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1998 Dodge Dakota

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Dakota years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Dodge Dakota are substantially higher than the model-year median of 166.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

210 reports with mileage · 335 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 217 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 74 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 →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

43 crash reports1 fire reports20 injury reports

Suspension complaints

217 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2003
Suspension

THE OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10051951

40,000 miles · Dec 19, 2003
Suspension

PER BROADCAST ON DECEMBER 19, 2003 ON CBS NIGHTLY NEWS, THE DODGE DURANGO/DAKOTA BALL JOINT, UPPER AND LOWER ISSUES, NOT YET A RECALL BY THE MFG. WE OWN A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA, PURCHASED IN 2000 AND AT EVERY STATE INSPECTION, THE UPPER AND LOWER FRONT BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE SITUATION THAT ALL D…

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PER BROADCAST ON DECEMBER 19, 2003 ON CBS NIGHTLY NEWS, THE DODGE DURANGO/DAKOTA BALL JOINT, UPPER AND LOWER ISSUES, NOT YET A RECALL BY THE MFG. WE OWN A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA, PURCHASED IN 2000 AND AT EVERY STATE INSPECTION, THE UPPER AND LOWER FRONT BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE SITUATION THAT ALL DODGES 97 AND UP HAVE BALL JOINT ISSUES, SO THE MFG IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME NOW. EVERY YEAR IT IS 300+ $ TO REPLACE THESE FOR THE NEEDED STATE INSPECTION, THEY GO BAD EVERY YEAR, AND ARE DANGEROUS IF NOT REPLACED. WE ONLY PUT ABOUT 10, 000 MILES A YEAR ON THE VEHICLE ALSO. THE JOINTS CANNOT BE GREASED W/O DEALER OR MECHANIC ASSISTANCE. PER THE NEWS THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE REPLACED TO ACCOMODATE LARGER BALL JOINTS WHICH IS GOING TO BE COSTLY. WE CALLED ABOUT 2YRS AGO TO CHRYSLER DODGE, WHO ADVISE THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. NOW WE SEE THERE ARE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES REGARDING THIS DEFECT AND CAUSING FATALITIES AND ACCIDENTS. WE DONT WANT TO FIND OUT THIS WAY, WE WOULD LIKE IT TO BE A RECALL TO HAVE THE JOINTS AND ARMS REPLACED TO ACCOMODATE THE BIGGER BALL JOINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE RE ALL DODGE TRUCKS/ SUVS AND NEEDS TO HAVE A PROMPT INVESTIGATION DONE NOT ONLY BY THE DEALERS/CHRYSLER DODGE WHO ALREADY ARE AWARE ANYWAY, NO NEED FOR THEM TO INVESTIGATE SOMETHING THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRING AT THE COST OF THE CUSTOMER FOR THE PAST 10YRS OR SO. THIS NEEDS INVESTIGATED BY SOMEONE WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE CHRYSLER RECALL THIS DANGEROUS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050817

70,000 miles · Dec 19, 2003
Suspension

I'VE GOT A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA AND JUST HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ABOUT 65000 MILES OR SO WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND I FINALLY HAD THEM REPLACED AT ABOUT 73000 MILES. I EMAILED DODGE ABOUT IT AND THEY GAVE ME NO WORTHWHILE ANSWERS EXCEPT I DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR ANY RECALLS OR REIMBURSEMENT. I KNOW BALL…

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I'VE GOT A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA AND JUST HAD THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ABOUT 65000 MILES OR SO WHEN I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND I FINALLY HAD THEM REPLACED AT ABOUT 73000 MILES. I EMAILED DODGE ABOUT IT AND THEY GAVE ME NO WORTHWHILE ANSWERS EXCEPT I DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR ANY RECALLS OR REIMBURSEMENT. I KNOW BALL JOINTS SHOULDN'T GO OUT THIS SOON AND WANTED TO SEND THIS INFORMATION TO YOU BECAUSE I SAW WHERE YOU ARE LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER. IF YOU NEED ANY OTHER INFORMATION PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. THANKS, GREGORY THOMAS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10050800

51,000 miles · Dec 18, 2003
Suspension

SEEN THE CBS NEWS ABOUT UPPER BALL JOINTS ON DODGE DAKOTA ON 12/18/03. HAD MY LEFT SIDE BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON 7/15/02 AND MY RIGHT SIDE BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON 8/5/03. PRETTY CLOSE TO $500 TO HAVE REPLACED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050750

55,000 miles · Dec 18, 2003
Suspension

PREMATURELY WORN UPPER BALL JOINT FOR 1998 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT TRUCK (2W) WITH 55,000 MILES. SEVERE SQUEAKING AND GRINDING NOISE ALONG WITH OBVIOUS IRRATIC BRAKING PROBLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050739

57,351 miles · Dec 18, 2003
Suspension

THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF MY '98 2WD DODGE DAKOTA MAKES A LOUD 'POPPING' NOISE DURING SHARP LOWSPEED TURNS - A CHECK OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLE WITH DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS RESULTING FROM IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED OR MANUFACTURED BALL JOINTS CONSTITUTING AN OBVIOUS DRIVER SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD THESE PARTS F…

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THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF MY '98 2WD DODGE DAKOTA MAKES A LOUD 'POPPING' NOISE DURING SHARP LOWSPEED TURNS - A CHECK OF THE MESSAGE BOARDS REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLE WITH DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS RESULTING FROM IMPROPERLY ENGINEERED OR MANUFACTURED BALL JOINTS CONSTITUTING AN OBVIOUS DRIVER SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD THESE PARTS FAIL PREMATURELY AS THEY HAVE IN MANY LOW MILEAGE VEHICLES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050685

104,000 miles · Dec 17, 2003
Suspension

1998 DODGE DAKOTA HAS WORN LOWER BALL JOINTS - MANUFACTURER DID NOT INSTALL GREASE FITTINGS TO ALLOW FOR PROPER PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10050634

70,000 miles · Dec 10, 2003
Suspension

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF PREMATURE WEAR. *AK *NLM *PH

NHTSA ODI #10046635

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2003
Suspension

1998 DODGE DAKOTA XLT TRUCK UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURES. MILEAGE: 40,000 V8 (318CI) ENGINE HIGHWAY DRIVEN BOUGHT NEW EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT FRONT END SHIMMY FROM DAY ONE. TOTAL OF 12 TIRES TRIED RESULTING IN NO IMPROVEMENT AND MARRED RIMS FROM TIRES BEING MOUNTED AND OVER 18 BALANCING. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10047605

34,000 miles · Nov 19, 2003
SteeringSuspension

WHILE HAVING TIRES REPLACED AND ALIGNED MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND INNER TIE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE AN ALIGNMENT COULD BE PERFORMED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10048241

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.

98V208000 · Structure

Sep 8, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.

97V170000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module ; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 7, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.

Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.

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

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.

Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.

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.