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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.

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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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57,000 miles · Dec 13, 2004
Suspension

BALL JOINTS HAVE BEGUN TO FAIL..ONLY 64,000 MILES ON VEHICLE...57,000 AT THE TIME PROBLEM STARTED...KNOW THERE IS A RECALLL FOR 2000 AND HIGHER MODELS...BUT FEAR THIS IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN KNOWN IN EARLIER MODELS AS WELL....DEALER WILL FIX, BUT NOT PAY, AND HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THERE IS SUCH AN EARLY FAILURE.....ALSO…

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BALL JOINTS HAVE BEGUN TO FAIL..ONLY 64,000 MILES ON VEHICLE...57,000 AT THE TIME PROBLEM STARTED...KNOW THERE IS A RECALLL FOR 2000 AND HIGHER MODELS...BUT FEAR THIS IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN KNOWN IN EARLIER MODELS AS WELL....DEALER WILL FIX, BUT NOT PAY, AND HAVE NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THERE IS SUCH AN EARLY FAILURE.....ALSO HAVE NOTICED FROM YOUR SITE THAT THERE WERE OTHER RECALLS....DID NOT KNOW OF THESE...WILL TRY TO HAVE DEALER FIX THESE......AND CHECK ON MY 4 BALL JOINTS.

NHTSA ODI #10102826

97,955 miles · Dec 13, 2004
Suspension

WHILE MAKING A TURN THE TIRE RUBBED THE WHEEL WELL. *NM THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *TC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10101374

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2004
Suspension

MY UPPER BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED IN MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA AT 56,000 MILES. WHY ARE THE 98 AND 99 DODGE DAKOTA'S NOT BEING COVERED UNDER THE SAME RECALL. THAT IS UN-ACCEPTABLE AS THEY HAVE THE EXACT SAME BALL JOINT IN THEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10102763

100 miles · Dec 11, 2004
Suspension

1998 DODGE DAKOTA, CURRENT MILEAGE:426,000. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL CONTROL ARMS TWICE. BALL JOINTS UNAVAILABLE, REQUIRING ENTIRE A-ARM REPLACEMENT. BUMMER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10102727

74,000 miles · Dec 11, 2004
Suspension

MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA 4X2 PICKUP HAS 74000 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK RECENTLY DEVELOPED A LOUD SQUEAK IN THE AREA AROUND THE FRONT DRIVER'S-SIDE WHEEL. THIS SQUEAK WAS TRACED TO THE SWAY BAR AND ANTI-SWAY ROD. THE BUSHINGS IN THIS AREA OF THE TRUCK ARE POORLY DESIGNED AND PRONE TO FAILURE. A CHECK OF A DAKOTA OWNERS' FORUM (WW…

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MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA 4X2 PICKUP HAS 74000 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK RECENTLY DEVELOPED A LOUD SQUEAK IN THE AREA AROUND THE FRONT DRIVER'S-SIDE WHEEL. THIS SQUEAK WAS TRACED TO THE SWAY BAR AND ANTI-SWAY ROD. THE BUSHINGS IN THIS AREA OF THE TRUCK ARE POORLY DESIGNED AND PRONE TO FAILURE. A CHECK OF A DAKOTA OWNERS' FORUM (WWW.DODGEDAKOTAS.COM) LISTS MANY DAKOTA OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH A SWAY BAR THAT FAILS DUE TO THIS TYPE OF BEARING FAILURE? THE VEHICLE CAN BECOME UNSTABLE DURING TURNS. THIS CAN LEAD TO ROLLOVERS, INJURY AND DEATH. THIS IS AN UNSAFE AND COMMON FAILURE ON THIS VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10102691

77,164 miles · Dec 10, 2004
Suspension

1998 DODGE DAKOTA. I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FROM A GOODYEAR DEALER. THEY TOLD ME AT THIS TIME THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS WERE EXTREMELY BAD. ONE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD ABOUT AN INCH TO AN INCH AND A QUARTER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED TO TRUCK AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTE. PERVIOUS TO THIS, I H…

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1998 DODGE DAKOTA. I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FROM A GOODYEAR DEALER. THEY TOLD ME AT THIS TIME THAT ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS WERE EXTREMELY BAD. ONE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD ABOUT AN INCH TO AN INCH AND A QUARTER. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED TO TRUCK AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTE. PERVIOUS TO THIS, I HAD BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT A LOUD THUMPIONG SOUND COMING FROM THE PASSENGER FRONT. (THIS TURNED OUT TO BE THE WORSE BALL HJOINT FOUND). THE DEALER KEPT TELLING ME THAT ALL MY SUSPENSION AND BALL JOINTS WERE FINE. THE SOUND CONTINUED AND I REPEATEDLY BOUGHT THE TRUCK BACK COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SOUND. THE LAST TIME, PRIOR TO MY GETTING NEW TIRES WHICH WERE ROTATED EVERY OTHER OIL CHANGE, I WAS CHARGED A ROAD TEST FEE AND TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. AFTER THE NEW TIRES WERE INSTALLED AND THE TRUCK BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THEIR 'FRONT END EXPERT' FOUND ONE LOWER BALL JOINT (PASSENGER SIDE) THAT HAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF PLAY IN IT. IT WAS REPLACED. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK DIRECTLY BACK TO GOODYEAR FOR THE ALIGNMENT AND THEY CALLED ME INTO THE SERVICE AREA WHERE THEY SHOWED ME AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF PLAY IN THE RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINT AND AN MORE THAN NORMAL AMOUNT OF PLAY IN THE LEFT UPPER JOINT. THE LOWER JOINT HAD A GREASE FITTING AND DID NOT REVEAL THAT MUCH PLAY THIS TIME BECAUSE THE DEALER AND DONE A LUBE, OIL AND FILTER CHANGE WHILE THE TRUCK WAS THERE FOR THE BALL JOINT WORK. I NOW SEE THAT THE NHTSA AND ASKED FOR A RECALL ON THE DODGE VECHILES STARTING FROM THE YEAR 2000. MY TRUCK IS A 1998 AND CERTAINLY FITS THE DESCRIPTION OF THE OTHER RECALLED VECHILES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102635

30,000 miles · Dec 10, 2004
Suspension

LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE IN 1998 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD. QUERY: WHY ISN'T THE RECALL RE. BALL JOINTS COVERING DAKOTAS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO 2000? MINE EXPERIENCED LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE AT 30,000 MILES AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE REPEATING BALL JOINT FAILURE. NOW I AM INFORMED THERE …

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LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE IN 1998 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD. QUERY: WHY ISN'T THE RECALL RE. BALL JOINTS COVERING DAKOTAS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO 2000? MINE EXPERIENCED LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE AT 30,000 MILES AND I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT WILL CAUSE REPEATING BALL JOINT FAILURE. NOW I AM INFORMED THERE IS A RECALL OF 2000-2004 MODELS WITH A SIMILAR DEFECT, BECAUSE WHEELS HAVE COME OFF. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COMPREHENSIVELY ADDRESSED TO INCLUDE PRIOR MODEL YEAR PROBLEMS. MOST OF THESE VEHICLES ARE STILL ON THE ROAD ! *AK

NHTSA ODI #10102615

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2004
Suspension

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO, AND IN SUPPORT OF, THE RECCOMMENDED RECALL OF DODGE DAKOTAS. I HAVE A 1998 DAKOTA AND RECENTLY HAD WORK DONE (JULY '04) ON THE FRONT BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF POPPING NOISES FROM THE FRONT END WHEN BACKING OUT AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND A DEFINITE FEELING OF LOOSE SUSPENSI…

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THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO, AND IN SUPPORT OF, THE RECCOMMENDED RECALL OF DODGE DAKOTAS. I HAVE A 1998 DAKOTA AND RECENTLY HAD WORK DONE (JULY '04) ON THE FRONT BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF POPPING NOISES FROM THE FRONT END WHEN BACKING OUT AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND A DEFINITE FEELING OF LOOSE SUSPENSION ON TURNS I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THEY TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS NOT DRIVEABLE. THE BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS WERE BOTH FAILING AND I WAS WARNED HAD I CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION I WOULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS, AFTER HAVING THE SAME SYMPTOMS, BUT DIFFERENT REPAIRS MADE BY A DIFFERENT DEALER, A YEAR PRIOR. THE VEHICLE HAD ONE PREVIOUS OWNER AND 61,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN LATE 2002. I PUT ON MAYBE 10,000 MILES BEFORE THE FIRST INCIDENT AND ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MORE BEFORE THE SECOND INCIDENT. I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS NOT ONLY UNSAFE, BUT POORLY MANUFACTURED AND HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WITH MY CONCERNS. I FEEL THE SUGGESTED RECALL SHOULD INCLUDE THE YEARS PRIOR TO THOSE RECCOMMENDED (2000-2003). I HAVE HAD TWO AUTHORIZED DODGE DEALERS PERFORM TWO SETS OF REPAIR TO THE AMOUNT OF NEARLY $3000.00. THIS IS NEARLY THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT'S NOT EVEN PAID OFF YET.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102526

61,200 miles · Dec 10, 2004
Suspension

I'VE SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY PLIGHT PREVIOUSLY BUT I HAVE ANOTHER EPISODE TO REPORT. MY FIRST COMPLAINT (LAST YEAR) DETAILED PROBLEMS WITH MY 98' DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK. THE BALL JOINTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE SUBSTANDARD TO SAY THE LEAST AND ARE ACTUALLY DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. MY TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 70000 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT AN…

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I'VE SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY PLIGHT PREVIOUSLY BUT I HAVE ANOTHER EPISODE TO REPORT. MY FIRST COMPLAINT (LAST YEAR) DETAILED PROBLEMS WITH MY 98' DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK. THE BALL JOINTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE SUBSTANDARD TO SAY THE LEAST AND ARE ACTUALLY DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. MY TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 70000 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT AND I HAVE REPLACED TWO BALL JOINTS ALREADY (AS NOTED IN MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT) AND NOW A THIRD IS FAILING AND IN NEED OF REPAIR. YOU MAY ASK HOW I KNOW IT FAILING WHEN I HAVEN'T HAD IT REPAIRED YET?... BECAUSE IT'S HAPPENED SO MANY TIMES BEFORE AND I KNOW THE SYMPTOMS. THAT MAKES 3/4 OF THE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT OF THIS TRUCK THAT WILL HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. I WAS ELATED TO SEE WHERE THE NHTSA HAS REQUESTED CHRYSLER TO RECALL THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO AS A RESULT OF THESE BALL JOINT FAILURES. I WAS EQUALLY DISMAYED TO SEE THAT IT ONLY COVERED 2000-2003!!!! WHY?!!! AS YOU READ ABOVE, MY TRUCK HAS FAILED EQUALLY IF NOT WORSE THAN THE MODELS THE NHTSA RECOMMENDED BE RECALLED. NUMNEROUS WEB SITES ARE FILLED WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES ON VEHICLES THAT ARE OLDER THAN 2000. I SUSPECT IT HAS TO DO WITH MONEY = ANYTHING MORE THAN 4 MODEL YEARS AND CHRYSLER WILL START SCREAMING. IF THE FAILING BALL JOINTS ARE DANGEROUS ON THE 2000-2003 MODELS, THEN THE SAME FAILING BALL JOINTS ARE DANGEROUS ON THE OLDER MODELS TOO. PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY MY SAFETY IS LESS IMPORTANT THAN THOSE WITH TRUCKS TWO YEARS NEWER THAN MINE. THANK YOU.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102511

47,563 miles · Dec 8, 2004
Suspension

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT COMPLETELY AT 27,000 MILES. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT A CONSISTENT RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT STEERING SUSPESION AREA. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE PLAY INSIDE THE BALL JOINT WAS SEVERE. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10099487

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.