IllustrationI OWN A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH 55,000 MILES. I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE NEARLY THE ENTIRE FRONT END FIXED DUE TO INFERIOR PARTS. AT TWO DIFFERENT AUTO SHOPS I WAS TOLD THAT I AM EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT MY WHEELS DID NOT FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. I NEEDED 4 NEW SHOCKS, TWO NEW TIE ROD ENDS, AND MY BALL JOINTS WERE TOTALLY SHOT.*AK
1999 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 1999 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
270–25K
8925–50K
10950–75K
5575–100K
28100–150K
22150K+
330 reports with mileage · 311 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 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
49 crash reports6 fire reports17 injury reports
Suspension complaints
342 reportsWANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT ACCORDING TO ABC NEWS AND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT DODGE DAKOTA OWNERS ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURES.*AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT. *AK
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, AND THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THE NEED TO BE REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT. *AK
DURING A VEHICLE INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SCC *JB
WHILE TRAVELING CONSUMER HEARD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB 4X4 THAT HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE LOWER FRONT TIE ROD WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HAD TO GET THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY TIME BUT NOT THE MILEAGE. WITH THIS INCIDENT, IT'S THE MILEAGE THAT PUTS THE…
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I HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA CLUB CAB 4X4 THAT HAD 32,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE LOWER FRONT TIE ROD WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HAD TO GET THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS AND LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY TIME BUT NOT THE MILEAGE. WITH THIS INCIDENT, IT'S THE MILEAGE THAT PUTS THE WEAR ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM NOT TIME. I HAVE NOTIFIED CHRYSLER ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THAT I WANTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I WAS TOLD NO. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE RATE. I WANT CHRYSLER TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, NOT LINE THEIR POCKETS WITH UNNECESSARY REPAIR COSTS. *NLM
ON 11/21/01 I TOOK MY DAKOTA IN TO CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. I USUALLY GO TO LEE AUTO MALL. I WAS IN A HURRY TO GET THE TRUCK INSPECTED SO I WENT TO CUMBERLAND GARAGE. I CAME UPON A REPAIR ORDER FROM CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE. ASIDE FROM SOME MINOR REPAIRS THEY HAD LISTED BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS AS NEEDING REPAIR. AT…
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ON 11/21/01 I TOOK MY DAKOTA IN TO CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. I USUALLY GO TO LEE AUTO MALL. I WAS IN A HURRY TO GET THE TRUCK INSPECTED SO I WENT TO CUMBERLAND GARAGE. I CAME UPON A REPAIR ORDER FROM CUMBERLAND AVE. GARAGE. ASIDE FROM SOME MINOR REPAIRS THEY HAD LISTED BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS AS NEEDING REPAIR. AT $298.74. I ENDED UP TAKING MY TRUCK TO LEE AUTO MALL IN WESTBROOK (ME.) THEY NEVER MENTIONED THE BALL JOINTS HAD A PROBLEM. NOTE THE DATE OF THE REPAIR ORDER FROM CUMBERLAND GARAGE AS BEING 2001. THIS MEANS LEE DODGE LET ME DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT WASN'T SAFE SINCE 2001! I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN TO LEE DODGE THIS PAST SUMMER. I WAS TOLD BOTH MY BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED!THE COST WAS $900.00. I MENTIONED I KNEW AT JUST46K MLS. IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR A VEHICLE TO HAVE BALL JOINTS THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I SAID THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM USUALLY DIDN'T OCCUR UNTIL ABOUT 100K MILES. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS UNTRUE. ALSO NOTE WHEN CUMBERLAND GARAGE NOTICED MY TRUCK NEEDED BALL JOINTS REPAIRED MY TRUCK HAD ONLY ABOUT 37K MILES. 11/04/03 I HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT.THE SHORT OF IT : I LOST CONTROL OF MY TIRES. MY WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT MY FRONT TIRES WOULD NOT RESPOND AND MY REAR TIRES WERE STUCK/SPINNING ON PILES OF WET LEAVES. I STEPPED ON THE GAS WHILE TRYING TO TURN MY VEHICLE AND THE GAS DID NOT RESPOND. MY BREAK WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK THRUST FORWARD AND HIT MY BROTHERS CAR. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF TROUBLE SLEEPING JUST THINKING ABOUT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME, SOMEONE I LOVE OR SOMEONE ELSE JUST BECAUSE LEE DODGE WANTED TO SQUEEZE MONEY OUT OF ME. OR BECAUSE CHRYSLER DID NOT WANT TO TELL THEIR CUSTOMERS THEY HAD PUT FAULTY PARTS IN THEIR TRUCKS. I SUPPOSE I SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER WITH REGARDS TO THIS MATTER. I AM VERY UPSET I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AT ANY TIME! DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ME? *AK
LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM DEFECTIVE BEFORE 30,000 MILES. NOW AT 115,000 MILES BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE BAD. DODGE FIXED THIS TO REPLACE ALL CONTROL ARMS WITH NEW. $1800.OO REPAIR. IS THIS GOING TO BE A RECALL LIKE THE OTHER DURANGO'S? *LA
DEALER REPLACED TWICE BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, ALSO, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS PEFORMED: REPLACEMENT OF TRANSFER CASE, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, WHEEL BEARINGS, RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY, RIGHT ROTOR, RIGHT …
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DEALER REPLACED TWICE BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, ALSO, THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH 1999 DODGE DAKOTA HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS PEFORMED: REPLACEMENT OF TRANSFER CASE, UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS, WHEEL BEARINGS, RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY, RIGHT ROTOR, RIGHT AXLE ASSEMBLY, AND FRONT SHOCKS.*MR
Official recalls
401V153000 · 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.
01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. 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.
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.