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Electrical systemPart report

2008 Dodge Nitro Electrical system Problems

Complaints
198about this part
Share
50%of 393 total for the year
Median mileage
90,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 198 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Dodge Nitro, 50% of the 393 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Driving on a long stretch of dark highway, lights started flickering on and off, finally lights went totally out leaving me in the dark not able to see forward I then crashed into the side of the off road scary, next day took to shop they said it was the tipm, goes out every 4 to 6 months going on my 3rd one lights are out, lighter, and window”

NHTSA complaint #10994356, filed 2017-06, 210,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11406178, filed 2021-04, 152,458 miles

“My A/C and heat randomly stopped working out of no where. No matter how long I wait or how high I turn it, the air never comes on. It's winter time and it's dangerous to be without heat in a car. I know several people who have the same problem and mechanics never seem to know how to fix the problem. So it just keeps happening. It doesn't work when it's stationary or motion.”

NHTSA complaint #11053325, filed 2017-12, 114,000 miles

“The breaks on my 2008 Dodge Nitro keep locking up completely while I'm driving down the hwy. Which causes my truck to come to a abruptly forcefule stop. Especially when I'm traveling at speeds of 65 or more. I can get the brakes to release by unhooking my battery for about 10 minutes. Long enough for the system to reset. My brake pads are slightly worn . My ABS light is also on / on my dash.”

NHTSA complaint #11144265, filed 2018-10, 165,000 miles

“Driving to work and noticed smoke. Opened hood and flames were coming out of fuse box. Closed hood and grabbed purse and phone. Lady who pulled over behind me and people inside office called fire department because engine completely involved. Took a bit for fire dept. To gain control and extinguish. I did research and saw several similar complaints re fuse box. Insurance adjuster to examine 12/7/2020 the consumer provided photos.”

NHTSA complaint #11378072, filed 2020-12, 125,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20115444%
20102633%
20091042%
200819850%
200713327%

Other parts of the 2008 Dodge Nitro

Fuel system
112 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsExterior lighting
38 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsEngine
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsElectronic stability control
18 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Dodge Nitro

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology