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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

Suspension complaints

282 reports
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47,000 miles · Nov 19, 2003
Suspension

WHEN HAVING NEW TIRES PUT ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA, THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE EFT FRONT TIE ROD WAS LOOSE. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE TIE ROD WAS LOOSE AS WELL AS THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. THEY SAID THE BALL JOINTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER DUE TO…

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WHEN HAVING NEW TIRES PUT ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA, THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE EFT FRONT TIE ROD WAS LOOSE. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE TIE ROD WAS LOOSE AS WELL AS THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. THEY SAID THE BALL JOINTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH OTHER DODGE MODELS (DURANGO). THEY WOULD CONTACT ME WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN. THEY CALLED YESTERDAY (11-18-03). I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR NEXT TUESDAY, 11-25-03, TO HAVE IT FIXED. I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY TRUCK, AND I ONLY HAVE 47,000+ MILES ON IT. THE WARRANTY WILL PAY FOR ALL BUT THE $100 DEDUCTIBLE AND THE $49.95 FOR THE SUBSEQUENT ALIGNMENT THAT WILL BE NECESSARY. WITH ALL OF THE SIMILAR PROBLEMS YOU HAVE HAD WITH THE DAKOTAS, DURANGOS, JEEPS, ETC. I FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY OF IT. MY HUSBAND SAYS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS LIKE THIS SHOULDN'T OCCUR IN VEHICLES WITH THIS LOW MILEAGE. I DO NOT USE THIS VEHICLE HARD. IT DOES NOT PULL ANYTHING, AND IT DOES NOT CARRY HEAVY LOADS. I AM THE ONLY OWNER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10047203

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2003
Suspension

WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10048113

75,000 miles · Nov 18, 2003
Suspension

FREQUENT POPPING FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL COMING FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. ALWAYS RELATES TO FRONT SUSPENSION UP/DOWN MOVEMENT. SEVERAL GARAGES HAVE INSPECTED, BUT CANNOT LOCATE PROBLEM. SUSPECT PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH EARLY SIGN OF BALL JOINT FAILURE. DEALER ADMITS HISTORY FRONT SUSPENSION AND BALL JOINT PROBLEMS IN THIS MODE…

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FREQUENT POPPING FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL COMING FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. ALWAYS RELATES TO FRONT SUSPENSION UP/DOWN MOVEMENT. SEVERAL GARAGES HAVE INSPECTED, BUT CANNOT LOCATE PROBLEM. SUSPECT PROBLEM HAS TO DO WITH EARLY SIGN OF BALL JOINT FAILURE. DEALER ADMITS HISTORY FRONT SUSPENSION AND BALL JOINT PROBLEMS IN THIS MODEL. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10047136

75,000 miles · Nov 13, 2003
SuspensionCrash

THE RIGHT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE THEN THE FRONT AXLE BROKE AND CAUSED THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. CAUSING MY HUSBAND TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ENDING UP IN A 10-12 FT DEEP DITCH WITH WATER. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10046894

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2003
Suspension

UPPER BALLJOINTS ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA WERE BADLY WORN OUT AND TOOK IT TO KIRKWOOD DODGE SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT. THEN TOOK IT TO NEWARK DODGE AND THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM AND FIXED IT BUT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED SO I HAD TO PAY FULL PRICE. I WAS LUCKY THAT NOTHING BAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING BUT STILL THE DANGER WA…

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UPPER BALLJOINTS ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA WERE BADLY WORN OUT AND TOOK IT TO KIRKWOOD DODGE SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT. THEN TOOK IT TO NEWARK DODGE AND THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM AND FIXED IT BUT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED SO I HAD TO PAY FULL PRICE. I WAS LUCKY THAT NOTHING BAD HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING BUT STILL THE DANGER WAS THERE. I WANT CHRYSLER TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE CAR RENTAL AND THE COST OF THE WORK THAT GOT DONE TO MY TRUCK.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10045727

Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2003
Suspension

WHEN MAKING A STOP OR TURNING A CORNER VEHICLE MADE NOISE IN THE FRONT END. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10046496

50,000 miles · Nov 6, 2003
Suspension

I HAVE A SAFETY CONCERN WITH MY FRONT SUSPENSION ON MY 2000 DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4. I HEAR A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT SHOCK AND CONTROL ARM AREA. I ALSO NOTICE EXCESSIVE ABNORMAL WEAR ON RECENTLY NEW TIRES. I ALSO HEAR A LOT OF TIRE NOISE WHEN DRIVING AND SOME FRONT END SHAKE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10045587

1,351 miles · Nov 1, 2003
Suspension

2000 DODGE DAKOTA WITH ONLY 13,531 MILES HAS UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045246

27,500 miles · Nov 1, 2003
EquipmentSuspension

2000 DODGE DAKOTA, BOUGHT WITH 27,200 MILES, BALL JOINTS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE IN TWO YEARS TIME AND UNABLE TO REPLACE PARTS VEHICLE NOW HAS 74,000 MILES A VEHICLE THIS YOUNG SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045232

36,000 miles · Oct 31, 2003
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE WAS A LOUD THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS DUE TO FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK FRONT ALIGNMENT SUDDENLY WENT OUT OF WHACK. VEHICLE WAS 6 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE UPPER B…

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WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE WAS A LOUD THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS DUE TO FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK FRONT ALIGNMENT SUDDENLY WENT OUT OF WHACK. VEHICLE WAS 6 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP DENIED THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY, DODGE RECOMMENDED AND REFUNDED THE REPAIR COST. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10046141

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