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1998 Dodge Dakota

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Dakota years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Dodge Dakota are substantially higher than the model-year median of 166.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

210 reports with mileage · 335 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 217 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 →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

43 crash reports1 fire reports20 injury reports

Suspension complaints

217 reports
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49,141 miles · Nov 6, 2003
Suspension

LOWER PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10045631

49,141 miles · Nov 6, 2003
Suspension

UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045630

48,171 miles · Nov 6, 2003
Suspension

LOWER DRIVER'S SIDER BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10045629

55,000 miles · Nov 3, 2003
Suspension

THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES. THEY WERE MAKING A THUMPING NOISE WHEN SIMULTANEOUSLY TURNING A CORNER AND GOING OVER A BUMP. THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES LATER WITH AFTERMARKET UNITS. UPON CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE OE…

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THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT APPROXIMATELY 30,000 MILES. THEY WERE MAKING A THUMPING NOISE WHEN SIMULTANEOUSLY TURNING A CORNER AND GOING OVER A BUMP. THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED AND THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES LATER WITH AFTERMARKET UNITS. UPON CLOSE EXAMINATION OF THE OE UNITS THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY AND THE GREASE WAS HARD. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045329

300 miles · Oct 30, 2003
EquipmentPower TrainSeat Belts

I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. 2 MONTHS AFTER 8/98 PURCHASE DATE, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, THE MAP SENSOR WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOIN…

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I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA. I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. 2 MONTHS AFTER 8/98 PURCHASE DATE, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, THE MAP SENSOR WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE SEAT BELTS COME OFF ENTIRELY TOO EASY. ALL OF THIS AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 39,000 MILES ON IT. I SENT ARBITRATION PAPERS TO CHRYSLER TWICE WITH NO RESPONSE. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10045118

33,419 miles · Oct 28, 2003
Suspension

THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDES BROKE, CAUSING THE GREASING FIT TO LEAK. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT END WILL COLLAPSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10044909

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2003
Suspension

DURING INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE WARPED AND MUST BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10044864

59,423 miles · Oct 28, 2003
EquipmentSuspension

1998 DODGE DAKOTA, UPPER ARM BALL JOINT DEFECT. A STORY ON CBS NEWS LAST NIGHT HAS PROMPTED ME TO SUBMIT THIS COMPLAINT. SEPTEMBER 2000, NOISE ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF TRUCK PROMPTED ME TO STOP AT A DODGE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT, FOUND THE RIGHT UPPER ARM BALL JOINT WAS SO BAD THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID I COULD HAVE LOST T…

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1998 DODGE DAKOTA, UPPER ARM BALL JOINT DEFECT. A STORY ON CBS NEWS LAST NIGHT HAS PROMPTED ME TO SUBMIT THIS COMPLAINT. SEPTEMBER 2000, NOISE ON THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF TRUCK PROMPTED ME TO STOP AT A DODGE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT, FOUND THE RIGHT UPPER ARM BALL JOINT WAS SO BAD THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID I COULD HAVE LOST THE WHEEL ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT CAUSING POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE ARM WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY (34853 MILES). I RECENTLY PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES FOR THE TRUCK AND ASKED THE DEALER TO DO A FRONT END ALIGNMENT (59423), HE TRIED AND SAID HE COULD NOT BECAUSE THE BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE. I HAD NO INDICATION AT THIS TIME THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS UNTIL I TRIED TO GET AN ALIGNMENT TO PROTECT THE NEW TIRES, I GOT A SECOND OPINION WITH THE SAME RESPONSE. I WENT TO THE DODGE DEALER AND CONFIRMS THAT ALL 4 BALL JOINTS IN THE FRONT END WERE BAD, LOWER AND UPPER. DEALER SAID IT HAPPENS OCCASIONALLY, BUT I HAVE LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK AND IT IS MY THIRD BALL JOINT ON THE UPPER FRONT. THIS TIME THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM AND IT COST ME OVER $1100 TO FIX AS IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY WAS LUCKY SINCE THE THERE WAS NO ACCIDENTS, THE PROBLEM WAS CAUGHT IN TIME. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THE BALL JOINTS USED ON THE DODGE DAKOTA ARE DEFECTIVE AND DO NOT LAST, IN MY CASE THE REPLACED BALL JOINT IN SEPTEMBER 2000 LASTED LESS THAN 24,000 MILES UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT IN PROGRESS, CAN YOU PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS, CHRYSLER/DAIMLER NEEDS TO STAND UP AND FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE THERE IS A TRAGEDY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10043784

62,972 miles · Oct 28, 2003
Suspension

WORN FRONT WHEEL BEARING & EXCESSIVE WEAR ON UPPER & LOWER BALL JOINTS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10043751

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2003
Suspension

I HAVE A 1998 2WD DODGE DAKOTA THAT HAS SUFFERED FROM EXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE WEAR SINCE NEW. THE DEALER COULD NEVER SEEM TO FIND A CAUSE FOR THIS AND THE VEHICLE HAS COST ME A FORTUNE IN REPLACEMENT TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENTS. WITH THE VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY, AN INDEPENDENT FRONT END SHOP RECENTLY REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOIN…

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I HAVE A 1998 2WD DODGE DAKOTA THAT HAS SUFFERED FROM EXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE WEAR SINCE NEW. THE DEALER COULD NEVER SEEM TO FIND A CAUSE FOR THIS AND THE VEHICLE HAS COST ME A FORTUNE IN REPLACEMENT TIRES AND FRONT END ALIGNMENTS. WITH THE VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY, AN INDEPENDENT FRONT END SHOP RECENTLY REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND RIGHT-SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. IT IS TOO EARLY TO TELL IF THESE REPAIRS HAVE CORRECTED THIS LONG-STANDING (67,000 MILES) PROBLEM, BUT BECAUSE THIS TRUCK HAS THE SAME FRONT SUSPENSION AS THE DODGE DURANGO CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION, I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10043740

Official recalls

5

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.

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.

98V208000 · Structure

Sep 8, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH BOLTS THAT WERE NOT PROPERLY HARDENED. THE BOLTS WERE USED TO ATTACH THE CAB AND THE CORE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE CAB TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BOLTS WITH PROPERLY HARDENED BOLTS.

97V170000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module ; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 7, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.

Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS (2 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY). THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR WIRE MAY BE ABRADED AT THE FRONT WHEELS BY CONTACT WITH A FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD.

Consequence: PROLONGED BRAKE HOSE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. PROLONGED ABS SENSOR WIRE CONTACT CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF ABS FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TRIM THE FRONT WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELDS AND THE BRAKE HOSES AND ABS SENSOR WIRES WILL BE INSPECTED. IF EVIDENCE OF ABRASION IS FOUND ON ANY HOSE OR ABS WIRE, THEY WILL BE REPLACED.

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.