← New search

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

What owners actually said

446 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2000
Seats

RECLINE SEAT LATCH DOES NOT POSITIVELY LATCH AFTER USE. CONCERNED THAT CHILDREN IN REAR SEAT WILL BE INJURED IN MINOR REAR END COLLISION WHEN FRONT SEAT COLLAPSING ON THEM. AFTER SEAT IS RECLINED FORWARD TO ACCESS REAR SEAT, RECLINE LATCH DOES NOT POSITIVELY LATCH. SEAT CAN BE RECLINED BY DRIVER/PASSENGER PUSHING BACK WITHOUT…

Read full complaint

RECLINE SEAT LATCH DOES NOT POSITIVELY LATCH AFTER USE. CONCERNED THAT CHILDREN IN REAR SEAT WILL BE INJURED IN MINOR REAR END COLLISION WHEN FRONT SEAT COLLAPSING ON THEM. AFTER SEAT IS RECLINED FORWARD TO ACCESS REAR SEAT, RECLINE LATCH DOES NOT POSITIVELY LATCH. SEAT CAN BE RECLINED BY DRIVER/PASSENGER PUSHING BACK WITHOUT RELEASING LATCH.

NHTSA ODI #734425

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2000
Fuel System, Gasoline

RECALL 00V199000/FUEL LINE / CAB UNDERBODY : DEALER TIED OFF FUEL LINE WITH ELECTRICAL STRAPS INSTEAD OF OF FOLLOWING CORRECTIVE ACTION MENTION IN RECALL. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER; DEALER IS KELLY SALES & SERVICE, SPRINGFIELD, VT PHONE # 802/885-2186. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS:*AK

NHTSA ODI #872958

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2000
Air Bags

AIRBAG SENSOR WEAKLY ILLUMINATES WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #872784

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE MAKES A PINGING NOISE WHICH DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR, VEHICLE EXPERIENCING HARD START MOSTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD BUT SOMETIMES WHEN IT IS NOT, IT TAKES MORE TIME THAN IS NECESSARY TO START.*ET

NHTSA ODI #784938

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2000
Seats

THE SEAT BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT REMAIN IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. IF THE DRIVER LEANS BACK TO HARD OR WHEN A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD IS ENCOUNTERED THE SEAT RECLINING MECHINISM WILL NOT HOLD AND THE BACK WILL BE RELEASED TO A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #734017

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

CONSUMER STARTED HEARING A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM BRAKES, ALSO REAR SEAL OIL PAN WAS LEAKING OIL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #872637

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2000
Power Train

WE PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE TRUCK IN OCT. 1996. THHE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 42000 MILES. WE WERE TOLD BY BOTH OUR LOCAL SOUTH CAROLINA DEALER AND BY ED MURDOCK WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THAT CHRYSLER WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO OUR WARRANTY BEING UP AT 36000 MILES. WE CALLED THE 800 # TO CHRYSLERS COMPLAINT L…

Read full complaint

WE PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE TRUCK IN OCT. 1996. THHE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 42000 MILES. WE WERE TOLD BY BOTH OUR LOCAL SOUTH CAROLINA DEALER AND BY ED MURDOCK WHERE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THAT CHRYSLER WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO OUR WARRANTY BEING UP AT 36000 MILES. WE CALLED THE 800 # TO CHRYSLERS COMPLAINT LINE AND WERE TOLD THE SAME THING. WE HAD OUR TRUCK REPAIRED AT A LOCAL INDEPENDENT GARAGEAND ONLY THEN DID WE DISCOVER THAT OUR TRUCK HAD A 1998 PROTOTYPE TRANSMISSION IN IT. PARTS WERE ORDERED FROM ATLANTA THAT WOULD NOT FIT OUR 1997 DODGE DAKOTA BECAUSE OF THE PROTOTYPE TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO BE RETURNED AND REORDERED FROM DETROIT. ALA IN ALL WE WERE WITHOUT OUR TRUCK FOR 29 DAYS WHILE THIS MESS WAS SORTED OUT. WE WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED A TRUCK WITH A PROTOTYPE ASIAN TRANSMISSION IN IT IF WE HAD BEEN TOLD. THHE ED MURDOCK DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REIMBURSE US FOR OUR EXPENCES, CHRYSLER SAYS THAT THEY WILL NOT BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE THIS RIGHT BECAUSE NOT ONLY WERE WE MISLED IN OUR PURCHASE BUT ANY TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM LONGER THAN 42000 MILES. WE WANT TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE WORK DONE AND OUR EXPENSE FOR A RENTAL CAR DURING THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT WE WERE SORTING THIS MESS OUT AND STILL HAVING TO GO ON WITH OUR DAILY ROUTINE. NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO STAND BEHIND THHE CHRYSLER PRODUCTS FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO THE ONE WHO SELLS THEM. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP , I HAVE SENT SEVERAL OTHER LETTERS AND IF YOU CAN TELL ME OF SOMEONE ELSE TO WRITE I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. THANKS, RENEE MCABEE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #733340

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2000
Suspension

EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ALIGNED AT 12000 STILL HAD WEAR TOOK TO AN ALIGNMENT SPECIALIST AND FOUND A BAD BALL JOINT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #732473

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2000
Suspension

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WERE SEPARATED. BEARINGS WERE BEINGA HELD ON BY 1 NUT & BRAKE ROTOR. VEHICLE WAS MAKING A THUMPING SOUND GOING 65MPH. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THRIUGH THE MANUFACTURER THAT T 600,000 WERE ON BACK ORDER. CONSUMER PURCHASED 1 THROUGH THE DEALER IN STOCK FOR $150. DEALER SEEMED TO KNOW THAT IT…

Read full complaint

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WERE SEPARATED. BEARINGS WERE BEINGA HELD ON BY 1 NUT & BRAKE ROTOR. VEHICLE WAS MAKING A THUMPING SOUND GOING 65MPH. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THRIUGH THE MANUFACTURER THAT T 600,000 WERE ON BACK ORDER. CONSUMER PURCHASED 1 THROUGH THE DEALER IN STOCK FOR $150. DEALER SEEMED TO KNOW THAT IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #870816

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I AM A CANADIAN DODGE TRUCK OWNER THAT FEELS THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION MAY WISH TO KEEP TABS ON A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT DISC BRAKES ON THE 1997, DAKOTA. I'VE HAD 3 SETS OF ROTORS AND PADS INTALLED NOW AND STILL GET SQUEALING GRINDING AND GRABBING. I THINK THERE IS MORE TO PROBLEM THAN CHRYSLER LEADS ME TO BELIEVE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #730186

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.