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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 →

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.

55 crash reports18 fire reports22 injury reports

Suspension complaints

226 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2005
Power TrainSuspension

THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE SCOPE OF THE BALL JOINT RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. THE BALL JOINTS ON THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CONSUMERS 100K MILES LIMITED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED. *BF *NM *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STALLS …

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THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT THE SCOPE OF THE BALL JOINT RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. THE BALL JOINTS ON THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CONSUMERS 100K MILES LIMITED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION ALSO FAILED. *BF *NM *SC THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STALLS AND GETS STUCK IN LOW GEAR WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10107443

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2005
Suspension

RECALL CAMPAIGN#04V596000: THE VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. *NM THE BALL JOINTS HAD WORN OUT. THE CONSUMER REQESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10111077

33,000 miles · Jan 7, 2005
Suspension

RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL ON BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDE…

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RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL ON BALL JOINT WEAR. CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THERE IS NO DATE OF EXPECTATION EITHER. *AK......*AK

NHTSA ODI #10107011

62,000 miles · Jan 6, 2005
Suspension

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER INSPECTED IT, GAVE IT A WHEEL ALIGNMENT, AND THEN SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. CURRENTLY, MANUFACTURER IS RECALLING THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10106963

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2005
Suspension

NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04V596000; DAIMLER CHRYSLER ISSUED AN UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THERE WERE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE MARCH 2005. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10106880

58,000 miles · Jan 3, 2005
Suspension

VEHICLE IS 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT PLUS QUAD CAB 4X4, WITH 58,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BRAKE REPAIR SHOP FOR ROTOR / DRUM RESURFACING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE HAVE WORN OUT, ARE LOOSE, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $850. I HAVE NOT REP…

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VEHICLE IS 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT PLUS QUAD CAB 4X4, WITH 58,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BRAKE REPAIR SHOP FOR ROTOR / DRUM RESURFACING, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE HAVE WORN OUT, ARE LOOSE, AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST IN EXCESS OF $850. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS YET, BUT WILL HAVE TO SOON. I FEEL THE BALL JOINTS SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN 58,000 MILES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10105664

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2004
Suspension

RECALL CAMPAIGN: 2002 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEMS. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE DEALING WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ON WHY ONLY TO REPLA…

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RECALL CAMPAIGN: 2002 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS PROBLEMS. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE DEALING WITH THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION ON WHY ONLY TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS IF THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE STILL BAD AND WHAT RECOURSE HE HAS OTHER THAN CONTACTING CHRYSLER. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10108801

37,000 miles · Dec 28, 2004
SteeringSuspension

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFTER 2,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION. THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, STATING IT WAS A WEAR ITEM. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED BEFORE OFFERING THE VEHICLE FOR SALE, BUT THEY CLAIM OTHERWISE. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE BOTH SETS OF BA…

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UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFTER 2,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION. THE DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, STATING IT WAS A WEAR ITEM. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND FIXED BEFORE OFFERING THE VEHICLE FOR SALE, BUT THEY CLAIM OTHERWISE. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE BOTH SETS OF BALL JOINTS ON MY OWN. SINCE THEN, DC HAS RECALLED THE UPPER JOINTS. THE UPPER JOINTS CREATED A SITUATION CAUSING THE LOWER JOINTS TO FAIL ALSO AND SHOULD BE COVERED IN THEIR RECALL. THEY ALSO DO NOT SPECIFY COVERING THE ALIGNMENT NEEDED AFTER JOINTS ARE REPLACED. THE RECALL SHOULD BE REISSUED COVERING UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALONG WITH ALIGNMENT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IN THIS RECALL FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10104632

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2004
Suspension

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V596000 CONCERNING BALL JOINT WEAR. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED AT THAT PARTICULAR DEALERSHIP. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10105371

73,000 miles · Dec 15, 2004
Suspension

FRONT END OF TRUCK WOULD MAKE NOISE WHEN HITTING BUMPS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OTH BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE DEFECTIVE. THE UPPER HAD NEARLY 1/4" OF UP AND DOWN TRAVEL AND THE BOTTOM WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. IT IS AMAZING THAT THE WHEEL DIDN'T FALL OFF COMPLETELY. REPLACED BOTH PASSENGER SIDE BAL…

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FRONT END OF TRUCK WOULD MAKE NOISE WHEN HITTING BUMPS THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OTH BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE DEFECTIVE. THE UPPER HAD NEARLY 1/4" OF UP AND DOWN TRAVEL AND THE BOTTOM WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. IT IS AMAZING THAT THE WHEEL DIDN'T FALL OFF COMPLETELY. REPLACED BOTH PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINTS. HAD TO PURCHASE THEM FROM AN AFTERMARKET VENDOR DO TO CHRYSLER HAVING THEM ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. THE ONLY PART THAT THEY HAD AVAILABLE WAS A COMPLETE A ARM ASSEMBLY AT A PRICE OF $250 EACH VERSUS THE $50 FOR THE BALL JOINT ITSELF. I FIND IT SOMEWHAT STRANGE THAT 2WD VERSIONS OF THE DAKOTA AND DURANGO ARE NOT BEING COVERED UNDER THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCE RECALL. HAVING MANAGED AUTO PARTS STORES FOR SEVERAL YEARS, ARE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS AND SALES ARE JUST AS HIGH ON THE 2WD PARTS AS THE 4WD.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10102993

Official recalls

5

07V555000 · 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

1

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.