2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4WD
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 2009 Dodge Nitro SE in Sunburst Orange Pearl, Front Left, 06-13-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2008 Dodge Nitro SXT CRD Automatic 2.8 Front by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Dodge Nitro SXT Black (1) by Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2009 Dodge Nitro SE in Sunburst Orange Pearl, Rear Left, 06-13-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2008 Dodge Nitro SXT CRD Automatic 2.8 Rear by Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4WD is a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It starts at $24,665 MSRP and is rated at 17 mpg combined.
It makes 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, spinning to a 6,000 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).
The Nitro measures 178.9 inches long on a 108.8-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,162 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $24,665 ($37,232 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $25,360 ($38,281 *) |
| Destination Charge | $695 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.7L PowerTech V6 |
| Displacement | 3.7 L |
| Horsepower | 210 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 12-valve |
| Bore and Stroke | 3.66 x 3.57 in (93 x 90.5 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Injection Type | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | 4WD (part-time) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 15 MPG |
| Highway | 21 MPG |
| Combined | 17 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, short-and-long-arm (SLA), coil springs, gas shocks |
| Rear Suspension | Solid live axle, multi-link, coil springs, gas shocks |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 17" x 7.0" |
| Wheels Rear | 17" x 7.0" |
| Tires Front | P235/65R17 |
| Tires Rear | P235/65R17 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 178.9 in |
| Width | 73.1 in |
| Height | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.8 in |
| Front Track | 61 in |
| Rear Track | 61 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in |
| Cargo Volume | 32.1 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 4,162 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 40.6 in |
| Headroom Rear | 40.8 in |
| Legroom Front | 40.8 in |
| Legroom Rear | 37.7 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 57.2 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 56.4 in |
| Hip Room Front | 56.8 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 47.4 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4WD with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (21.9 % risk) |
Recalls
3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge NITRO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 7, 2020 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Consequence: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V396000
Apr 3, 2013 · POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 13V121000
Oct 8, 2008 · PARKING BRAKE
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.
Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign 08V525000
393 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge NITRO
Owner Complaints
393 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge NITRO (17 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 15 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Electrical System | 198 |
| Fuel System | 66 |
| Gasoline | 66 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 46 |
| Exterior Lighting | 38 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 37 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 DODGE NITRO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.