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1997 Dodge Dakota

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Dakota years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Dodge Dakota are substantially higher than the model-year median of 166.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

140 reports with mileage · 306 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports6 fire reports22 injury reports

Structure complaints

14 reports
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190,000 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Service BrakesSteeringStructureCrashInjury

LOCKED VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH, STARTED GOING THROUGH FLAT PASTURE, EITHER BRAKES LOCKED UP OR FRONT PUMKIN TURNED UP AND LOCKED FRONT WHEELS UP, LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED ONTO DRIVER SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552659

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2005
Structure

I NOTICED ANOTHER COMPLAINT DATED 3/1/2004 AS THE FAIL DATE AND AN INTERNAL USE DATE OF 7/6/2005 OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAB STARED PEELING OFF AND PAINT ON VARIOUS OTHER AREAS OF THE TRUCK. THE BUMPER WAS THE FIRST TO GO. I WOULD SAY THIS STARTED ABOUT AFTER THE TRUCK WAS 4-5 YEARS OLD. I ONCE HAD TH…

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I NOTICED ANOTHER COMPLAINT DATED 3/1/2004 AS THE FAIL DATE AND AN INTERNAL USE DATE OF 7/6/2005 OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE PAINT ON THE ROOF OF THE CAB STARED PEELING OFF AND PAINT ON VARIOUS OTHER AREAS OF THE TRUCK. THE BUMPER WAS THE FIRST TO GO. I WOULD SAY THIS STARTED ABOUT AFTER THE TRUCK WAS 4-5 YEARS OLD. I ONCE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON A TWO YEAR OLD NISSAN TRUCK AND NISSAN REPAINTED THE ENTIRE TRUCK AN SAID IT WAS DEFECTIVELY PAINTED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10136368

79,200 miles · Jul 6, 2005
Structure

PAINT BEGAN BUBBLING ABOUT A YEAR AGO ON THE ROOF OF THE CAB. SINCE THEN EVERY SINGLE PANEL ON THE VEHICLE(HOOD, ROOF, FRONT 1/4 PANELS, DOORS, CAB BODY, AND REAR FENDERS) ALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE SPOT WHERE PAINT HAS BUBBLED AND PEELED. SOME SPOTS AS BIG AS A FOOT IN DIAMETER AND GROWING. THIS IS NOT RANDOM. I MEAN EVERY BODY PAR…

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PAINT BEGAN BUBBLING ABOUT A YEAR AGO ON THE ROOF OF THE CAB. SINCE THEN EVERY SINGLE PANEL ON THE VEHICLE(HOOD, ROOF, FRONT 1/4 PANELS, DOORS, CAB BODY, AND REAR FENDERS) ALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE SPOT WHERE PAINT HAS BUBBLED AND PEELED. SOME SPOTS AS BIG AS A FOOT IN DIAMETER AND GROWING. THIS IS NOT RANDOM. I MEAN EVERY BODY PART HAS PAINT JUST "LETTING GO". THIS IS AN OBVIOUS CASE OF POOR PAINTING PROCEDURES AND IS SEEN IN MANY OTHER MAKES AND MODELS FROM DODGE IN THIS SAME TIME FRAME.

NHTSA ODI #10127699

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2005
Structure

ALLDATA HAS PROVIDED ME WITH INFORMAYION ON MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA C/ CAB, IT SHOWS A GENERAL RECALL WITH A TBA # 727 FOR PAINT CHIPPING. I ALSO HAVE INFORMATION THAT THE SAME YEAR AND FACTORY VIN # HAS A RECALL ON THE SAME CONDITION OF THE PAINT BUT ONLY FOR RED TRUCKS, MINE HAPPENS TO BE GREEN. BUT THE PAINT ON MY TRUCK IS PEELI…

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ALLDATA HAS PROVIDED ME WITH INFORMAYION ON MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA C/ CAB, IT SHOWS A GENERAL RECALL WITH A TBA # 727 FOR PAINT CHIPPING. I ALSO HAVE INFORMATION THAT THE SAME YEAR AND FACTORY VIN # HAS A RECALL ON THE SAME CONDITION OF THE PAINT BUT ONLY FOR RED TRUCKS, MINE HAPPENS TO BE GREEN. BUT THE PAINT ON MY TRUCK IS PEELING LIKE A 30 YEAR OLD HOUSE. THE PRIMER IS FINE, WHICH FROM TALKING TO OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN THE AUTO PAINTING BUSINESS HAVE INFORMED ME THAT IF THE PRIMER IS NOT CLEANED OR DRIED PROPERLY BEFORE THE PAINT IS LAID DOWN, IT WOULD CAUSE THE PAINT TO LATER CHIP AND PEEL, LIKE MINE DOES. I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN HAVING DODGE LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10113949

85,000 miles · Feb 11, 2004
Structure

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON A DIRT ROAD CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE FRAME HAD A LARGE CRACK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FRAME MUST BE REPLACED. ON THAT SAME DAY CONSUMER HEARD A RADIO REPORT ABOUT DODGE DAKOTAS…

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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ON A DIRT ROAD CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE FRAME HAD A LARGE CRACK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FRAME MUST BE REPLACED. ON THAT SAME DAY CONSUMER HEARD A RADIO REPORT ABOUT DODGE DAKOTAS 1995-1996 HAVING A PROBLEM WITH CRACKED FRAMES. DURING THAT REPORT IT WAS MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A REPAIR KIT THAT COULD BE OBTAINED AT DODGE DEALERSHIPS TO FIX THE FRAME. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS REPAIR KIT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10057892

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

TWO FREEZE PLUGS WERE NOT REPLACED IN THE BACK OF THE BLOCK, CHRYSLERS RESOLUTION WAS STOP LEAK, HOWEVER AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PULLED THE TRANSMISSION TO REPLACE THE FREEZE PLUGS AND FOUND STOP LEAK ALL OVER THE FLY WHEEL AREA, EVEN THOUGH CHRYSLER STATED THAT THEY HAD REMEDIED THE PROBLEM.*JB

NHTSA ODI #566508

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2002
Structure

WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A RED LIGHT, VEHICLE WENT BACKARDS, CONSUMER RESTARTED AND VEHICLE WENT FORWARD. CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT BROKE, CAUSING THE ACCIDENT. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #8011408

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2000
Structure

PAINT ON FRONT BUMPER CHIPPED. DEALER REPAINTED INSTEAD OF REPLACED. CHIPPING AGAIN AND RUSTING. DEALER AND CHRYSLER REFUSED TO REPLACE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #737456

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2000
Structure

AUTHORIZED DODGE DEALER INSPECTED WITH EMPLOYEE OF CHRYSLER/ STATED THERE WAS NO DEFECT WITH MANUFACTURER ALTHOUGH I DON'T FEEL THAT IT CANNOT BE BECAUSE THIS PEELING/FLAKING HAS NOT OCCURRED ELSEWHERE ON THE BODY OF THE TRUCK. *AK

NHTSA ODI #734979

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other

BRAKES WORN OUT PREMATURELY.(ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)YH

NHTSA ODI #551031

Official recalls

5

01V153000 · Air Bags

May 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

00V193000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT WITH 2.5L ENGINES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A PUNCTURE OF THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE FOR WEAR. IF WEAR IS EVIDENT, THE BRAKE TUBE AND/OR POWER STEERING HOSE WILL BE REPLACED. A POWER STEERING STANDOFF BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND POWER STEERING HOSE IS MAINTAINED.

00V198000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE VENT HOSE AND THE BRAKE HOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A PUNCTURE IN THE REAR BRAKE HOSE WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING FORCE AT THE REAR WHEELS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE HOSE FOR EVIDENCE OF WEAR. WORN BRAKE HOSES WILL BE REPLACED. THE REAR VENT HOSE WILL BE SHORTENED BY 3 INCHES AND A CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ASSURE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE AXLE VENT LINE AND BRAKE HOSE IS MAINTAINED.

00V199000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS WITH A 131 INCH WHEELBASE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE CAB UNDERBODY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONTACT CAN RESULT IN WEAR, AND AFTER EXTENDED CONTACT, COULD CAUSE A PERFORATION IN THE FUEL LINE, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PROPER CLEARANCE. FUEL LINES THAT EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED FUEL LINE THAT WILL ASSURE PROPER CLEARANCE.

97V080000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

May 16, 1997

THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA03023 · Upper Ball Joint Separation

Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Feb 11, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Suspension

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front:control Arm

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.