A WELD THAT SECURED THE LOWER RIGHT SUSPENSION FAILED ON MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA DUE TO "HARD" BRAKING. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY DAMAGE. I BELIEVE THAT SUCH A FAILURE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR DUE TO NORMAL USE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WELD SHOULD BE INSPECTED ON ALL VEHICLES W…
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A WELD THAT SECURED THE LOWER RIGHT SUSPENSION FAILED ON MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA DUE TO "HARD" BRAKING. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY DAMAGE. I BELIEVE THAT SUCH A FAILURE SHOULD NEVER OCCUR DUE TO NORMAL USE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WELD SHOULD BE INSPECTED ON ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS PARTICULAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. MY PHONE CALL TO CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE DID NOT INDICATE ANY INTEREST IN FOLLOW UP ON THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10082886
48,956 miles · Jul 23, 2004
SteeringSuspension
MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA-WITH 48OOO MILES FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION, DUE TO BAD BALL JOINTS AND UNSAFE STEERNIG. DURING REPAIR PROCESS I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND EVEN EXPECTED EVENT WITH THESE VEHICLES (WITH LOW MILEAGE) AND ALSO DURANGOS. IT IS SO COMMONPLACE THAT DODGE REPAIR PEOPLE EXPECT IT. OBVIOUOSLY TIS IS A SFA…
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MY 1997 DODGE DAKOTA-WITH 48OOO MILES FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION, DUE TO BAD BALL JOINTS AND UNSAFE STEERNIG. DURING REPAIR PROCESS I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND EVEN EXPECTED EVENT WITH THESE VEHICLES (WITH LOW MILEAGE) AND ALSO DURANGOS. IT IS SO COMMONPLACE THAT DODGE REPAIR PEOPLE EXPECT IT. OBVIOUOSLY TIS IS A SFATEY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE REMEDIED AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THE PARTS FAIL; AND A CATASTROPHE HAPPENS TO SOME UN SUSPECTIG DRIVER,UNLESS THERE IS A RECALL AND PERMANENT QUALITY REPLACMENT OF THE PARTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10082508
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2004
Suspension
CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING AN ARRAY OF FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. *LA *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10081855
70,000 miles · Jun 29, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
THERE WAS A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. THEY MADE A CLANKING SOUND ALONG WITH A SQUEAL. THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR A CATALYTIC CONVERTER PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10074079
23,750 miles · May 20, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO EXAMINED THE FRONT END. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10061619
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATED FROM THE FRONT END. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10073892
34,000 miles · May 11, 2004
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE FRONT BALL JOINTS BEING WORN OUT. *AK THE FAULTY BALL JOINTS RESULTED IN BAD ALIGNMENT AND CAUSED THE TIRES TO WEAR IMPROPERLY. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10057442
Mileage unknown · Apr 26, 2004
Suspension
NEW TIRES COULDN'T BE ALIGNED BECAUSE THE BALL JOINT WERE SO BAD. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI #10071580
135,000 miles · Apr 20, 2004
Suspension
I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, RAN IN THE HOUSE TO PICK UP SOME PAPERWORK, GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK AND BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME. ONE WELD IS BROKEN AND THE OTHER IS RIPPED. NO COMPANY WILL FIX THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE LIABILITY ISSUES. I NEVER HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD BREAK THIS A…
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I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, RAN IN THE HOUSE TO PICK UP SOME PAPERWORK, GOT BACK IN THE TRUCK AND BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AWAY FROM THE FRAME. ONE WELD IS BROKEN AND THE OTHER IS RIPPED. NO COMPANY WILL FIX THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE LIABILITY ISSUES. I NEVER HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD BREAK THIS ARM. I WAS TOLD BY THREE DIFFERENT COMPANIES THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN. THE BALL JOINT WAS IN TACT AND HAD NOT BROKEN. NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR A TRUCK WHICH IS JUST A PIECE OF JUNK.
NHTSA ODI #10066542
68,000 miles · Apr 20, 2004
Suspension
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED AND THE FRONT END ALIGNED. UPON PERFORMING THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED…
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CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED AND THE FRONT END ALIGNED. UPON PERFORMING THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN A YEAR. *SC *JB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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