Dodge Nitro VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD problems

The Dodge Nitro used the VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD from 2007 to 2011 (Nitro 2.8 CRD). 3 documented faults affect it; the most important is “wear of the injectors and the high-pressure pump” (medium severity, occasional). Our verdict: “With caution”.

Dodge Nitro (2007–2011) — Photo: Karrmann · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

7.7 out of 10Good reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Nitro. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Dodge Nitro

7.7 out of 10Provisional score

Engines and gearboxes only: there are still few sources for the rest of the car. See breakdown

Reviewed on 29 October 20268 sources How we work

VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD

VM Motori 2.8 CRD (R 428 / RA 428 / A 428) and 3.0 V6 CRD (A 630) · Diesel

In the Nitro: 2007–2011^[1][2][3]
Name: Nitro 2.8 CRD
Faults that affect it: 3

Risk index on this car

Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

2.8 CRD RA 428 Euro 4 (ENS, 163-177 hp, 2007-2011)2007–2011 · 163–177 hp · RA 428, ENS
With caution
It shares its mechanical base with the other 2.8s: the sources point to wear of the turbo, intercooler, EGR deposits and injection, with no frequency figures. Check the last timing belt change; for the 130 kW Wrangler a German maintenance portal gives 100,000 km.^[4][5]

Faults that affect the Nitro

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD has 4 documented faults in total.

All versions and faults of the VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD

What to check before buying a used Dodge Nitro VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD (2007–2011)

Wear of the injectors and the high-pressure pump

Medium severity

Read the fault memory for rail pressure codes (P0087, P0191) or injector codes (P0200X), which Total Renting associates with this fault on the 2.8.^[6][7]
Ask whether injectors or pump have been replaced and ask for the invoice; with more than 150,000 km and no such work, count on it as an upcoming expense.^[6][7]
On the test drive, check that it starts well from cold and that it does not jerk at low revs.^[6]

Turbocharger failure and intake hoses

Medium severity

Ask for the complete service history: CarsGuide considers it essential when buying a turbodiesel of this type.^[4]
Check the intake hoses and the intercooler for cracks and leaks.^[4][8]
On the test drive, check that the car accelerates strongly and without smoke or abnormal turbo noises.

EGR valve and intake clogged with soot

Low severity

Ask how the car has been used: a lot of short, urban driving favours EGR deposits.^[8]
On the test drive, check that no black smoke comes out when accelerating and that there is no jerking at low revs.^[6]
Ask whether the EGR or intake has been cleaned and ask for the invoice.

Faults of the Dodge Nitro outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetySteering wheel emblem not securely fixed (risk on airbag deployment)A 2021 European alert states that the steering wheel emblem on certain Dodge Nitros may not be securely fixed and could be thrown into the cabin if the airbag deploys.

Buying a Dodge Nitro VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD?

Check the history before buyingMileage, inspection record (ITV in Spain), outstanding finance and accidents for the car you are interested in, from the registration number or the VIN.Request a report

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

The Dodge Nitro has one documented recall or campaign. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dodge Nitro VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD reliable?

What faults does the Dodge Nitro VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: wear of the injectors and the high-pressure pump (medium severity), turbocharger failure and intake hoses (medium severity) and EGR valve and intake clogged with soot (low severity).

Own a Dodge Nitro VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

VM MotoriWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
VM MotoriWikipedia (it) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Italian
WT-2027 Engine Timing Tool Set Chrysler & Jeep 2.8 CRDForce Tools (Kepmar) · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
Jeep Wrangler 2.8 Diesel ProblemsCarsGuide · Motoring press · published 11 December 2020 · consulted 8 October 2026
Zahnriemenwechsel Jeep Wranglerrepareo.de · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Problemas Jeep Wrangler 2.8 CRDTotal Renting · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
Problemas Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRDTotal Renting · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 con kilometraje: se puede comprar, pero con maticesZa Rulyom (zr.ru) · Motoring press · published 28 April 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in another language