IllustrationAFTER RECALL REPAIR 00V-199 OF THE FUEL LINE FITTING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN BUCKING LIKE THE FUEL WAS NOT RESPONDING TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM OXYGEN SENSORS FAILED, VEHICLE RAN PERFECTLY BEFORE RECALL WORK. NLM
1997 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 1997 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
40–25K
2825–50K
3950–75K
3375–100K
30100–150K
6150K+
140 reports with mileage · 306 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 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports6 fire reports22 injury reports
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
34 reportsRECALL # OOV199000 DAIMLER CHRYSLER/FUEL LINE/CAB UNDERBODY: DEALERSHIP (OWNER) REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL CAMPAIGN BECAUSE TRUCK WAS NOT PURCHASED FROM DEALERSHIP. OWNER VERY NASTY AND ABRUPT TO CUSTOMERS.*AK
RECALL 00V199000/FUEL LINE / CAB UNDERBODY : DEALER TIED OFF FUEL LINE WITH ELECTRICAL STRAPS INSTEAD OF OF FOLLOWING CORRECTIVE ACTION MENTION IN RECALL. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER; DEALER IS KELLY SALES & SERVICE, SPRINGFIELD, VT PHONE # 802/885-2186. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS:*AK
THIS TRUCK IS A LEMON!!!! HELP! NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD JERK LIKE NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED & WATER WAS FOUND IN GASOLINE. *AK
THE FIRST PROBLEM HAPPENED IN ARIZONA ON I-40,I HAD JUST PASSED AN 18 WHEELER AND PULLED BACK IN HIS LANE WHEN I RAN OUT OF FUEL, MY FUEL GAUGE INDICATED I HAD A QUATER OF A TANK LEFT. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER ON MY RETURN HOME. I JUST HAD A SECOND FUEL FAILURE AT HOME.AGAIN THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS A QUATER OF A TANK OF FUEL . I HAVE…
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THE FIRST PROBLEM HAPPENED IN ARIZONA ON I-40,I HAD JUST PASSED AN 18 WHEELER AND PULLED BACK IN HIS LANE WHEN I RAN OUT OF FUEL, MY FUEL GAUGE INDICATED I HAD A QUATER OF A TANK LEFT. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER ON MY RETURN HOME. I JUST HAD A SECOND FUEL FAILURE AT HOME.AGAIN THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS A QUATER OF A TANK OF FUEL . I HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE DEALER TO REPORT THIS FAILURE. *AK
THE FILLER NECK ASSEMBLY FELL UNDER MY TRUCK WHILE I WAS PUTTING GASOLINE IN THE TANK. IT IS ONLY HELD BY 4 SCREWS WHICH HAD FALLEN OUT AND THERE IS NO FLANGE TO KEEP THE FILLER LINE FROM FALLING BENEATH THE TRUCK. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER IF IT HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED …
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THE FILLER NECK ASSEMBLY FELL UNDER MY TRUCK WHILE I WAS PUTTING GASOLINE IN THE TANK. IT IS ONLY HELD BY 4 SCREWS WHICH HAD FALLEN OUT AND THERE IS NO FLANGE TO KEEP THE FILLER LINE FROM FALLING BENEATH THE TRUCK. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER IF IT HAD HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MY TRUCK TO CATCH ON FIRE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY HAD NO "FIX" FOR IT OTHER THAN TO PUT NEW SHEET-METAL SCREWS BACK ON IT. *AK
THERE IS A FUEL LEAKAGE UNDER THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE CAB DUE TO THE FUEL LINE RUBBING AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE CAB. *AK
FACTORY FUEL LINES RUBBED AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK CAB, RESULTING IN WEARING THROUGH OF FUEL LINES AND MASSIVE LOSS OF FUEL NEAR HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS. CLEARLY A FACTORY DEFECT. LINES WERE RESTRAINED IN THEIR ORIGINAL BRACKETS IN ORIGINAL POSITIONS ALONG THE FRAME OF TRUCK. YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE LINES RUBBED THE UNDER…
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FACTORY FUEL LINES RUBBED AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK CAB, RESULTING IN WEARING THROUGH OF FUEL LINES AND MASSIVE LOSS OF FUEL NEAR HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS. CLEARLY A FACTORY DEFECT. LINES WERE RESTRAINED IN THEIR ORIGINAL BRACKETS IN ORIGINAL POSITIONS ALONG THE FRAME OF TRUCK. YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE LINES RUBBED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK AS WELL AS THE FAILED LINE THEMSELVES. THESE WERE METAL LINES. TRUCK WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO DEALER. THEY SAY THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE AGREED TO PAY FOR PARTS BUT I MUST PAY FOR LABOR. TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I WILL BE OUT OF POCKET OVER $130 DOLLARS. I FEEL THIS REALLY IS A FACTORY PROBLEM, A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD NOT ONLY TAKE CARE OF THE FULL COST OF REPAIR, BUT SHOULD INSPECT OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES AS WELL.. TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT CARLIN DODGE IN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. SERVICE ADVISOR KIRK CRIST, CLAIM CHECK NUMBER 989. PHONE # IS (719)475-8550. IT IS AN EXTENDED CAB MODEL USED PRIMARILY FOR HIGHWAY COMMUTING (HENCE THE HI MILEAGE FOR THE YEAR). THIS PARTICULAR DEALER WAS VERY HELPFUL AS THEY WERE THE 2ND ONE I WENT TO. THE FIRST ONE, PERKINS DODGE IN COLO. SPGS, WOULDN'T EVEN SEE US AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE, EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK WAS POURING FUEL OUT OF IT. TRUCK WAS PURCHASED (LEASED) UNDER THE NAME REBECCA KESSLER (MY WIFE) FROM CASTLE DODGE IN CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO. I CAN GIVE YOU THE VIN AT A LATER TIME AS I DO NOT HAVE IT WITH ME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP, I HOPE TO HELP OTHERS AVOID A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. AS A QUICK SIDE NOTE, I DID SEE ANOTHER COMPLAINT THAT I THOUGH MIGHT BE THE SAME PROBLEM, ODI#836892, THANK YOU. RYAN AND BECKY KERCHER
I FEEL THAT WHEEL BEARING/ FUEL PUMPS AND BRAKE ROTORS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ALL BE REPLACED AT COST TO ME IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS/38,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. SEVERAL OF THESE PARTS COULD CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD SUCH AS A CRASH. *AK
Official recalls
501V153000 · 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.
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.
00V199000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS WITH A 131 INCH WHEELBASE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE CAB UNDERBODY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONTACT CAN RESULT IN WEAR, AND AFTER EXTENDED CONTACT, COULD CAUSE A PERFORATION IN THE FUEL LINE, RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR PROPER CLEARANCE. FUEL LINES THAT EXHIBIT INADEQUATE CLEARANCE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REDESIGNED FUEL LINE THAT WILL ASSURE PROPER CLEARANCE.
97V080000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
May 16, 1997
THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
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.