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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

806 reports
51,945 miles · May 26, 2005
Latches/locks/linkagesVisibility

THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW FAILED THEN TWO WEEKS LATER DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FAILED. THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN LOCKING OR UNLOCKING. MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10113498

60,000 miles · May 11, 2005
Steering

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP STARTED TO MAKE RIGHT TURN BUT THE TIRES DID NOT TURN LUCKIELY I STOPPED JUST IN TIME TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT THE STEERING SHAFT THAT CONNECTS TO THE STEERING COLUM COMPLETLY BROKE OFF THERFORE LEAVING ME WITH NO CONTROL OF MY TRUCK. I REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. THE REPLACEMEN PART HA…

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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP STARTED TO MAKE RIGHT TURN BUT THE TIRES DID NOT TURN LUCKIELY I STOPPED JUST IN TIME TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT THE STEERING SHAFT THAT CONNECTS TO THE STEERING COLUM COMPLETLY BROKE OFF THERFORE LEAVING ME WITH NO CONTROL OF MY TRUCK. I REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. THE REPLACEMEN PART HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A UPGRADED PART. THAT LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THE MANUFACTUER KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT A MUCH HIGHER SPEED. I WAS OUT OF 286.00 DOLLARS BUT I MUCH RATHER BE OUT OF 286. DOLLARS THAN OUT OF MY LOVED ONES.PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOME BODY GETS SERIOUSLY HURT OR LOSES THIER LIVES. DODGE ALSO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS TRUCK PROBLEMS WITH THE CONROL ARMS THAT COULD BREAK AND HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING THIS ALSO LEADS ME TO BELIEVE WHY THE THE STEERING SHAFT ON MY TRUCK BROKE OFF. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10120725

63,716 miles · Apr 16, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

VIBRATIONS DURING BRAKING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. PULSING WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. TODAY THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON LEVEL ROAD. THE DISC BRAKES WERE LOCKED UP ON THE ROTOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. APPEARS TO BE A FAILURE WITHIN THE CALIPER??? I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILA…

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VIBRATIONS DURING BRAKING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. PULSING WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL. TODAY THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON LEVEL ROAD. THE DISC BRAKES WERE LOCKED UP ON THE ROTOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. APPEARS TO BE A FAILURE WITHIN THE CALIPER??? I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL OTHER REPORTS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OF THIS TYPE. IS THIS A DESIGN FLAW OR PROBLEM THAT CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT? THE TRUCK MAY HAVE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO THE OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES, HOWEVER IT DID NOT DURING THIS INCIDENT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10117978

88,500 miles · Apr 13, 2005
SteeringCrash

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED STEERING RACK AND PINION FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE LEFT, AND RESULTING IN A COLLISION. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10117819

85,000 miles · Apr 13, 2005
Suspension

2000 DODOGE DAKOTA - IMMEDIATE, CATASTOPHIC FAILUE OF UPPER BALL JOINT. VEHICLE OPERATED FINE JUST DAYS BEFORE THEN SUDDENLY LOUD CLUNKOMG AND STEERING PULL TO THE RIGHT. TANDARD AUTO PARTS HOUSES DO NOT CARRY THE PROPER PARTS - CITING DODGE SAYS YOU MUST REPLACE THE ENTIRE LOWER CONTROL ARM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116879

57,863 miles · Apr 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

HAVE A DODGE DAKOTA-IT HAD A LEAKY HEAD GASKET; WHEN BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS CHRYSLER WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE THEY SAY THERE IS SLUDGE IN ENGINE DUE TO LACK OF OIL CHANGES; I HAVE CHANGED OIL AND I DON'T SEE HOW A LACK OF OIL CHANGES WOULD CAUSE A LEAKY HEAD GASKET ANYWAY. PAID EXTRA FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY; CHRYSLER PEOPLE…

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HAVE A DODGE DAKOTA-IT HAD A LEAKY HEAD GASKET; WHEN BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS CHRYSLER WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER BECAUSE THEY SAY THERE IS SLUDGE IN ENGINE DUE TO LACK OF OIL CHANGES; I HAVE CHANGED OIL AND I DON'T SEE HOW A LACK OF OIL CHANGES WOULD CAUSE A LEAKY HEAD GASKET ANYWAY. PAID EXTRA FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY; CHRYSLER PEOPLE VERY RUDE. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED AND HAVE HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS, 30000 MILES. HAD ENGINE OIL TESTED AND ANTI FREEZE WAS IN THE OIL, EXPLAINED THIS TO WARRANTY PEOPLE AND THEY STILL REFUSE. I CALLED THEM TWICE AND THEY TOLD ME NOT TO CALL AGAIN. I WANT MY MONEY BACK FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I WANT CHRYSLER TO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE ROTTEN PRODUCTS AND I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER ONE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10116572

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2005
Suspension

NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000. CONCERNING BALL JOINTS. LITHI DODGE, 425-255-7220. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113667

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2005
Suspension

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR IN DECEMBER 2004. CONSUMER CONTACTED 3 DEALERSHIPS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT GET THE PARTS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10117276

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2005
Tires

A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL, AND THE TIRE DAMAGED THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE TRUCK. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CLAIMED THAT …

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A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL, AND THE TIRE DAMAGED THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE TRUCK. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CLAIMED THAT A CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. DAYTONA RADIAL 31Q05R.15LT . *AK

NHTSA ODI #10117136

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2005
SteeringSuspension

WHILE SERVICING VEHICLE FOR NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V596000 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT INNER TIE RODS WERE BAD DUE TO WEAR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116983

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