How big is a 2008 Dodge Nitro gas tank?
The 2008 Dodge Nitro uses a 20.5-gallon fuel tank, which is about 77.6 liters.
Beyond the raw capacity, the size affects how far the SUV can travel between fills. This article outlines the official tank size, how it translates to real-world range, and what Nitro owners should know for that model year.
Tank size and practical use
Note that while the fuel capacity is a fixed specification for 2008 Nitros, the usable range depends on engine choice, drivetrain, and driving conditions. The following points summarize the key facts you’ll want to know.
- Capacity: 20.5 gallons (77.6 liters).
- Engine options: The 2008 Nitro offered a 3.7-liter V6; the tank size remains the same across engines, but fuel economy will influence range.
- Drivetrain: Both 2WD and 4x4 configurations share the same nominal tank size; actual range varies with driving style and conditions.
The official capacity is the standard specification across 2008 Nitros. Use your specific engine/drivetrain setup, along with real-world fuel economy, to estimate actual range.
Estimating range
To gauge how far you can travel on a full tank, multiply the tank capacity by the vehicle’s miles-per-gallon (mpg) figures for your configuration. Since mpg is influenced by driving style, payload, terrain, and maintenance, consult the owner's manual or a dealer for exact EPA estimates for your setup.
In brief, the 2008 Dodge Nitro carries a 20.5-gallon fuel tank (approximately 77.6 liters). Real-world range will vary with engine choice, drivetrain, and how you drive.
Summary: The Nitro’s gas tank for the 2008 model year holds 20.5 gallons (about 77.6 liters). For an accurate range, reference your specific engine and drivetrain mpg figures and consider driving conditions and habits.
What year to avoid Dodge Nitro?
The 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro model years are generally considered the ones to avoid due to a high number of common issues, including electrical problems, no-start conditions, and power door lock failures. While specific years like 2007 and 2009 had various recalls, the issues with electrical systems (like the wireless control module), persistent starting problems, and door lock malfunctions were reported across the entire production run.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and major flaws of the Dodge Nitro: 50sMarspeedYouTube · Aug 21, 2019
Common problems across 2007–2011 models
- Electrical issues: A common problem is the wireless control module (WCM) being affected by electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can cause the anti-theft system to activate and prevent the vehicle from starting. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) or fuse box can also cause numerous electrical problems.
- No-start condition: Even with a working battery, starter, and alternator, the vehicle may fail to start due to the WCM or other electrical gremlins.
- Power door locks: Many owners report issues with power door locks that either don't work or work intermittently.
- Illuminated liftgate light: The liftgate "ajar" light and interior courtesy lights can stay on even when the liftgate is fully closed.
This video explains the common problem of Dodge Nitro's engine not starting: 41sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 27, 2024
Specific year issues
- 2007: Had a recall related to hydraulic service brakes that could cause a loss of control.
- 2008–2010: Involved in a recall for the airbags, steering, and power train which included a potential for the driveshaft to break and cause the airbags to deploy.
This video discusses the common problems and issues with the Dodge Nitro: 1mAutoProblemsYouTube · Apr 21, 2023
What size gas tank does a Dodge Nitro have?
The fuel tank size for most Dodge Nitro models is 19.5 gallons. However, some international models with a diesel engine may have a different capacity, such as the 2.8L CRD which has a 70-liter tank, or other diesel models with a 65-liter tank.
- Gasoline models: Most gas-powered Dodge Nitros have a fuel capacity of 19.5 gallons.
- Diesel models: Some international diesel models have different capacities:
- 70 liters (approx. 18.5 gallons) for the 2.8L CRD engine.
- 65 liters (approx. 17.2 gallons) for other diesel versions.
How many gallons does a 2008 Dodge Nitro hold?
The 2008 Dodge Nitro has a fuel tank capacity of approximately 19.5 gallons. This applies to most trims, including the SXT and SLT models, according to Edmunds and The Car Connection.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.5 gallons
- Trim Variations: This capacity is consistent across most 2008 Nitro trims.
How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Dodge Nitro get?
The 2008 Dodge Nitro's MPG varies by drivetrain and engine, with EPA estimates around 15-16 MPG city and 21-22 MPG highway for most models. However, some 4WD models with the 3.7L V6 engine may get 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The 4WD models with the 4.0L V6 engine have an EPA estimated combined MPG of 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway.
Here is a breakdown of the MPG estimates:
- 2WD Models: The 2008 Dodge Nitro with rear-wheel drive and the standard 3.7L V6 engine gets 15 MPG city / 21 MPG highway.
- 4WD Models (4.0L V6): The 2008 Dodge Nitro with 4-wheel drive and the 4.0L V6 engine has an EPA estimate of 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway.
- 4WD Models (3.7L V6): Some 4WD models equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine achieve an EPA estimate of 18 MPG city / 24 MPG highway.
