DodgeNitro20084.0L/dodge/nitro/2008/4-0l/
KA platform

2008 Dodge Nitro — 4.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Nitro 4.0L.

Body SUVEngine 4.0LTransmission Automatic 5-spd

The 2008 Dodge Nitro 4.0L is an SUV built on the KA platform, featuring a 4.0‑L engine mated to a five‑speed automatic transmission and requiring 5.5 quarts of 10W‑30 API oil with filter, while delivering an EPA fuel‑economy rating of 16/21/18 mpg. In reliability terms, the 2008 model accumulated 393 owner complaints, with the electrical system cited as the top problem area and three recalls issued. This places it above the 2005 low of a single complaint but well below the 2007 peak of 825 complaints, indicating a moderate position in the Nitro’s overall reliability history.

Model year20112010200920082007

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified
Engine oil type10W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque95 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy16/21/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 34 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04781452BF. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 34 · 600 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size235-65R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04781452BF
Engine air filter68037059AA
Spark plugSZFR5LP13G alt SPZFR6F11G
BatteryBB34F101AA
Front wiper blades68003937AB
Thermostat68174083AA alt 68273161AA
Cabin air filter68535612AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length178.7 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height69.7 in
Wheelbase108.7 in
Curb weight3971 lb
Track (front / rear)61.4 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined16 / 21 / 18 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 API engine oil, Front: 80W-; Rear: 198RB in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 20.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilFront: 80W-; Rear: 198RB
Differential Gear Oil Capacity3.8 Pints
Engine CoolantHOAT · MS9769
Engine Oil10W-30 · API · MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs8.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts70 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts21 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug20.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs21 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts95 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugSteel case: 35.0, Aluminum case: 18.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub100 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerChampion
Spark Plug Gap0.050 in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.12 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.00 oz
RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.12 lbs
Oil GroupPAG

Service checks

Pressure Test16 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief15 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature176 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)53.0-63.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance12+-0.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Oil Pressure45-105 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM3000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket28 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle100 ft-lbs / 75 ft-lbs
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0004 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.001 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.102 in / 0.472 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.102 in / 0.472 in
Rotor Discard at or Under1.039 in / 0.409 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9020 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil.

145.0 ft. lbs.45 ft. lbs
265.0 ft. lbs.65 ft. lbs
365.0 ft. lbs.65 ft. lbs
490 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Install the bedplate retaining bolts, making sure to place the stud bolts in the correct location, Torque the bolts in the sequence shown.

1Hand tighten bolts 1D, 1G and 1F until the bedplate contacts the block.
2Tighten bolts 1A - 1J to 40 ft. lbs.40 ft. lbs
3Tighten bolts 1 - 8 to 5 ft. lbs.5 ft. lbs
4Turn bolts 1 - 8 an additional 90 degrees.90 degrees
5Tighten bolts A - E 20 to 20 ft. lbs.20 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs at 102,000 mi; coolant at 102,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 102,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 12,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 miBrake Linings (inspect)
Every 18,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 miExhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 102,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)
At 120,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

over 2008 Dodge Nitro target year analysis with federal data context. The 2008 model year shows 393 complaints, 3 recalls, 1 investigation, and 59 TSBs—significantly fewer complaints than 2007’s 825 but still above the post-2008 average. Electrical System (88) and Fuel System, Gasoline (61) are the top complaint areas, aligning with recurring issues in fuel delivery and electrical faults seen in prior and subsequent years. Fire-related complaints (12) and crash-related complaints (17) are present but limited, with no major recall spikes in 2008 compared to 2007’s high recall count. The 2008 model falls in a relatively stable period following the 2007 peak in complaints and recalls, suggesting a cooldown after initial launch issues but before the later 2011–2011 spike. Given the moderate complaint volume, limited fire/crash reports, and absence of major recalls or investigations, the 2008 model year presents a lower-risk entry point for a used 2008 Dodge Nitro, though owners should monitor electrical and fuel system maintenance closely.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
59
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
393
Owner complaints
17 involved a crash · 12 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 393 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System88
Fuel System, Gasoline61
Fuel/Propulsion System34
Electrical System,Visibility/Wiper12
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting11
Air Bags10
Electrical System,Engine8
Service Brakes8

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V396000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 07/07/2020

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… 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…

13V121000Power Train:Driveline:DriveshaftReported 03/04/2013

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 59 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
1074182025-09-18Service BrakesSWITCH - CLUTCH STARTER INTERLOCK & MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY - CLUTCH
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
91002262023-09-15Electrical SystemConnector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
Y22 Combo Rev12021-11-23Air BagsCustomer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem
Y22 Combo2021-11-18Air BagsCustomer Satisfaction Notification Y22 Driver Airbag Emblem

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Nitro. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Nitro 4.0L take?

5.5 qt w/ filter of 10W-30 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Nitro have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 4.0L get?

EPA figures are 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined mpg.