IllustrationTHE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS OF THE CONSUMER'S 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WORE PREMATURELY. *NM *NM
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
What owners actually said
641 reportsVEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WORE OUT COMPLETELY. WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE IN EITHER DIRECTION THE WHEELS SQUEAKED AND CLANKED WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER BUMPS. *AK DEALER FOU…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SHOP TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WORE OUT COMPLETELY. WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE IN EITHER DIRECTION THE WHEELS SQUEAKED AND CLANKED WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER BUMPS. *AK DEALER FOUND RIGHT UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHING NOISY. COOLING SYSTEM LEAK. THERMOSTAT AND GASKET REPLACED. *TT
A CLANKING NOISE STARTED COMING FRONT THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING. LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK... THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY WERE BONDING WHEN TURNING. THE NOISE AND BINDING WAS MORE NOTICEABLE AT LOWER SPEEDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO GOODYEAR AUTOMOBILE SERVICE, WAS TOLD UPPER AN DLOWER BALL J…
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A CLANKING NOISE STARTED COMING FRONT THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING. LEFT AND RIGHT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK... THE WHEELS FELT LIKE THEY WERE BONDING WHEN TURNING. THE NOISE AND BINDING WAS MORE NOTICEABLE AT LOWER SPEEDS. TOOK VEHICLE TO GOODYEAR AUTOMOBILE SERVICE, WAS TOLD UPPER AN DLOWER BALL JOINTS AND INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS WERE NEEDED. SERVIC ECENTER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FROM CHRYSLER FOR THESE PARTS, EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL WAS FOR 2000 YEAR MODELS FORWARD THE PARTS WERE EXACTLY THE SAME. CONSUMER CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DODGE DEALER FOR AN ESTIMATE. WAS TOLD BY THE DODGE DEALER THE PARTS SHOULD BE COVERED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. CONTACTED DAIMLER CHRYSLER AGAIN WITH AN ESTIMATE AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IT COULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. *AK
MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD EXTENED CAB WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND I WAS TOLD THE BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS INSPECTED AND WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR (4) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO CONTACT A REPRESENTATIVE AT DAIMLER CH…
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MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA 4WD EXTENED CAB WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND I WAS TOLD THE BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BALL JOINTS INSPECTED AND WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR (4) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO CONTACT A REPRESENTATIVE AT DAIMLER CHRYSLER, WHO EVENTUALLY HUNG UP ON ME AFTER DENYING MY CLAIM OF DEFECTIVE PARTS. I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP OF MY CONVERSATION AND THEY WERE KIND ENOUGH TO WORK OUT A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION. THEY WERE GOING TO TRY TO GET IT WARRANTED THROUGH DAIMLER CHRYSLER BUT WERE UNABLE TO.
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. *AK
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS IN THE BALL JOINTS AS 2000 AND UP VEHILCLES THAT WERE RECALLED. I DO FALL OUT OF THE GUIDE LINES OG THE RECALL MANUFACTOR DATES, THIS TRUCK HAS MANUFACTOR DATE OF 8-98 LAST 8 OF VIN#XS128563. I FEEL THAT I AM CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE DATES OF RECALL AND THE BALL JOINTS USE…
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I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS IN THE BALL JOINTS AS 2000 AND UP VEHILCLES THAT WERE RECALLED. I DO FALL OUT OF THE GUIDE LINES OG THE RECALL MANUFACTOR DATES, THIS TRUCK HAS MANUFACTOR DATE OF 8-98 LAST 8 OF VIN#XS128563. I FEEL THAT I AM CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE DATES OF RECALL AND THE BALL JOINTS USED ON MY TRUCK ARE THE SAME DEFECTIVE ONE USED ON THE RECALLED TRUCKS , AND SHOULKD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE MY UNSAFE TRUCK FIXED . *AK
ON FEBRUARY 6, 2004 MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAD BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES REPLACED BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE WEAR AND DETERIORATION. THE TRUCK HAD 46,500 MILES AT THAT TIME AND IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. IT IS NOT USED COMMERCIALLY. THE COST FOR REPAIRS CAME TO $1078. SUBSE…
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ON FEBRUARY 6, 2004 MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAD BOTH THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES REPLACED BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE WEAR AND DETERIORATION. THE TRUCK HAD 46,500 MILES AT THAT TIME AND IS DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. IT IS NOT USED COMMERCIALLY. THE COST FOR REPAIRS CAME TO $1078. SUBSEQUENTLY, ON MARCH 4, 2005 I HAD TO HAVE TO HAVE MY UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED ON BOTH SIDES, AGAIN BECAUSE OF WEAR AND DETERIORATION. THE COST TO REPAIR WAS $338. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE ORIGINAL BALL JOINTS USED BY DODGE ARE SUFFICIENTLY LACKING IN QUALITY, AND SO ARE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS, AS WELL. *AK
LAST JULY AT ISSPECTION THE DEALER SAID THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED RELACED ON MY 1999 DAKOTA. THIS WAS AT 22000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT OFF ROAD AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.*AK
DODGE DAKOTA 1999 CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE FRONT END WOBBLE, BRAKE VIBRATION AND UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINT PROBLEM. *BF THE SHOCK ABSORBERS AND TRANSFER CASE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKED AND THERE WAS EXTRA PLAY IN THE STEERING. A PIECE OF THE EXHAUST FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. *JB
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT ARE SHOT, MY MACHANIC TOLD ME THAT THEY WILL COME APART AT ANYTIME. *JB
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.