTRONIC LOCKUP OF THE WCM/SKREEM. *NJ
1800208
Jan 2008
Power TrainFLASH: ROUGH IDLE AND DROP IN ENGINE SPEED UPON GEAR ENGAGEMENT AFTER COLD START. *NJ
2304206
Nov 2007
Latches/Locks/LinkagesREAR DOOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE HANDLES DO NOT FUNCTION. *KB UPDATED 01/09/08. *NJ
2304106
Aug 2007
Exterior LightingEXTERIOR LAMP - LENS FOGGING. *NJ
0800107
Feb 2007
Air BagsPASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATION. *KB

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  2. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  3. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Nitro →