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2000 Dodge Dakota

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Dakota years

Owner complaints for the 2000 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

359 reports with mileage · 447 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 282 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 248 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 →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

60 crash reports14 fire reports35 injury reports

Structure complaints

8 reports
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130,000 miles · Sep 16, 2018
Power TrainStructureSuspension

BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FAL…

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BAD RUST ISSUE TO AREAS INCLUDING FRONT AND REAR BUMBER, THE ENTIRE BED INCLUDING MOUNTING POINTS, FENDERS, CAB CORNERS AND FRAME. LOST FENDER FLARE TWICE DUE TO RUST AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE ENTIRE BED SLID BACK AND ALMOST FELL OFF AND FENDERS AND BUMBERS ARE BASICALLY RUST AND NEED REPLACED, WHEEL WELLS ON BED ARE FALLING APART CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE IF I HAUL ANYTHING

NHTSA ODI #11129717

150,000 miles · Jul 24, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED OR TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CALLED OR TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #11010236

224,000 miles · Sep 12, 2015
Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury

I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING AND TOOK A CURVE TO FAST AND CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND HIT HEAD ON. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS BUSTED WHEN IT WAS DEPLOYED. THE STEERING WHEEL INNER COMPONETS CAME OUT WITH THE AIRBAG WHICH DID …

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I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SPEEDING AND TOOK A CURVE TO FAST AND CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND HIT HEAD ON. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS BUSTED WHEN IT WAS DEPLOYED. THE STEERING WHEEL INNER COMPONETS CAME OUT WITH THE AIRBAG WHICH DID NOT INFLATE AND CAUSED INJURY TO MY CHEST AREA. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT WAS BUSTED AND CAUSED MY DAUGHTER TO GET A BROKEN ARM. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A DEFAULT IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK. MY TWO YOUNGEST CHILDREN WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.

NHTSA ODI #10763308

Mileage unknown · Nov 25, 2013
Structure

I HAVE NOTICED THAT MOST IF NOT ALL DODGE VEHICLES ARE HAVING A PEELING PROBLEM WITH THE CLEAR COAT OF PAINT WHICH OVER TIME AFFECTS THE PAINT AND THEN RUSTS THE VEHICLES, WHETHER THEY ARE A CAR,SUV OR TRUCK. I AM ASSUMING THAT IT IS FROM WATERING DOWN THE PAINT TO SAVE MONIES FOR THE COMPANY BUT CHEATS THE CONSUMERS IN THE LON…

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I HAVE NOTICED THAT MOST IF NOT ALL DODGE VEHICLES ARE HAVING A PEELING PROBLEM WITH THE CLEAR COAT OF PAINT WHICH OVER TIME AFFECTS THE PAINT AND THEN RUSTS THE VEHICLES, WHETHER THEY ARE A CAR,SUV OR TRUCK. I AM ASSUMING THAT IT IS FROM WATERING DOWN THE PAINT TO SAVE MONIES FOR THE COMPANY BUT CHEATS THE CONSUMERS IN THE LONG RUN. SINCE THERE IS NO WARRANTIES ON THE PAINT THEN ONCE THIS PROBLEM IS NOTICEABLE IT IS TO LATE FOR THE CONSUMER TO CLAIM OR PURSUE ANY LEGAL ACTIONS AGAINST DODGE. SHAME ON COOPERATE AMERICA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553782

92,000 miles · Sep 17, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE METALLIC BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE L…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE METALLIC BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HAD 2 FRONT BRAKE LINES PLUS SECOND LINE BETWEEN JUNCTION BLOCKS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AND AFTER INSPECTION REVEALED ADDITIONAL RUST. UPDATED 11/20/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10203171

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureVisibility

FRONT BRAKE ROTOR WARPED. DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SQUIRTER DISAPPEARED FROM SIGHT AND NO LONGER WORKS. PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SQUIRTER NO LONGER WORKS. FRONT LICENSE PLATE (REQUIRED IN TEXAS) BOLT FAILED, LOST LICENSE PLATE SOMEWHERE.

NHTSA ODI #762580

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2002
Structure

WHILE DRIVING, LOCKING MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONED, ELECTRIC LOCKING SYSTEM GRINDS UPON LOCKING, ONCE LOCKED, THEY CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED, EVEN WITH KEY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED AS OF YET. *AK *YH

NHTSA ODI #8009321

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2000
Power TrainStructure

AT TIME OF PURCHASE CONSUMER ASKED THE DEALER WHAT THE SKID PLATES WERE MADE OUT OFF. CONSUMER WAS TOLD METAL. LATER, CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT THEY WERE PLASTIC AND BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE 4- WHEEL DRIVE TO QUIT. DEALER SAID THE DRIVESHAFT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #858178

Official recalls

5

04V596000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

Dec 21, 2004

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

00V197000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXPEL FLUID FROM THE FILL TUBE DURING NORMAL TEMPERATURE OPERATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IGNITION OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE VENT HOSE AND ASSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.

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

4

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.

EA01010 · Front Safety Belt Anchorage

Opened Mar 8, 2001 · Closed Aug 17, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DISENGAGE FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINTS OR ARE FOUND TO BE LOOSE.

PE00035 · Stop Lamp Switch

Opened Sep 7, 2000 · Closed Mar 9, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

ALLEGED THAT ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAN RESULT IN STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATION DURING SERVICE BRAKE APPLICATION, AND THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO DISENGAGE

PE00030 · Front Safety Belt Anchorage Disengagemen

Opened Jul 21, 2000 · Closed Mar 8, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

ALLEGED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT SAFETY BELT ANCHORS DISENGAGE FROM MOUNTING POINTS