KEPT FEELING A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND AN OCCASIONAL CLUNG. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED IT TO BE A LOOSE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER LEFT CONTROL ARM AND PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED, BUT AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT BALLJOINT PROBLEMS ON THESE VEHICLES SO I THOUGHT I WOULD FILE A CO…
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KEPT FEELING A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING AND AN OCCASIONAL CLUNG. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED IT TO BE A LOOSE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER LEFT CONTROL ARM AND PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED, BUT AT MY EXPENSE. I HAVE BEEN HEARING ABOUT BALLJOINT PROBLEMS ON THESE VEHICLES SO I THOUGHT I WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO ADD MY PROBLEM TO THE LIST.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10050672
45,000 miles · Dec 9, 2003
Suspension
UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS PREMATURE WEAR OUT 45,000 MILES . *AK
NHTSA ODI #10049487
47,000 miles · Dec 4, 2003
Suspension
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PREMATURE WEAR OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT CAUSED POPPING AND RATTLING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10049194
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2003
Suspension
CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GAS STATION, AND MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10049834
56,000 miles · Dec 1, 2003
SuspensionTires
WHILE ROTATING TIRES RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELL OFF WITH THE LUG NUTS STILL IN PLACE. THIS OCCURRED AFTER CONSUMER JACKED THE VEHICLE UP. BALL JOINTS SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, FRONT END WOULD BOUNCE UPON COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK 2000 DODGE DAKOTA PASSENGER FRONT TIRE FELL OFF OF VEHICLE DURING WHEEL R…
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WHILE ROTATING TIRES RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELL OFF WITH THE LUG NUTS STILL IN PLACE. THIS OCCURRED AFTER CONSUMER JACKED THE VEHICLE UP. BALL JOINTS SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, FRONT END WOULD BOUNCE UPON COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. *AK 2000 DODGE DAKOTA PASSENGER FRONT TIRE FELL OFF OF VEHICLE DURING WHEEL ROTATION. THE RESULT OF THIS OCCURENCE WAS DUE TO THE BALL JOINTS BEING SPILT DOWN THE MIDDLE. THE REGULAR METHOD OF CHECKING THE BALL JOINTS DID NOT REVEAL A DEFECT.*MR
NHTSA ODI #10049796
41,881 miles · Nov 27, 2003
Suspension
THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE FAILED WITH 41,000 MILES ON IT. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047685
49,000 miles · Nov 25, 2003
SteeringSuspension
MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA R/T HAS JUST UNDER 50,000 MILES AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH FAULTY UPPER BALL JOINTS. ALONG WITH A SLEW OF FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS INCLUDING TIE RODS, SWAY BARS, AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047551
36,000 miles · Nov 20, 2003
Suspension
MY WIFE'S 2000 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4... FAILED PENNSYLVANIA STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AT 37,000 BECAUSE OF WORN UPPER BALL JOINTS. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST $275. IT'S ABSURD THAT THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ITEM WORE OUT BEFORE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES AND DODGE IS DEMANDING FULL PRICE TO CORRECT AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING SAFETY DEFECT…
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MY WIFE'S 2000 DODGE DAKOTA 4X4... FAILED PENNSYLVANIA STATE SAFETY INSPECTION AT 37,000 BECAUSE OF WORN UPPER BALL JOINTS. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST $275. IT'S ABSURD THAT THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ITEM WORE OUT BEFORE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES AND DODGE IS DEMANDING FULL PRICE TO CORRECT AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING SAFETY DEFECT. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047238
42,000 miles · Nov 20, 2003
Suspension
2000 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT 42,000 MILES, BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACEMENT. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047218
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2003
Suspension
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER COULD HEAR A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS BAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE BALL JOINT FAILU…
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PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER COULD HEAR A THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT WAS BAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE BALL JOINT FAILURES AND REFUSED REIMBURSEMENT. *NLM
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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
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