IllustrationPREMATURE WEAR TO UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. DEALERSHIP QUOTED $1000.00 TO FIX! I PUT NEW TIRES ON THE TRUCK AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO AN ALLIGNMENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT'S SEEMS VERY UNSAFE. *AK
1999 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge Dakota are substantially higher than the model-year median of 166.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Dakota years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
270–25K
8925–50K
10950–75K
5575–100K
28100–150K
22150K+
330 reports with mileage · 311 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 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
49 crash reports6 fire reports17 injury reports
Suspension complaints
342 reportsFAULTY BALL JOINTS AND BUSHINGS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED BEFORE 50,000 MILES. THIS COULD CREATE A CONDITION WHERE THE FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY BREAKS OFF FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT.*AK
DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINTS ON MY DODGE DAKOTA ARE BAD. WHEN I ASKED IF THIS WAS NORMAL WITH ONLY 56,000 MILES ON A VEHICLE THEY BECAME VERY EVASIVE AND WOULD NOT GIVE AN ANSWER. I ASKED IF CHRYSLER WAS HELPING THEIR CUSTOMERS ON THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THEY WERE TAKING CARE OF SOME OF THEM BUT THEY WOULD NO…
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DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINTS ON MY DODGE DAKOTA ARE BAD. WHEN I ASKED IF THIS WAS NORMAL WITH ONLY 56,000 MILES ON A VEHICLE THEY BECAME VERY EVASIVE AND WOULD NOT GIVE AN ANSWER. I ASKED IF CHRYSLER WAS HELPING THEIR CUSTOMERS ON THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THEY WERE TAKING CARE OF SOME OF THEM BUT THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. THE FIRST 2 YEARS I HAD THIS VEHICLE IT WAS IN THE SHOP 23 TIMES FOR REPAIRS. I HAD TO GO THROUGH ARBITRATION TWICE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE CHRYSLERS REGIONAL MANAGER TOLD THE DEALERSHIP NOT TO WORK ON IT ANYMORE. THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE FACTORY WARRANTY. NOW THEY WANT $1,100 TO REPAIR A DEFECT THAT REQUIRES $150 WORTH OF PARTS.
CAR BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. NEXT DAY TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS BALL JOINTS.BOTH ARE COMPLETELY WORN OUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED A LONG TIME AGO. REPAIR ESTIMATE $1,000. THIS IS A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK. *AK
UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE SEVERELY WORN OUT. WHILE PULLING ONTO SHOP PARKING LOT TO BE REPAIRED THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEPARATED. *AK
SINCE I BOUGHT THE DAKOTA I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END ALIGNMENT, WERARING OF TIRES AND BREAKS AND OTHER ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. AS I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE HAS A WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END,CAUSING ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE TIRES STRESS ON THE BREAKS AND HIDEOUS NOISE. PRESEN…
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SINCE I BOUGHT THE DAKOTA I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH FRONT END ALIGNMENT, WERARING OF TIRES AND BREAKS AND OTHER ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT. AS I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE HAS A WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END,CAUSING ABNORMAL WEAR ON THE TIRES STRESS ON THE BREAKS AND HIDEOUS NOISE. PRESENTLY THE WHEEL SOUNDS AS IF IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AS I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE RECENTLY REPLACED THE FULL BREAK ASSEMBLY(ROTORS, SHOES,CALIPERS,BEARINGS ETC). THE NOISE IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. TH E NOIS MIGHT EVEN BE CONSIDERED A PUBLIC NUISANCE. THE NOISE IS SO BAD THAT INNOCENT PEDESTRAINS LOOK AT MY VEHICLE IN SHOCK AND AWE OF THE TERRIBLE RACKET AS I DRIVE PAST. THE DEALER CAIMS THAT I NEED CONTROL ARMS. THIS WILL COST QUITE A BIT IN ADDITION TO WHAT I HAVE ALREADY INVESTED IN THE DAKOTA (22K + REPAIRS TO SUSPENSION AND INTEREST). I COULD HAVE MADE A DECENT DOWN PAYMENT ON A NEW DODGE WITH WHAT I HAVE SPENT ON THE DAKOTAS FRONT END. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE ABOVE ISSUES AND BELIEVE THAT DODGE SHOULD DO THE RIGHT AND SAFE THING BY ISSUING A RECALL.. THE RECALL CANNOT COME SOON ENOUGH. AM I SAFE DRIVING THE DAKOTA? *AK
WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, I SAW A NEWS STORY ON EITHER THE TODAY OR EARLY SHOW REGARDING THE SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH BALL JOINTS ON DODGE DURANGOS AND DAKOTAS. I STARTED NOTICING A PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 DAKOTA LAST YEAR AND FORTUNATELY HAD IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I ENDED UP HAVING BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER …
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WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, I SAW A NEWS STORY ON EITHER THE TODAY OR EARLY SHOW REGARDING THE SAFETY PROBLEMS WITH BALL JOINTS ON DODGE DURANGOS AND DAKOTAS. I STARTED NOTICING A PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 DAKOTA LAST YEAR AND FORTUNATELY HAD IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I ENDED UP HAVING BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED.
DUE TO NEWS INFO CONCERNING DODGE DAKATO BALL JOINT FAILURES, WE TOOK OUR 1999 DODGE DAKOTA, WITH 52,000 TOTAL MILES ON IT, TO OUR LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS CHECKED ON MARCH 15, 2004. WE WERE INFORMED BY THEIR SHOP THAT THEY ARE BAD AND READY TO FAIL AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEIR QUOTE TO REPLACE THEM IS $775.37!!! …
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DUE TO NEWS INFO CONCERNING DODGE DAKATO BALL JOINT FAILURES, WE TOOK OUR 1999 DODGE DAKOTA, WITH 52,000 TOTAL MILES ON IT, TO OUR LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS CHECKED ON MARCH 15, 2004. WE WERE INFORMED BY THEIR SHOP THAT THEY ARE BAD AND READY TO FAIL AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEIR QUOTE TO REPLACE THEM IS $775.37!!! THIS IS PREMATURE FAILURE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL! *JB
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
I ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE THAT OWNS A LATE MODEL (1998-2002) DODGE DAKOTA OR DURANGO HAVE BEEN TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE MY BALL JOINTS. SINCE DAMLER CHRYSLER IS BEING FLOODED WITH COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE WEAK MATERIAL USED IN THESE MODEL YEARS I FEEL IT IS THEIR RESPONCABILITY TO FIX THE WEAK COMPONANTS.*AK
Official recalls
401V153000 · 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.
01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.
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
1EA03023 · 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.