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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

What owners actually said

545 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2003
Structure

I OWN A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT WITH PAINT FADING ON THE HOOD IN SEVERAL PLACES. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THESE AREAS THAT WOULD CAUSE A PAINT PROBLEM. I AM VERY DISSAPOINTED THAT I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. I HAVE SEARCHED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL SINCE THIS APPEARS TO BE A FACTORY PROBLEM. I HA…

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I OWN A 1998 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT WITH PAINT FADING ON THE HOOD IN SEVERAL PLACES. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THESE AREAS THAT WOULD CAUSE A PAINT PROBLEM. I AM VERY DISSAPOINTED THAT I AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. I HAVE SEARCHED FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL SINCE THIS APPEARS TO BE A FACTORY PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORTING SIMULAR PROBLEMS BUT NO RECALL AT THIS TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF DODGE IS PLANNING ON RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM SOON. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10033406

58,000 miles · Aug 1, 2003
Air Bags

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD AND STAYED ON. THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. THE CONSUMER SAW RECALL 01V-153000 WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING DEALER THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE RECALL, BUT IT HAS THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR. CONSUMER HAD TO …

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WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD AND STAYED ON. THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM RESURFACED. THE CONSUMER SAW RECALL 01V-153000 WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING DEALER THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE RECALL, BUT IT HAS THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR COST OF REPAIRS. *JB *CB

NHTSA ODI #10020260

46,059 miles · Jul 24, 2003
Suspension

ADVISED BY AUTHORIZED CHRYSLER SERVICE TO REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND LEFT AND RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR AT 46059 MILES. COST $1478 PLUS TAX. ONE MECHANIC SAID THIS IS SAME PREMATURE PROBLEM EXPERIENCED ON DDODGE DURANGO.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10029092

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2003
Structure

WHITE SPOTS WERE SHOWING THROUGH THE BLACK PAINT ON THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS MADE WITH FAULTY PRIMER. MANUFACTURER WAS WILLING TO PAY HALF OF THE COST. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10029624

62,000 miles · Jul 14, 2003
Air Bags

A CLICKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AS I DRIVE. A MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS RELATED TO THE AIR BAG. HE SAID IT COULD MALFUNCTION IN AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE YET COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10026070

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2003
Power Train

IN WINTER TIME TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO SHIFT OUT OF LOW GEAR WHEN IT SHOULD WILL EVENTUALLY USUALLY AT ABOUT 1500 TO 2000 RPM AFTER GETS REALLY WARM STILL WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. CHANGED FLUID MYSELF WITH ATF 3 OR 4. HAVE HAD AT SHOPS NO ONE REALLY KNOWS WHAT CAUSES THIS THEY GUESS A LOT. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10023743

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER BRAKES AND STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10024768

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE INOPERATIVE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10017209

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IDLING FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THE FLOOR BOARD OVER HEATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. SEVERAL ITEMS THAT WERE LEFT ON THE FLOOR MELTED, WHICH INCLUDED SOME PORTIONS OF THE SEAT BELT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10015395

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2003
Unknown Or Other

1998 DODGE TRUCK DAKOTA. TRANSFERED TO TIS. *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI #10011801

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.