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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Dodge Nitro brakes problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Dodge Nitro brake system generates consistent complaints across multiple failure modes. Rear brakes wear aggressively and unevenly compared to the front—owners report pads grinding into rotors at low mileage, with several replacing brakes more than ten times on the same vehicle. One owner with only 38,000 miles needed ten or more brake services; another with 25,646 miles experienced rear brakes dragging even when not in use.
Emergency and parking brake failures are widespread. The hand brake does not hold on inclines, with vehicles creeping backward on grades; one owner's emergency brake deployed unexpectedly at 68 mph on a freeway. When new brakes, rotors, calipers, and pads were installed, the emergency brake still would not function on some vehicles.
Electronic brake system malfunctions also appear. ABS, traction control, and BAS/ESP lights illuminate together; one owner experienced a complete vehicle lockup with gauges dropping to zero and steering becoming heavy while braking. Another reported sudden brake pressure loss when hitting bumps during braking, requiring hard pedal application and sometimes days to restore pressure.
Chrysler issued recalls for brake issues on 2007, 2009, and 2010 Nitros, but some 2008 owners report their VINs fall outside recall coverage. One owner waited an unreasonable time for recall parts that remained unavailable; another was told the dealership could not repair the emergency brake issue.
Same Dodge Nitro brakes reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
ABS/Electronic Brake System Malfunction
ABS, traction control, and BAS/ESP lights illuminate; vehicle experiences sudden unintended braking or complete electrical lockup affecting brakes, gauges, and steering. One owner reported emergency brake deployed without activation while driving 68 mph on freeway.
When: Within one week after recall completion; intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, traction, BAS/ESP warning lights; Brake light illumination with abrupt braking; Vehicle electrical lockup with gauges dropping to zero; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Emergency brake deploys without driver action; All dashboard warning lights activate simultaneously
Codes mentioned: ABS system fault, Traction control fault, BAS/ESP system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports recall was completed but underlying issues not addressed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler initially could not assist until issue occurs at service shop; TIPM replacement attempted in one case but problems recurred within one week
Rear Brake Premature Wear/Dragging
Rear brakes wear excessively fast and grind down to rotors with little warning. Rear calipers fail to release fully, causing continuous dragging and accelerated pad wear. Multiple brake replacements required within short intervals.
When: 2017 onwards after initial purchase (8+ years into ownership); 25,646 miles on one vehicle; uneven wear pattern with front brakes unaffected
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake pads wear 1/8 inch into rotor; Rear brakes grind to rotor; Rear brakes do not release all the way; Clanking sound from rear area at 5-30 mph; Uneven wear between front and rear despite similar usage
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake pads and calipers replaced 4 times in one case; brakes replaced 3 times in one year in another case; brakes serviced over 10 times in one vehicle with less than 38,000 miles; new brakes, rotors, calipers, and pads installed multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist for 2007, 2009, 2010 models but not 2008; extended warranty does not cover brake inspection
Emergency/Parking Brake Failure
Emergency brake does not hold vehicle on inclines; vehicle creeps backward even when in reverse. Hand brake lever runs out of travel before cable tightens sufficiently to secure brakes.
When: Various mileages (119,000 miles noted in one case); manual and automatic transmissions both affected
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake will not hold on inclines; Vehicle creeps backward on steeper grades; Emergency brake deployed unintentionally while driving at 68 mph; Hand brake lever runs out of travel
Repairs/costs cited: Emergency brake shoes inspected and adjusted; new brakes, rotors, calipers, and pads installed with no resolution in 2WD model
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall H28 addresses hand brake slack adjuster issue on this model/year but some VINs reported not included in recall; Chrysler stated no recall for certain units; dealership stated nothing could be done; recall parts unavailable, exceeding reasonable repair time
Brake Pedal Loss of Pressure During Braking
Brake pedal loses pressure and pressure when vehicle hits bump while braking, requiring hard pedal application. Pressure may return after several days; owner must pump pedal to restore pressure.
When: During normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake pedal pressure when hitting bump while braking; Pedal becomes mushy and unresponsive; Requires hard pedal application to brake; Pressure returns intermittently after days
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2008 Dodge Nitro?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2008 Dodge Nitro?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 37,700 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,700; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Dodge/Nitro.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.