NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 393 owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Nitro. Most complaints involve electrical system (198) and fuel system, gasoline (66). The EPA rates it 17–19 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 traffic and unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has become progressively more frequent despite previous repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection. I fear for my life.”
“The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel was spilling from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”
“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"”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitro 2WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Nitro 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Nitro 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Nitro 4WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Nitro 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Nitro 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 393 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (198), fuel system, gasoline (66), fuel/propulsion system (46). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Nitro at 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).