DecodedCars2008 Dodge Nitro
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Rt, 4dr SUV RWD Se/Sxt
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 178.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,933–3,971 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Dodge Nitro is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.7L 6-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,971 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Rt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 1% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 193 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Nitro — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Nitro →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Slt/Rt | 178.7 in | 73.2 in | 69.7 in | 108.7 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,971 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV RWD Se/Sxt | 178.7 in | 73.2 in | 69.7 in | 108.7 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 3,933 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitro 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Nitro 2WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Nitro 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Nitro 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | +3% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Nitro 4WD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -2% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Nitro 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -2% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Dodge Nitro under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Dodge Nitro (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jul 7, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V396000 · 925,239 vehicles
- 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.
Structure · Apr 3, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V121000 · 62,578 vehicles
- 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.
Not every 2008 Dodge Nitro is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Dodge Nitro buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 116 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 24 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Nitro. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Nitro years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Nitro | 18 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 89 |
| 2010 Nitro | 18 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 51 |
| 2009 Nitro | 18 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 24 |
| 2007 Nitro | 19 | 178.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 279 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →