2008 Dodge Nitro diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  14.3% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Battery6.8× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  6.1% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

• Wheel bearings2.6× usual
  Dodge Nitro

  6.6% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  35% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2008 Dodge Nitro diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?