Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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 of the failures were not determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000(Power Train, Air Bags, Structure), which the contact's son related to the failure. The failure mileage was 203,000.
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 is dangerous their's no warning. I drive on the highway everyday their's no warning it happens at random 2 times I've been lucky. …
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. …
Since I purchased the vehicle in 2010, it's had strange electrical issues. First, the door locks have been malfunctioning. After a couple of uses, they no longer respond to the remote, or door lock button. Nor will they automatically lock while the vehicle is in motion. That's very dangerous. The second issue is that the horn would randomly honk. The honking stopped for about a year. Tonight, the honking started at random and wouldn't stop. The key wasn't in the ignition and the car was parked. I had to remove the negative battery cable to avoid a visit from the police for disturbing the peace. The third issue is that the airbag light came on. Yet another strange issue. When starting the engine, there will be s long start as if the starter stays engaged for too long. Sometimes , the engine will start, not idle and just stop. …
Driving down road when all of a sudden heard herendous squealing noise so loud couldn't stay inside vehicle while moving. Upon examination I discovered a heat shield had fallen against and wrapped itself around the drive shaft. I now know the aluminum piece to be the heat shield from the transfer case. This shield is one involved for recalls of same year make and model two wheel drive. My Dodge Nitro 2008 is a 4x4 model not included in said recall. My question to the government as well as Chrysler is one of why not??? Fix my vehicle safety hazard too...
While driving the exiter ring broke causing ABS/traction control/ESP lights to illuminate. Opening the door the spring detached, door now freely swings open. Heater core needs to be replaced due to poor craftsmanship. The car no longer heats up. The rear window wiper no longer works properly. The doors in the rear of the car no longer lock or unlock when using the electric lock control. The heat shield from under the car broke off the vehicle.
The heat shield protecting the tunnel on my 4x4 Dodge Nitro broke loose and began rubbing on the drive shaft. The heat shailed failed and corroded at all fastening points. The heat shield and drive shaft were both damaged. The service bulleting about the heat shield and drive shaft from the 4x2 model of the 2008 Dodge Nitro should also apply to this model year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Nitro. While driving 15 MPH, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. Upon stopping the vehicle and looking underneath, the drive shaft was detached and on the ground. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power steering locks up, power steering fluid not helping. Looks like oil mixed in with the coolant. Car smoking and overheating
Chrysler denies responsibility and no lawyer wants to fight Chrysler. I am not putting my family's life in jeopardy with that car. On 2/18/08 I leased a 2008 Dodge Nitro at crestwood Dodge. On 3/31/08 my wife routinely started the Nitro, put her foot on the brake (and not the gas) and engaged the gear from park to reverse. Within a split second, the car made an unusually loud noise and the car bursted backward taking out the right side of our gate and a portion of the fence adjacent to the gate. This took her by surprise. She applied the brake but the brake was not able to engage as the transmission had torqued the engine so hard that it forced her into the side of the house and the rear bumper rammed into a brick pillar supporting the roof of the front porch and damaged the car. The impact of hitting the house and the pillar eventually stopped the momentum of the Nitro. …
Transmission complaints in other Nitro years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Dodge Nitro?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Dodge Nitro, 7% of the model year's 393 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Nitro transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.