2008 Dodge Nitro recalls and problems

The 2008 Dodge Nitro has 3 safety recalls and 393 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

393

Crashes / fires

17 / 12

Injuries / deaths

18 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Dodge Nitro vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Dodge Nitro recalls

Recall 20V-396: Air Bags, Steering

Reported Jul 7, 2020 · 925,239 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

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. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Recall 13V-121: Structure, Air Bags, Power Train

Reported Apr 3, 2013 · 62,578 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

Recall 08V-525: Parking Brake

Reported Oct 8, 2008 · 3,663 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER LLC

Problem: Chrysler 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.

Risk: This could allow the vehicle to move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the park brake lever assembly free of charge. The recall began on october 27, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2008 Dodge Nitro problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	200
Fuel System, Gasoline	67
Fuel/Propulsion System	46
Exterior Lighting	38
Visibility/Wiper	37
Engine	29
Service Brakes	27
Power Train	26
Unknown or Other	25
Air Bags	23
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	18
Structure	14

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 10
Electrical System › Horn — 3
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 2
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Suspension › Front — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Dodge Nitro complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jul 14, 2026

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 occur without warning and create a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of propulsion in interstate…

Air Bags · at 203,000 miles · reported Dec 29, 2025

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 received, but the son remained bed ridden for several days from the injuries sustained during the air bag deployment. The cause…

Electrical System · reported Aug 31, 2025

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.

Electrical System · reported Jun 21, 2025

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 itâs 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, which is currently being checked out as we speak but itâs spit out two codes. One was PO633 and one was P2 112.

Electrical System · reported Oct 19, 2023

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 reader I. The car with me I cleared the code and now the car drives fine until this happens again I'm scared to drive it this…

Other Dodge Nitro years

2012 2011 2010 200920082007

Compare all Dodge Nitro years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Dodge Nitro have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Nitro: 20V-396 (air bags, steering), 13V-121 (structure, air bags, power train), 08V-525 (parking brake). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Nitro?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (200 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (67). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.