2008 Dodge Nitro problems, complaints & recalls

2008 Dodge Nitro recalls (2)

• Recall 20V396000Jul 7, 2020925,239 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

  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.

• Recall 13V121000Apr 3, 201362,578 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 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 defect investigations

• DP14004Opened Sep 25, 2014Closed Jul 24, 2015

  Totally 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) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to…

Recent 2008 Dodge Nitro complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jul 14, 2026ARElectrical SystemEngine

   An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical components while driving and while parked. These failures…

   NHTSA complaint #11750472 · source
2. Filed Dec 29, 2025203,000 miTX1 injuredAirbagsBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 5 MPH, the front drive shaft fractured, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop, and the front driver's side and passenger's side airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that there was no collision during the incident. The contact's son sustained a concussion and facial injuries, causing severe swelling to the face and severe headaches. No medical treatment was…

   NHTSA complaint #11707455 · source
3. Filed Aug 31, 2025PAElectrical System

   TIPM system and/or electrical system failure. Right turn signal intermittently works when it wants to. Door locks from the inside at random or will not lock at all when using the master lock button. Now car will not start or turn over at all. Zero sound comes from he vehicle while turning the key. Commonly known problem with other Dodge Nitros and nothing being done about it. A recall needs to happen or at the very least acknowledgement from Dodge.

   NHTSA complaint #11684228 · source
4. Filed Jun 21, 2025KYElectrical System

   I had just entered Gene Snyder Expressway going west when my throttle light started flashing and I lost gas pressure and it started going down fast and then it shut off and right in the middle of rush-hour traffic and it’s 65 mph on the expressway and People as usual go around 80 mph and I just entered and almost got slammed in the rear but luckily I got off the highway in time. I still have not been able to turn my truck over at all. It is in the throttle electrical system,…

   NHTSA complaint #11668376 · source
5. Filed Apr 12, 2024TXBrakesSteeringWheels & Tires

   Esp bas lights (appeared after). As i was driving, the car felt like it hit a brick wall even though it didnt, it slammed me into the steering wheel and then continued driving. At that point, the esp bas light came on. Have attempted to contact dodge or chrysler by phone with no chance at reaching a person cause of robotic answering services.

   NHTSA complaint #11582661 · source
6. Filed Oct 19, 2023MDElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle throws the abs, esp,break and traction control lights and then while driving completely at random then turns off WHILE DRIVING!!!! which can cause an accident (I and my daughter are lucky to be alive) this is not ok the vehicle drives fine then at random throws those lights and shuts off after restarting it the check engine light comes on and says the transmission shift solenoid b is malfunction and the vehicle wouldn't shift properly. Luckily I had my code…

   NHTSA complaint #11550908 · source
7. Filed Jul 28, 2023MISteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Power steering locks up, power steering fluid not helping. Looks like oil mixed in with the coolant. Car smoking and overheating

   NHTSA complaint #11535132 · source
8. Filed Jul 3, 2023VACrash1 injuredTowedAirbags

   2008 Dodge nitro in a collision going between 35 and 45 miles per hour had a major rear end accident. Police paramedics and fire came on scene. The air bags never deployed. This vehicle was taken for the air bags emblem recall in 2022. The vehicle should have air bags that deploy.

   NHTSA complaint #11530049 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology