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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

545 reports
27,675 miles · Aug 1, 2004
SteeringStructureSuspension

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DETERIORATING 5-24-2004, 27,675 MILES STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 6-22-2004. BALL JOINTS, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND RIGHT WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER.*AK STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT FREEHOLD DODGE NJ VERY LOOSE FRONT END, HARD TO CONTROL, BOUNCE. TYPICAL SYMPTOMS…

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UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS DETERIORATING 5-24-2004, 27,675 MILES STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 6-22-2004. BALL JOINTS, LOWER CONTROL ARM, AND RIGHT WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER.*AK STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT FREEHOLD DODGE NJ VERY LOOSE FRONT END, HARD TO CONTROL, BOUNCE. TYPICAL SYMPTOMS OF A FRONT END FALLING APART. DATES ABOVE ARE REPLACEMENT DATES. THIRD MAJOR PROBLEM IS ALL OF THE BOLTS ATTACHING THE CAB ARE DETERIORATED. TAKING TO MY NM DODGE DEALER. CAN NOT EVEN TAKE OFF THE BOTS THEY ARE SO BAD ON THE CAB OF MY TRUCK [XXX] I HAVE BEEN THE OWNER FROM DAY ONE. IN MY PARENTS NAME IN NEW JERSEY FOR INSURANCE RATE REDUCTION. UPDATED 07/24/2012* JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10083079

35,311 miles · Jul 23, 2004
Suspension

BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO PASS STATE (MO) SAFETY INSPECTION. VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS ONLY 35311 AND THE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT WAS PERFORMED BY A DODGE DEALERSHIP.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082527

74,990 miles · Jul 19, 2004
Power Train

(1) NOISE FROM REAR END (2) BEARINGS FAILED, ALL PINION AND CARRIER (3) REPLACEMENT OF BEARINGS AND SEALS ONLY 75,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10082234

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2004
Suspension

CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. CONSUMER WILL HAVE THE MECHANIC REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK THE VEHICLE MADE A SQUEALING NOISE. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT HAD COME…

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CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. CONSUMER WILL HAVE THE MECHANIC REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK THE VEHICLE MADE A SQUEALING NOISE. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED A BALL JOINT PROBLEM. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE P/S WHEEL SQUEAKED WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10075987

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2004
Power TrainSuspension

AN INDEPENDENT SHOP REPLACED THE LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS LAT SEPTEMBER AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CV DRIVE AND AXLE SHAFT WERE ALSO REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10063110

56,000 miles · Jul 9, 2004
Suspension

(1) EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE WERE SIMPLY NORMAL DRIVING. NOTHING SPECIAL OR OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE OR ATTEMPTED. (2) THE BALL JOINTS ON BOTH OF MY UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE FAILED. THE JOINTS WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND ARE PERMANENTLY SEALED SUPPOSEDLY REQUIRING NO MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER THE RUBBER BOOT SUR…

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(1) EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE WERE SIMPLY NORMAL DRIVING. NOTHING SPECIAL OR OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE OR ATTEMPTED. (2) THE BALL JOINTS ON BOTH OF MY UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE FAILED. THE JOINTS WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND ARE PERMANENTLY SEALED SUPPOSEDLY REQUIRING NO MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER THE RUBBER BOOT SURROUNDING THE JOINT FAILED, THUS LEADING TO WATER AND OTHER ROAD GRIT TO ENTER THE JOINT. THUS THE JOINTS DID NOT REMAIN LUBRICATED, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MECHANICAL FAILURE. (3) DUE TO DODGE NOT SELLING THE INDIVIDUAL BALL JOINTS, I OPTED REPLACED BOTH OF THE ENTIRE FRONT CONTROL ARMS. DUE TO THE COST OF THAT REPAIR I OPTED TO PURCHASE AND INSTALL AFTERMARKET BALL JOINTS FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS RATHER THAN REPLACE THE ENTIRE ARM AS HAD BEEN DONE WITH THE UPPER. THE REPAIR WAS VERY LABOR INTENSIVE; ESPECIALLY ON SOMETHING WHICH SHOULD REQUIRE MINIMAL IF ANY MAINTENANCE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10080688

88,000 miles · Jun 28, 2004
Suspension

I HAVE A DODGE DAKOTA 98. I WENT IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT TODAY. MY 69 DOLLAR ALIGNMENT WAS BUMPED UP TO 830 DOLLARS. THEY SAID THAT ALL OF THE BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WITH THE DODGE TRUCK OF THIS YEAR THRU 2003. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY WHEELS MIGHT JUST FALL OFF. I TOLD THEM NOT TO PERF…

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I HAVE A DODGE DAKOTA 98. I WENT IN FOR AN ALIGNMENT TODAY. MY 69 DOLLAR ALIGNMENT WAS BUMPED UP TO 830 DOLLARS. THEY SAID THAT ALL OF THE BALL JOINTS NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WITH THE DODGE TRUCK OF THIS YEAR THRU 2003. THEY TOLD ME THAT MY WHEELS MIGHT JUST FALL OFF. I TOLD THEM NOT TO PERFORM THIS SINCE I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY AND THEY TOLD ME TO WATCH OUT FOR BUMPS AND SHARP TURNS. MY TRUCK IS NOT MAKING ANY WIRED NOISES AND I CANT BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE WAS LEGITIMENT SINCE YOU WOULD THINK A RECALL WOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUES FOR SUCH A DANGEROUS THING. I WENT ONLINE OF COURSE TO LOOK INTO THIS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED INTO BY THE FEDS. IF I HAD NOT GONE IN FOR THE ALLIGNMENT, AND MY WHEEL FELL OFF WITH MY 6 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CAR I OR HER / BOTH MIGHT NOT BE HERE. I WILL BE DRIVING MY OTHER VEHICLE FOR THE TIME BEING AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN THIS WILL BE RECALLED / ADDRESSED. FIRESTONE PUT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RECOMMENDED SERVICES: SYSTEM FAILURE - REQUIRED UPPER-BOTH BALL JOINTS/ LOWER BOTH BALL JOINTS THE MONEY IS ONE THING. ME AND MY KID IS ANOTHER. AND WITH NO INDICATION OF THIS PROBLEM, THAT REALLY CONCERNS ME!!!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10078913

17,000 miles · Jun 23, 2004
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOWER SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING THROUGH THE FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10061322

45,606 miles · Jun 4, 2004
Suspension

UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10065430

89,000 miles · May 20, 2004
Suspension

FRONT BALL JOINTS ON MY 1998 DODGE DAKOTA FAILED. I NOTICED A POPPING NOISE IN MY FRONT END THAT TRANSITIONED UP THROUGH MY STEERING COLUMN. THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACED!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10072919

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.