2008 Dodge Nitro: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Nitro years.
One of the Dodge Nitro years to avoid. All Nitro years
393 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Nitro?The 2008 Dodge Nitro has 393 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Dodge Nitro vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Nitro years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Nitro?
Across the 5 Nitro model years we track, complaint volume runs from 36 (2009) to 825 (2007). With 393 complaints, the 2008 Nitro sits above the model's median of 122.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Nitro
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V396000Chrysler (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.
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 13V121000Chrysler 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.
parking brake
Campaign 08V525000CHRYSLER 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner experiences. The vehicle is widely criticized for poor build quality, unreliable mechanical and electrical systems, and a general lack of durability.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Nitro. See the full Nitro owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Nitro listings typically run $5,199–$8,490 across 2007 to 2011 model years.
Other Nitro model years
Compare every Nitro year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Nitro against its rivals
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