Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Nitro owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
For months, we have been having issues with unlocking the vehicle using the key fob. Problems have since worsened in the last week to include loss of low beam headlights, uncontrollable horn honking, front and rear wiper activation when not engaged, doors locking on their own, overnight battery drainage, trouble starting the vehicle, vehicle not turning off with key removed, horn honking while driving, ESP/bas lights flashing, traction control light flashing, lights dimming and A/C system turning off on its own. All research points to a faulty TIPM system, which has been recalled for previous years, and years following the 2008 model year of this vehicle. Some of these issues have occurred while sitting parked with no key in the ignition, other issues have occurred while the vehicle is in motion. …
I purchased a 2008 Dodge Nitro about 2 years ago. Everything was great until about a month ago. First the heater went out. Next the dash lights and radio started to flicker and dim. Now the only time the lights turn on in the dash area and radio area, is when I turn my right blinker on. I was pulled over last week and was told my 2 brake/tail lights were out, and only the brake light bar on the lift gate was working. I replaced the bulbs and still no lights. I have all the fuses check and also had the brake switch changed... And nothing! I took my car to 1 mechanic who could not find the issue. Now, my check engine light went on so I was able to take my car back to the mechanic. He found an ABS brake sensor issue... But that was not causing 2 of my 3 brake lights to malfunction. …
Vehicle started having electrical issues. Wipers and lights would jump on by themselves while I was driving. TIPM and ESP icon lit up on the dash shortly after. Vehicle would make grinding noises when putting vehicle into different gears (park, reverse, and drive). Doors would not automatically lock once the vehicle was moving as it was programmed to do. Functions on key fob no longer worked as they should (lock button would unlock the doors and unlock button would activate the automatic start). I removed the battery from the key fob after my vehicle was broken into once the fob started malfunctioning. Vehicle has been parked for the last 3.5 weeks after electrical issues got worse and the air bag light started coming on. …
The headlights stopped working. At first they would flash on and off. After 4 or 5 times of turning on the lights, they wouldn't even flash. We tried changing the fuses, but nothing worked. The lights remained inoperative until it rained. Once it rained, all of a sudden the lights started operating normally. This pattern has continued for over a year. Sometimes the lights work and sometimes they don't. The dealer says it is a TIPM problem. Apparently, this is a common problem with Dodge nitros. We did have a mechanic replace the lights/turn signal lever in the car. The lights worked without issue for about 3 months. Now, they are not working again. And now we are having other issues such as the horn going off and the windshield wipers and washer fluid going off randomly and nothing I do will stop it. After about 5 minutes, everything stopped on its own. …
The headlights randomly turn on and off even when the car is not running. This is draining the battery frequently. Replacing the battery has not helped with this issue. The turn signals will randomly begin blinking while I'm driving. The horn has begun sporadically beeping while driving and also when the car is off and parked in my driveway. The heat has completely stopped working - it only blows ice cold air which is the last thing I need when it is below zero here in the mornings when I am leaving for work. There is clearly an electrical problem which seems to escalate over time - and it seems other years of this vehicle have been recalled for these same problems. I am not understanding why the 2008 has not been recalled. I am terrified of what this problem will escalate to - I have a young child that I must transport daily to daycare.
I ran a quick errand. When I returned to my vehicle, my windshield wipers and headlights came on as soon as I started it. The wipers wouldn't turn off unless the car was turned. The lights will not come on unless the car is on, the dash lights don't wok, and the signals don't work. I had to drive home that way in plenty of traffic. I felt unsafe driving the vehicle, as I had my grand baby with me, after reading several other complaints identical to mine, happening after 8 years of owning the vehicles, makes it seem that it was done intentionally by the manufacturer to get it back for repair.
The horn / alarm/ lights/ locks / windows , constantly go off & on with no warning. It happened randomly at first but now 09/03/2015 it is a everyday occurrence. I have taken it to the dealer to switch out remote, update electrical system and still the dealer has no idea. Ive disconnected the battery, replaced fuses, nothing. I was told it might be the TIPM since several 2008 models have the same problem. They replaced the 2010-2012 but not the 2007 & 2008 models. I need this problem fixed before a severe electrical problem occurs...
While driving the wipers and fluid will start going off both wipers front and back and the horn will start blaring, have to pull over and pop open the hood and bang on the fuse box, everything will stop and I am able to start the truck up and go on. Now the headlights stop working, I turn on the headlights and they come on for a split second and then off, only the running lights will stay on. I have opened the drivers door and the horn will honk and the wipers will move up briefly. Other times nothing happens for days.
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.
I walked out to my car one morning to make a trip into town. The instant I opened the door the horn started blaring without a pause, the windshield wipers both front and rear were running on their top speed. I have absolutely no control over the car. I cant even get it out of park to have a tow truck pick it up. The gauge cluster says "no bus" and the only culprit I can think of would be the famous Dodge TIPM.
Headlight complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2008 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the lights of the 2008 Dodge Nitro, 10% of the model year's 393 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Nitro headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2008 Dodge Nitro, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Nitro headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.