8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$850
Average Mileage:
88,400 miles
Total Complaints:
40 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (25 reports)
  2. replace TIPM (14 reports)
  3. replace fuse box module (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Dodge Nitro:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #40

Feb 112020

Nitro RS 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Vehicle started having electrical issues. Wipers and lights would jump on by themselves while I was driving. Tipm and esp icon lit up on the dash shortly after. The doors stopped automatically lock once the vehicle was moving. I had to disconnect the battery to to keep it from draining. Functions on key fob no longer worked as they should. This is more than a TIPM issue because I am on the third one. This all started back in 2019 and is still an ongoing issue.

- Bruce S., Navarre, FL, US

problem #39

Aug 222019

Nitro RT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

ATTENTION!!!!! Anyone having issues with their Nitro and the TIPM regardless of the year. Please, reach out to Dodge and create a chat with a representative. Tell them the issues you are having. The only way we are going to get a recall resolution is by flooding them with our issues so they have no other choice but, to fix their mistake. If we want results we need numbers. I will gladly come forward if a class action is filed.

They have no problem addressing minor issues like a faulty steering wheel emblem but, when it comes to a major repair like the TIPM there is zero accountability on their end. It's time we the consumer do something about this and come together.

As a brand loyal customer, I've had it with their BS and lack of integrity.

- moparian1985, Helena, US

problem #38

Jul 102017

Nitro SLT 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

I own a 2008 Dodge Nitro 3.7L V6. For days now I have been hearing a pounding sound coming from the engine bay at start up and while making sharp turns, I first thought it was my belt. Check the belt and it seems like it's in good shape. While driving this morning my battery light came on unexpected and my calipers/brakes locked up. While hitting the brake pedal hard the pedal pulsated and the vehicle was shaking as if it didn't want to stop. When I took my foot off the accelerator after I managed to stop the vehicle, it doesn't go forward. I managed to slowly get it home and avoided any main road. I got online to check and after I read countless threads this TIPM came up. Not sure if this is the case but I'm having the vehicle towed to the dealer. I have a Chrysler Pre-Owned warranty. Hopefully it will be covered. Scary experience!!! fixing car and getting rid of it.

- Alejandro R., Miami, US

problem #37

May 162017

Nitro

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

This vehicle was bought for my daughter who is in college. As a parent I made this purchase with her safety in mind as a priority and thank God that when the malfunctions of this vehicle happened she was not driving since she was far from home. Unfortunately and equally worse when the malfunctions did happen my wife and son were the occupants and it took place on the highway thankfully not far from home. Upon seeing this issue being reported by so many others it is clear that the moral compass of the manufactures, the courts and governing bodies of this democracy are only as good as the empathy felt by those who have had like situations and their ability to influence the outcome. For a company to be allowed to sell a defective product that can result in the injury or loss of life without the fear of being held accountable in a society that prides itself on the ability to present the ultimate feel good experience, even the safety agencies in place are just a part of the greater machine of hypocrisy representing the good of the citizens it supposedly serves. The use of law firms by the liable defendants who would rather pay a dime to save a dollar and the courts filled with ruling judges who truly wear the blind scarves of justice thinking that their rulings only impact those immediately before them in their court rooms, this is appalling and yes the sad state of a democracy in moral disarray.

- Julius H., West Chester, OH, US

problem #36

Mar 142017

Nitro

  • Automatic transmission
  • 192,000 miles

I purchased my 2008 Dodge Nitro from a private owner 9/2/16 from Los Angeles. Drove it back to my home town in Fresno and drove it for months with no problems. Then slight warnings started happening in February 2017, horn slightly blows and water comes out of windshield wipers; hit key FOB to unlock doors and horn starts blowing, windshield wipers start up with water shooting out and I hit the key FOB again and it stopped, then March 2017, I hit key FOB to unlock door and the horn starts a constant blowing, windshield wiper going and water spewing out and would not stop. After ten minutes, someone came and unplugged the battery. Tried to put cables back on batter, hoping that it had stopped, but no it is still doing the same thing. Went online and saw too many complaints with the same identical situation. They all had to replace the TIPM. I called dealers and repair shops and was quoted 800 to 1100 to repair. Money is sparse so waiting to repair it in a couple of weeks.

- Linda B., Fresno, CA, US

problem #35

Aug 052016

Nitro 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,300 miles

My 2008 Dodge Nitro 4 x 4 3.7 engine while driving down the road the wipers came on and the windshield wiper fluid started squirting and horn started blaring. since the first time it has now happened 7 times and now it also turns off while driving but restarts because of movement I guess. This is a serious problem Dodge is saying doesn't happen. A new TIPM (TOTAL INTEGRATED PARTS MODULE) cost about $700.00 Maybe that's why. This is my last Dodge I will ever own. How much do you think in the long run Dodge this is costing you?

- Stephen A., SEVIERVILLE, TN, US

problem #34

Jun 012016

Nitro RT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

It all started last fall or so when the horn would blow while sitting in the driveway unattended, just random beeps. Creepy! Took to dealership and of course they asked if was doing it while driving? Uh no. Then asked if my lights and wipers going nuts? Uh no again. Well several trips over this they still couldn't figure out so they just put damn horn fuses. That was done in June 2016 still pulled..well then noticed after locking my car the alarm light would stay on sometimes and as I would stand there or sit inside the car would lock or unlock itself..I'm totally flipping out!! And noticed around a sharp curve or sudden stop or take off so I thought it'd almost die thinking stopped up fuel filter or something but obviously not and not to mention thought someone been stealing my gas as well. Its going QUICK! and oil and break lights coming on and brake light is on bye bye brakes . Almost rear ended a truck other day in a curve going slow due to break didn't wanna work😬!

Let me add the heated seats! They don't wanna stop heating!! Talking about a hot ass!! And while having the heat on to the A/C came on by itself too! . ..so I've read all about the complaints and etc. and of coarse my EXTENDED WARRANTY that I was told was a BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY don't and won't cover this ..its been confirmed by the dealership that sold me this Nitro that the TIPM HAS FAILED. I even called Chrysler directly and well that didn't get me anywhere either. All she kept saying was " no recall" but if one is issued you'll be notified and they may reimburse your costs.."may".

First of all I shouldn't have to pay for any of this because obviously this is a big issue. Like I told her, whose gonna pay when it causes harm?? Seriously!!!!! I'm scared to drive my own car that I'm paying for here! I have 2 damn Dodge payments here now come on!!!!! Wth!!!!! They know these are faulty so take care of it . That's what I think .

- Stephanie B., Madisonville, US

problem #33

Feb 062017

Nitro ES 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 105,200 miles

FAULTY TIPM. WINDOW WIPERS COME ON, HEAD LIGHTS COME ON, HORN BLOWS, WINDSHIELD CLEANER FLUID PUMPS COMES ON, DOORS LOCK RAMDOMLY

- William P., Berkeley Springs, WV, US

problem #32

Nov 042016

Nitro

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,600 miles

While driving in rush hour traffic, my horn started going off, wipers running at full speed, windshield fluid flying all over, door locks going up and down and the car begins to decelerate. I tried turning off the wipers and nothing happened. I turned off the ignition, and nothing happened. Horn, wipers, locks and washer fluid still going crazy. It eventually stopped. It happened 2 days later when I attempted to unlock my car. I had to disconnect the negative cable on my battery to get it to stop. A week after that, it happened while I was driving. I took it to the dealer and while I was waiting for service. I decided to do research and to my surprise I see this has happened frequently with the 2008 Nitro's. I had to replace the TIPM for a cost of $1000. The dealer stated that this was not a recall issue......

- Samuel H., Philadelphia, PA, US

problem #31

Sep 302016

Nitro SXT 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I CHANGED THE HEADLIGHT ON THE NITRO AND NOW NOTHING WORKS. THERE IS SOME POWER GOING TO THE INSIDE OF THE NITRO BUT NOT TO THE IGNITION SO THE NITRO WILL NOT START.

IT'S CRAZY THE POWER MIRRORS THE DOME LIGHT AND THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WORK AND THIS HAPPENED ALL BECAUSE I CHANGE A DAMN HEADLIGHT

- Tony S., Brandywine, MD, US

problem #30

Mar 032016

Nitro 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,800 miles

The problem began with lights flashing, horn blowing, all wipers going, water spraying, door locks locking and unlocking and windows going up and down. All of this happening at the same time. I went to the dodge dealer and they said that there was no recall no other complaints. They said that the battery was bad and replaced it $180.00. Seven months later the same problem occurred. Now the dealer say the problem is the fuse box module and the cost is $1100.00. I have two of these nitros. 2007 and 2008. The same problem with both vehicles. Please help.

Thanks in advance

Melvin

- Melvin R., North Little Rock, AR, US

problem #29

Jan 012013

Nitro

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

Electrical problems since 2013 with multiple visits to the dealership and dodge mechanic. Over $1000 spent on the repairs. Stalled on the highway several times. At our wits end on this; the truck is possessed! It is not trustworthy and we will be trading it in for something reliable at this point. only 76000 miles on this truck, its a shame someone can't pinpoint what the problem is.

- Gina P., Jessup, PA, US

problem #28

Jul 012016

Nitro V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,000 miles

I own a 2008 Dodge Nitro, it all started one morning when I put the car in reverse the horn started beeping, the window wipers in the front and rear started moving. After In placed the car back in drive the horn stop blowing. Also the heat or ac unit would not come on...After I turned the car off and started it again the problem stopped. I didn't know what to do or what was causing the issue. Then a month later the back brakes locked up and the car would not move smoke was coming from the back tires, so I stop and had to have the car towed in from Durham to Sanford. If anyone else has experience this issue please let me know.

- Constantina M., Sanford, NC, US

problem #27

Feb 182015

Nitro RT 4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

vehicle a piece of sh*t dodge recalled all models but the 08 nitro, just about got t boned when car stalled at intersection.

- biggss84, Traverse City, Pacific Islands (US)

problem #26

Nov 242015

Nitro V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I have been having issues for months, just brushed them off. Key will not unlock or lock doors, keep getting new batteries. Warnings on dash come on and go off. Sometimes the vehicle sounds like it about to fall apart when it trying to start, shut it off and turn the key again. It usually starts, but now the DASH Board light will not go out, and the sound it makes when it try to start is really starting to scare me. I did not know about the complaints other people are having. I find it strange that the RECALL was issued for all vehicles except the 2008 Dodge Nitro. I regret to say, that I am disappointed that Chrysler has not accepted responsibility, but I want to warn them, If something happens, meaning, I cause harm to someone else or myself while driving this vehicle, they might as well prepare themselves for a Big Ass Lawsuit. I work for PI attorneys, will be keeping a daily journal of what is going on with the vehicle.

I am planning on taking the Nitro in tomorrow to a Dodge Dealership, for further evaluation. I can't wait to see how much this is going to cost.

BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT, Chrysler/Dodge, I strongly suggest that you take another look at the TIPM concerns from your 2008 Dodge Nitro owner.

- annikpooh, Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #25

Oct 312013

Nitro R/T 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,652 miles

I contacted the FCA Canada Inc. Customer Care Centre 1-800-465-2001, and spoke with a very unhelpful and rude "customer care" representative that goes by the name of Lisa, whom advised me her employee i.d. number is LB716. She basically told me because my vehicle's warranty is expired, she basically can't help me. I asked her if a class action lawsuit would get things rolling, and that's when she really turned ugly! I told her I've researched the TIPM problem on the 2008 Dodge Nitro R/T and mentioned that I'm not the only owner that's experiencing these problems, i.e/ horn/panic alarm going off for no reason, and the gate ajar notification being on, when the gate is securely closed. She advised me there's a lot of people online, that are paid to put false complaints online. I tried to assure her that I was NOT one of those people! I'm simply an owner of a POS Dodge product, and Dodge is presently refusing to own up to their sh*tty product, and fixing it, without it costing me money! I called the dealership, and they quoted me $825.70 for the part alone, not including installation!!! (No wonder Dodge isn't recalling this vehicle!!!) If I had that kind of money kicking around, I'd own a Land Rover, not a Dodge!!! She then told me she couldn't take my word for it, that it's actually the faulty TIPM, that I'd have to get the diagnosis done by the dealership, again, out of my own pocket!!! We're going to try and get this fixed as soon as possible, as I've heard of possibilities of fire, air bags being randomly deployed, horn going off while driving, wipers and wash fluid activations while driving, etc!!! This is my wife's vehicle, and she loves it, however, just the thought of her driving, with our children, and the possibility of something seriously dangerous happening, because Dodge is neglecting to fix their faulty product, scares me immensely! Come on Dodge! Own up to your mistakes!!! Recall this model and do the right thing!!!

- Darren B., Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

problem #24

Nov 082015

Nitro SLT 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE DOOR LOCKS. DOORS WILL UNLOCK ONLY VIA DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON OR KEY REMOTE. YOU HAVE TO LOCK DOORS MANUALLY, PUSHING BUTTONS DOWN. THEY WILL NOT LOCK VIA KEY REMOTE OR DOOR LOCK BUTTON.

REPLACED M 38 FUSE, WHICH WAS BLOWN. STILL NOT LOCKING.

LOOKED ONLINE IN DODGE FORUM AND NITRO FORUMS AND CHRYSLERPROBLEMS.COM. TOOK NEGATIVE CABLE OFF FOR 10 - 15 MINS. TO REBOOT AND NOW NITRO WILL NOT DO ANYTHING, START, LIGHTS ECT. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND THEY ARE GOOD. REMOVED IOD FUSE FOR 30 SEC. REPLACED AND STILL NOTHING. ONLY THING WORKING ARE THE MIRROR BUTTONS, AND DOME LIGHTS VIA THE LIGHT SWITCH.

NOTHING!!!!!! WTH!!!

DID MORE RESEARCH AND LOOKS LIKE TIPM OR WCS WHICH IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR ALOT OF OTHERS WITH THE 2008 DODGE NITRO. CHRYSLER RECALLED OTHER YEARS BUT NOT 2008! SAME PROBLEM SO WHY WASN'T 2008 RECALLED??

CONTACTING CHRYSLER AND THE LAW SUIT LLC !!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE COVERED BY CHRYSLER!!!

- reillymj@windstrea, Apollo, PA, US

problem #23

Jul 072015

Nitro

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,374 miles

The issue my 08 Nitro began a couple of weeks ago. On the 7th of July, I was driving down a residential street when my horn, wipers, locks, wiper fluid all started going on. I pulled the car over and turned off my truck. I started to open my hood and it a all of a sudden stopped. I chalked that up as a odd anomaly.

Yesterday, I began my trip to work, once on the highway I began having the same issue. I pulled over, turned off the key and waited, no resolve a passerby stopped and told me to disconnect the battery for a few minutes, which I did. This did not work. I had no choice but to drive it off highway with horn blaring.. wipers going and fluid squirting across window. When I got to work I called Dodge. the mechanic told me this is common and to pull horn fuse.

On the way home my lights started to flash, wipers still had issue and locks were going up and down on there own. This issue has been constant for two days. I am scared to drive my truck now. The Dodge service people said it can take a month before I can get it fixed and that the truck is still driveable until then. I looked at him dumbfounded and explained my lights turn off and blink. I was told "well just don't drive at night. Other regular mechanics said even if they can get the part, Dodge still needs to "flash it" and something else (don't remember the other thing) Help!!!!

- Joseph D., Herkimer, NY, US

problem #22

Oct 072014

Nitro SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,512 miles

This repair was temporary. My horn went off (like I had pushed the panic button) My lights were flashing. My wipers going (front and back) The wiper fluid coming out (front and back). The door lock clinking up and down. The P D R on the speedometer flashing. And when driving it feels like it is in second or third gear. I look down and it is in drive not 2nd or 3rd.

When I took it in to a private mechanic they changed the terminal on the negative part of the battery. And said it stopped the problem. But a week after that it started again. At my place of employment. My customers were worried and ran over to check on me. I said I am fine its my car that has a mind of its own. One of my friends took the fuses out for the horn and what he thought was the fluid for the windshield wipers.

I have been driving around without a horn. But it is better then going down the highway and scaring the crap people on the highway. Don' t need no accidents Dodge. Now I am taking it in for the recall that the former owner did not do. And the dealership that had it did not do. And asked them to please check out the problem I am waiting for the results. But we all know what it is going to be. TIPM = big cost to owner.

Please recall this before someone gets killed. You did on the earlier models and later models why not mine 2008. Yours truly confused and frustrated Dodge owner

- Rebecca R., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #21

May 272015

Nitro SLT 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Faulty TIPM causing headlight flashing, wipers and washer uncontrollable with both horns going. Resetting the TIPM by dis-connecting battery for a period of this fixes the problem. My TIPM has a problem with moisture. High humidity and heavy rain today set it off I think. This is my third occurrence on a period on two years. Hoping to purchase a replacement TIPM before this issue becomes as sever as others are experiencing.

- ajflows, Sterling, VA, US

Read the next 20 complaints »