Illustration.. FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE SEIZED. OCCURRED DURING HIGH TRAFFIC TIME WITH ALONG WITH PULL TO RIGHT/COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT..CAME CLEAR THE NEXT MORNING/ OCCURRED AGAIN 1 MO. LATER.. I REPLACED BRAKE HOSE ,CALIPER ,ROTOR AND BRAKE PAD, ONLY BEEN ABOUT 3 DAYS SINCE REPLACING. *TR
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
1550–25K
15925–50K
8450–75K
4975–100K
36100–150K
22150K+
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
What owners actually said
678 reportsFRONT WHEELS (BRAKES) LOCKED UP ON MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
2002 DODGE DAKOTA WITH A RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND DOOR LOCKS WORKED FINE BEFORE IT WAS PUT INTO THE SHOP TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. SHE STATES THAT NOW THEY ONLY WORK SPORADICALLY. *KB RECALL # 07V555000. *JB
IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. I WOULD HIT MY BRAKES, AND THEY WOULD BE SOLID, I WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN,IF I RELEASE THEM AND HIT THEM AGAIN,THEN THY WOULD STOP. BY THAT TIME I WOULD BE HALF THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. I CALLED CHRYSLER, BUT THEY SEEM TO CARE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. MOMENTS LATER, THE CONTACT FOUND THE VEHICLE PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. MOMENTS LATER, THE CONTACT FOUND THE VEHICLE PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR BUMPER WAS DAMAGED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (G28) (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT) IN MARCH OF 2008. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL ONLY REPAIR THE RECALLED COMPONENT. THEY WILL NEED DATES AND INSURANCE INFORMATION FROM THE CONTACT TO CONSIDER REPAIRING THE REAR BUMPER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,094.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, THE CONTACT BLACKED OUT. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, CLIPPED A TELEPHONE POLE, AND DROPPED DOWN 15 FEET INTO A CREEK. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT CLIMBED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND COLLAPSED. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 55-60 MPH, THE CONTACT BLACKED OUT. THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT, CLIPPED A TELEPHONE POLE, AND DROPPED DOWN 15 FEET INTO A CREEK. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT CLIMBED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND COLLAPSED. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL IN AN AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SEVERE WHIPLASH, AND HERNIATED AND RUPTURED ONE DISC IN HIS NECK. HE NOW HAS A TITANIUM PLATE IN HIS NECK AND IS EXPERIENCING BACK PAIN, ALONG WITH DIFFICULTY KEEPING HIS BALANCE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER 79061-08 WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,600.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NON-SLIP PAD FOR THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS WORN DOWN TO THE METAL CLUTCH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PAD, BUT THE DEALER IS HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING THE CORRECT PAD TO FIT HIS CLUTCH PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, BUT THEY…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NON-SLIP PAD FOR THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS WORN DOWN TO THE METAL CLUTCH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH PAD, BUT THE DEALER IS HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING THE CORRECT PAD TO FIT HIS CLUTCH PEDAL. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,880.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED WHILE PARKED. THE CRASH DAMAGED THE REAR BUMPER AND TAILGATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNTIL SHE NOTIFIED HER INSURANCE COMPANY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWERTRAIN: A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND CRASHED WHILE PARKED. THE CRASH DAMAGED THE REAR BUMPER AND TAILGATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNTIL SHE NOTIFIED HER INSURANCE COMPANY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWERTRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: LEVER AND LINKAGE: COLUMN SHIFT) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,924.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE, BUT REMAINED STUCK WHEN IN LOW GEAR. HE PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE IN REVERSE AND THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK BY THE DOOR AND KNOCKED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRAG THE CONTACT. THE V…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE, BUT REMAINED STUCK WHEN IN LOW GEAR. HE PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIVE IN REVERSE AND THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK BY THE DOOR AND KNOCKED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRAG THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE'S OWNER WAS ABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE AND SHUT IT OFF. THE VEHICLE SLIPPED INTO REVERSE. THE SAME DAY A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT). THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER RIGHT LEG. THE MILEAGE INFORMATION, PURCHASE DATE, POWERTRAIN, AND DEALER INFORMATION WERE UNAVAILABLE.
IN THE SPRING 2006 MY DODGE DAKOTA POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED BACKWARDS TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND FUEL PUMPS. I TRIED TO STOP THE TRUCK BUT ENDED UP GETTING KNOCKED OFF MY FEET AND IN DOING SO I GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL AND FELL CAUSING THE TRUCK TO RUN OVER BOTH OF MY LEGS. I WAS TREATED AT THE HOSPITAL AND RELEASED AND…
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IN THE SPRING 2006 MY DODGE DAKOTA POPPED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED BACKWARDS TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND FUEL PUMPS. I TRIED TO STOP THE TRUCK BUT ENDED UP GETTING KNOCKED OFF MY FEET AND IN DOING SO I GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL AND FELL CAUSING THE TRUCK TO RUN OVER BOTH OF MY LEGS. I WAS TREATED AT THE HOSPITAL AND RELEASED AND MY TRUCK SUFFERED REAR END DAMAGE TO THIS DAY STILL NOT REPAIRED. *TR
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.