2008 Dodge Nitro Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 10%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 38 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Dodge Nitro, 10% of the 393 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
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“This is my third incident with a faulty tipm on my 2008 Dodge Nitro slt. Lights, horns, front and rear wipers as well as the washer fluid spraying out of control. I remove the fuse for both the left and right horns to silence them, then remove the positive battery cable to reset the tipm. It has been successful so far. Looking for a replacement unit for preventive measures.”
NHTSA complaint #10721822, filed 2015-05, 70,000 miles“I walked out to my car one morning to make a trip into town. The instant I opened the door the horn started blaring without a pause, the windshield wipers both front and rear were running on their top speed. I have absolutely no control over the car. I cant even get it out of park to have a tow truck pick it up. The gauge cluster says no bus and the only culprit I can think of would be the famous Dodge tipm.”
NHTSA complaint #10689472, filed 2015-02, 86,000 miles“The headlights randomly turn on and off even when the car is not running. This is draining the battery frequently. Replacing the battery has not helped with this issue. The turn signals will randomly begin blinking while I'm driving. The horn has begun sporadically beeping while driving and also when the car is off and parked in my driveway. The heat has completely stopped working - it only blows ice cold air which is the last thing I need when it is below zero here in the mornings when I am leaving for work. …”
NHTSA complaint #11058333, filed 2018-01, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10023351Aug 8, 2007Exterior lamp - lens fogging.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Dodge Nitro
198 complaintsFuel system
112 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 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 29, 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