Is a 2008 Dodge Nitro front wheel drive?
No. The 2008 Dodge Nitro was not offered with front-wheel drive; it came with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Nitro, produced from 2007 to 2011, was designed as a rugged midsize SUV with two primary drivetrain configurations. There was no factory front-wheel-drive option in the Nitro lineup, leaving buyers to choose between rear-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4x4) depending on trim and package.
Drivetrain options on the 2007–2011 Dodge Nitro
Below are the two primary drivetrain configurations available for the Nitro. Note that a true front-wheel-drive configuration was not offered.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) / 2WD: Power delivered to the rear wheels; standard on several base models.
- Four-Wheel Drive (4x4): Power can be sent to all four wheels for enhanced traction, typically via a transfer case; available on higher trims or with optional packages.
In practice, if you are seeking a Nitro with front-drive capability, you won’t find one from the factory. Buyers would select between RWD or 4x4 depending on their needs.
Additional considerations for buyers
Model-year consistency
Across 2007–2011, the drivetrain options remained consistent in offering either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with no official front-wheel-drive variant. Always check the vehicle’s VIN or window sticker to confirm whether a specific used Nitro is RWD or 4x4.
Summary
The 2008 Dodge Nitro was not front-wheel drive. It offered rear-wheel drive as standard and an optional four-wheel-drive configuration, making FWD unavailable from the factory. For prospective buyers or used-car shoppers, verifying the drivetrain through documentation is recommended to ensure the correct configuration.
Is a Dodge Nitro front or rear-wheel drive?
| Dodge Nitro | |
|---|---|
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Longitudinal Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler KA platform |
| Related | Jeep Liberty Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Commander Jeep Wrangler |
Is a 2008 Dodge Nitro all-wheel drive?
The Nitro compact SUV seats five people. Dodge offers SXT, SLT and R/T trim levels for this model year. With the standard powertrain, you get a V6 engine, a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. A more powerful V6, four- and five-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive are optional.
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 is a 2008 Dodge Nitro worth?
The value of a used 2008 Dodge Nitro ranges from $1,001 to $3,536, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
