2002 DAKOTA 4X4 4.7L CONTINUOSLY WARPING BAKE ROTORS, NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *AK
2002 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 2002 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
505 reports with mileage · 173 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 226 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 177 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
177 reportsI AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, WHICH CAUSES A SHUDDER UNDER MODERATE BRAKING. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE DRAGGING ALL OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE ROTORS TO OVERHEAT AND WARP. THE WARPED ROTORS ARE THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES, BUT THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOME DEFECT THAT IS CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP AFTER ONLY 1…
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I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, WHICH CAUSES A SHUDDER UNDER MODERATE BRAKING. THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ARE DRAGGING ALL OF THE TIME, CAUSING THE ROTORS TO OVERHEAT AND WARP. THE WARPED ROTORS ARE THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES, BUT THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOME DEFECT THAT IS CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES STEERING WHEEL SHOOK, HAD SOME PULSATION EITHER TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK
I OWN A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 25000 MILES JUST HAD TO HAVE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED.*AK
TRUCK HAS 24000 MILES AND BRAKES ARE COMPLETELY SHOT ON VEHICLE, STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER 8500 MILES ON BRAND NEW TRUCK
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE TURNED/REPLACED AT APPROX. 17000 MILES. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE AS BRAKES ONLY HAVE 1YR/12000 MILE WARRANTY. REPAIR FACILITY ONLY REPLACES WITH OEM PARTS, SO THEY WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN ANOTHER 15-20000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.*AK ALSO APPEARS I WILL NOW …
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FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE TURNED/REPLACED AT APPROX. 17000 MILES. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE AS BRAKES ONLY HAVE 1YR/12000 MILE WARRANTY. REPAIR FACILITY ONLY REPLACES WITH OEM PARTS, SO THEY WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN ANOTHER 15-20000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.*AK ALSO APPEARS I WILL NOW HAVE TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS AT APPROX. 18500 MILES. THESE PARTS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN THIS. VEHICLE IS 2002 DODGE DAKOTA CC 4X4 4.7L ENGINE.
CONSUMER STATES FRONT BRAKES ARE WARPED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY FOR SEVERAL BLOCKS BRAKES ARE PULSATING WHEN MAKEING NORMAL START, HAS 13500 MILES. *AK
WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA BEGAN EXPERIENCING SEVERE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE VECHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS CHARGED $148 DOLLARS TO MACHINE THE FRONT ROTORS OF MY TRUCK. THE TRUCK (USED AS TRANSPORTATION TO MY DESK JOB) HAS 24,000 MILES ON IT,…
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WITH NO ADVANCE WARNING MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA BEGAN EXPERIENCING SEVERE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ACTIVATED. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE VECHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS CHARGED $148 DOLLARS TO MACHINE THE FRONT ROTORS OF MY TRUCK. THE TRUCK (USED AS TRANSPORTATION TO MY DESK JOB) HAS 24,000 MILES ON IT, IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, AND IS HIGHWAY DRIVEN SO THE BRAKES DO NOT SEE ALOT OF ACTIVITY. A CHECK OF THE DAKOTA.COM SITE INDICATES MANY ROTOR PROBLEMS WITH LOW MILEAGE DAKOTA SERIES TRUCKS. I BELIEVE EITHER THE BRAKE ROTORS ARE NOT DESIGNED PROPERLY OR ARE BEING MADE OF MATERIAL THAT CANNOT SUPPORT SAFE PERFORMANCE WITHIN A 25,000 MILE LIFECYCLE. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO HAVE ANY BRAKE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON ANY OF MY OTHER VEHICLES (OTHER THAN INSPECTION) BEFORE 75,000 MILES AND I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM WILL REOCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT 4X4 ANTILOCK BRAKES DON'T PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRAKING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE HAD TO STOP QUICKLY AND EVEN AT SLOW SPEEDS THE ANTILOCK FEATURE RELEASES THE BRAKES LONG BEFORE IT SHOULD. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THE PROPORTIONING VALVE IN THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE …
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MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT 4X4 ANTILOCK BRAKES DON'T PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRAKING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE HAD TO STOP QUICKLY AND EVEN AT SLOW SPEEDS THE ANTILOCK FEATURE RELEASES THE BRAKES LONG BEFORE IT SHOULD. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THE PROPORTIONING VALVE IN THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THEY REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I DON'T THINK THE REAR BRAKES ARE ENGAGING AS THEY SHOULD. I'VE SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON YOUR SITE AND FEEL DODGE NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE PROBLEMS BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY TO IGNORE. I HAVE HAD THREE NEAR MISSES WHERE THE ANTILOCK FEATURE OF THE BRAKES CAUSED THE BRAKES TO RELEASE PREMATURELY WHEN I HAVE HAD PLENTY OF TIME AND DISTANCE TO STOP SAFELY. I HAVE HAD ANTILOCK BRAKES ON SEVERAL OF MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES BUT THIS TRUCK HAS THE WEAKEST BRAKES I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED ON ANY CAR OR TRUCK I'VE OWNED.*AK
Official recalls
507V555000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
Dec 4, 2007
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
04V216000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
May 5, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
03V505000 · Equipment:other:labels
Dec 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) THAT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE GAWR AND TIRE SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
03V389000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HEADLAMP AND DASH WIRING HARNESS MAY BE CHAFED BY THE ACTUATION OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN ABNORMAL OPERATION OF THE WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN OR LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, COULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN, AND, WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRE HARNESS AND REPAIR THE HARNESS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
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.
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