2008 Dodge Nitro: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AR

An intermittent electrical failure is affecting multiple vehicle systems. The vehicle has unexpectedly stalled while driving on the interstate, leaving it without power in moving traffic. It has also experienced repeated no-start conditions, transmission entering limp mode, the engine continuing to run after the key was removed, and random operation of the horn, windshield wipers, washer pumps, and other electrical components while driving and while parked. These failures occur without warning and create a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death due to sudden loss of propulsion in interstate traffic and unpredictable vehicle behavior. The problem has become progressively more frequent despite previous repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection. I fear for my life.

Filed Oct 19, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MD

The vehicle throws the abs, esp,break and traction control lights and then while driving completely at random then turns off WHILE DRIVING!!!! which can cause an accident (I and my daughter are lucky to be alive) this is not ok the vehicle drives fine then at random throws those lights and shuts off after restarting it the check engine light comes on and says the transmission shift solenoid b is malfunction and the vehicle wouldn't shift properly. Luckily I had my code reader I. The car with me I cleared the code and now the car drives fine until this happens again I'm scared to drive it this is dangerous their's no warning. I drive on the highway everyday their's no warning it happens at random 2 times I've been lucky. No codes came up driving after clearing it and the car drives fine now but it's happened 2 times while driving this is extremely dangerous and I don't know what to do because with the codes gone the issues are gone but they randomly all the lights mentioned above come on and then the car shuts off with no warning then when you restart it it throws a different code for a different problem the first time was a low voltage code I cleared it and even Tho my battery tested good I replaced it and two days later the same issue and a different code

Filed Nov 9, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 80,000 miles · FL

2008 dodge nitro with 80,000 miles driving in town and all the dash warning lights came on blinking and the engine almost stalled. It continued while driving it. Took it to mechanic next day but lights were not on. 3 pages of "lost communication" codes printed. Mechanic said it was most likely the main computer but the lights were not on so they couldn't fix. The next day lights all came back on driving on highway car almost stalled and it wouldn't shift. We drove it straight to mechanic. It would not restart. Thankfully it was parked at this time. Mechanic said it's the main computer module and will cost $1500-$2500 to fix. If it died while we were driving it would have been tragic! It has under 100,000 miles this should not have happened already. We did not take pictures of all the warning lights that would be the only evidence we have. We can upload a bill once we get it.

Filed Jul 31, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 123,000 miles · CA

This situation has happened quite a few time and has escalated over the time period. The first time I walked out to my car. I pressed the key to unlock it and the horn started honking, the windshield wipers and spray was going and the lights flashed. This lasted approx. 5 seconds. And stopped. The next incident occurred while driving down the fwy. Same symptoms occurred, but this time lasted approx. 30 seconds then stopped. The third incidence: same symptoms but would not stop. I opened up the hood, for some reason slapped the fuse box and it stopped but when I went to drive it would not shift from 2nd to 3rd. Gear. This kept happening with increasing frequency and duration. I took it in to the dealer. As I was waiting in line to check in, it happened. Everyone was stunned and amazed, and laughed at my possessed vehicle. Now they can't get it to happen while it is on the computer. It has been almost 2 weeks and I still don't have my car.

Filed Jul 2, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

While driving, vehicle begins to sound horn, windshield washers/wipers activate. Sometimes won't shift beyond 2nd gear while entering freeway. Headlights, tail lights, flashers come on whenever they feel like it. A/c stops working, then works again. All interior electronics occasionally fail. Engine shuts itself off. Dealer states it is the tipm. Cost to repair with extended warranty - $410... New tipm installed, occasionally still have minor issues.

Filed Jun 13, 2012 · Transmission · 53,600 miles · NV

Tl* the contact 2008 dodge nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park. The contact had to use excessive force to shift the vehicle out of park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the gear shift was replaced. The failure recurred after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the gear shift cables were replaced. The failure continued. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 53,600 and the current mileage was 53,700. Updated 07/19/12

Filed Nov 21, 2011 · Electrical, Transmission · 60,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge nitro. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted into limp mode and the rear wheels seized. The contact stopped the vehicle and disconnected the battery; however, when he restarted the vehicle it began to function normally. The contact also stated that the vehicle experienced various electrical failures which caused the interior lights and windshield wipers to involuntarily turn on and off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.