← Back to Search

2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4WD AT

The 2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4WD AT is a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and four-wheel drive. It starts at $21,255 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 4,105 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$21,255 ($32,085 *)
MSRP with Destination$21,950 ($33,134 *)
Destination Charge$695
Engine
Engine Type3.7L PowerTech V6
Displacement3.7 L
Horsepower210 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline6,000 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 12-valve
Bore and Stroke3.66 x 3.57 in (93 x 90.5 mm)
Compression Ratio9.7:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive Type4WD (part-time)
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway21 MPG
Combined17 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity19.5 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, short-and-long-arm (SLA), coil springs, gas shocks
Rear SuspensionSolid live axle, multi-link, coil springs, gas shocks
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16" x 7.0"
Wheels Rear16" x 7.0"
Tires FrontP225/75R16
Tires RearP225/75R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.9 in
Width73.1 in
Height69.9 in
Wheelbase108.8 in
Front Track61 in
Rear Track61 in
Ground Clearance8.1 in
Cargo Volume32.1 ft³
Curb Weight4,105 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.6 in
Headroom Rear40.8 in
Legroom Front40.8 in
Legroom Rear37.7 in
Shoulder Room Front57.2 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.4 in
Hip Room Front56.8 in
Hip Room Rear47.4 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (21.9 % risk)
Tested variant: 2008 Dodge Nitro 4-DR. w/SAB

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

Most-cited areas
Electrical System198
Fuel System66
Gasoline66
Fuel/Propulsion System46
Exterior Lighting38
Visibility/Wiper37
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 14, 2026 · Electrical System, Engine
“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…”
Feb 26, 2026 · Electrical System
“Car shut off while driving, prior have had issues. Have replaces TIPM module, ignition, grounding, etc”
Dec 29, 2025 · Power Train, Air Bags, Structure 1 injury
“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…”
Aug 31, 2025 · Electrical System
“TIPM system and/or electrical system failure. Right turn signal intermittently works when it wants to. Door locks from the inside at random or will not lock at all when using the master lock button…”
Jun 21, 2025 · Electrical System
“I had just entered Gene Snyder Expressway going west when my throttle light started flashing and I lost gas pressure and it started going down fast and then it shut off and right in the middle of…”

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.

← Back to Search