2008 Dodge Nitro: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Dodge Nitro: 3 recalls, 393 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #08V525000 · 2008 · 3,663 vehicles
What's wrong: The park brake lever clutch drum May distort and reduce the effectiveness of the park brake system.
Why it matters: This could allow the vehicle to move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace the park brake lever assembly free of charge. The recall began on October 27, 2008.
Body & structure, Airbags Vehicle recall #13V121000 · 2013 · 62,578 vehicles
What's wrong: The transfer case heat shield May drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
Why it matters: 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 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.
Airbags, Steering Vehicle recall #20V396000 · 2020 · 925,239 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 12 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (198): the most common themes are electrical failure (103), door / lock issues (78), stalls / loses power (56).
- Fuel system (66): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), fire / smoke (10).
- Fuel & propulsion (46): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10), electrical failure (5), fire / smoke (4).
- Exterior lights (38): the most common themes are electrical failure (22), stalls / loses power (6).
The 2008 Dodge Nitro has 393 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 7 Nitro model years for complaints (2.5× the average Nitro year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (59 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 79,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (494 complaints, 7 recalls), 2009 (24 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Dodge Nitro.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Dodge Nitro. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Dodge Nitro problems?
Owners have filed 393 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (198), fuel system (66), fuel & propulsion (46).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Nitro get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.7 L, Manual 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Dodge Nitro repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.