2008 Dodge Nitro electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

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 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Oct 25, 2022168,000 miINElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the horn and the rear and front windshield wipers were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that her neighbor disconnected and reconnected the battery and the failure was corrected. The vehicle was not diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 168,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11490884 · source
6. Filed Jun 22, 202257,000 miALElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle the horn inadvertently started blowing and windshield wipers activated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with an unknown electrical wiring failure. The dealer replaced the battery cables; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11470450 · source
7. Filed Mar 29, 202285,648 miINElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the windows, lights, and radio would independently turn off, or on. The contact stated that occasionally while driving, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast off the road safely. The contact stated that she then got out the vehicle to look under the hood to tap the TIPM box, which allowed her to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she had…

   NHTSA complaint #11458870 · source
8. Filed Jul 23, 2021MTElectrical System

   The TIPM in these vehicles are faulty and nothing is being done about it by Dodge. There are hundreds of complains across several forums and every time Dodge is contacted about the issue they use the no recall excuse. I have a Nitro myself and it has multiple electrical issues for no reason other than poor manufacturing. The TIPM is the issue and it's not just my Nitro having this problem. My vehicle has accelerated without my assistance, it's had braking issues when there…

   NHTSA complaint #11426121 · source
9. Filed Apr 3, 2021152,458 miSCElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   It started with all dash lights coming on saying it had issues and then just stopped dead in road. I had tpim put in, then alternator , and then new battery. Was fine and then head lights stopped coming on . Next, it starting with horn, and everything under the sun coming on and not stopping. Took to shop and they thought they found it, and drove for a day and as soon as i turned on headlights it stalled. In motion on a street driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11406178 · source
10. Filed Jan 13, 2021147,668 miNCTowedElectrical SystemEngine

    Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge nitro. The contact stated that when the vehicle was unlocked, the alarm, windshield wipers, and horn engaged. The electronic throttle control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer carolina chrysler jeep dodge ram (1001 halstead blvd, elizabeth city, nc 27909, [phone removed]) where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred…

    NHTSA complaint #11387858 · source
11. Filed Dec 6, 2020125,000 miFLFireElectrical System

    Driving to work and noticed smoke. Opened hood and flames were coming out of fuse box. Closed hood and grabbed purse and phone. Lady who pulled over behind me and people inside office called fire department because engine completely involved. Took a bit for fire dept. To gain control and extinguish. I did research and saw several similar complaints re fuse box. Insurance adjuster to examine 12/7/2020*dt the consumer provided photos.

    NHTSA complaint #11378072 · source
12. Filed Nov 23, 2020178,000 miNCElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Tipm malfunctions..vehicle vibrated and shut off while driving..starter cranked continuously without turning engine over. Continuously ran fuel pump which caused need for replacing,and a new battery as well. After replacing fuel pump,and battery,the vehicle shut off again..while driving. The vehicle,again will not start. Starter keeps running unless you turn the key to the "off position"

    NHTSA complaint #11376048 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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