IllustrationTHREE OF THE FOUR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON MY '99 DAKOTA R/T HAVE PREMATURELY FAILED CAUSING TWO CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND THE FRONT TWO TIRES TO WEAR TO THE POINT OF REPLACEMENT.
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
What owners actually said
641 reportsI HAVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH BAD BALL JOINTS. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH ONLY 52,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. IT IS DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS 98% OF THE TIME AND NEVER OFF ROAD. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE TRUCK WAS BUILT WITHOUT A WAY TO GREASE THE JOINTS.. A MAJOR ERROR. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
FOLLOWING A NEWS REPORT DOCUMENTING UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE IN DODGE PRODUCTS, WE HAD OUR 1999 DODGE DAKOTA INSPECTED. IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE COMPLETELY ERODED AND NEEDED IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT.
MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA NEEDED BALL JOINTS AND NUMEROUS OTHER FRONT END AND STEERING COMPONENTS AT ONLY 30000 MILES. IN MY OPINION, THIS WAS DUE TO A LACK OF LUBRICATION BECAUSE THERE ARE NO GREASE FITTINGS ON MY TRUCK'S BALL JOINTS. IF I HAD NOT CAUGHT THIS IN TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHEN MY WHEELS FELL OFF. I AM CONCERN…
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MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA NEEDED BALL JOINTS AND NUMEROUS OTHER FRONT END AND STEERING COMPONENTS AT ONLY 30000 MILES. IN MY OPINION, THIS WAS DUE TO A LACK OF LUBRICATION BECAUSE THERE ARE NO GREASE FITTINGS ON MY TRUCK'S BALL JOINTS. IF I HAD NOT CAUGHT THIS IN TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHEN MY WHEELS FELL OFF. I AM CONCERNED THAT AS MY TRUCK AGES, THIS PROBLEM WILL REOCCUR BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS USED WERE IDENTICAL TO THE ORIGINAL PART THAT FAILED. I HAVE MET NUMEROUS OTHER DODGE DAKOTA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP US.*AK
THE EARLY WEAR OUT OF THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. IT WAS NOTICED THREE YEARS AFTER I BOUGHT THE 4X4 TRUCK WHEN I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON IT. THE SEARS MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT ALIGN THE TIRES BECAUSE THE BALL JOINTS WERE SO BAD THEY NEEDED RELPLACED. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT BELT RECALL FIXED AN…
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THE EARLY WEAR OUT OF THE BALL JOINTS ON MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA. IT WAS NOTICED THREE YEARS AFTER I BOUGHT THE 4X4 TRUCK WHEN I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON IT. THE SEARS MECHANIC SAID HE COULD NOT ALIGN THE TIRES BECAUSE THE BALL JOINTS WERE SO BAD THEY NEEDED RELPLACED. I TOOK IT TO THE DODGE DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT BELT RECALL FIXED AND HE TOLD ME THE SAME THING AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AT THAT TIME. THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP IN A PARKING LOT DOING A FULL RIGHT TURN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. SO I THOUGHT I'D FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS IS LONG OVER DUE. THANK YOU ..... DAN. *AK
THE BALL JOINTS IN MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA, UPPER AND LOWER BOTH SIDES, ARE WORN OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRUCK HAS 70,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT NEED THIS APPROXIMATELY $1,000.00 REPAIR. THE REASON THEY WEAR OUT SO FAST IS THAT THERE ARE NOT GREASE FITTINGS, AND THE PART CAN'T BE PROPERLY LUBRICATED. THE DAIMLER CHRYSLER …
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THE BALL JOINTS IN MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA, UPPER AND LOWER BOTH SIDES, ARE WORN OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRUCK HAS 70,000 MILES AND SHOULD NOT NEED THIS APPROXIMATELY $1,000.00 REPAIR. THE REASON THEY WEAR OUT SO FAST IS THAT THERE ARE NOT GREASE FITTINGS, AND THE PART CAN'T BE PROPERLY LUBRICATED. THE DAIMLER CHRYSLER CORPORATION REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE TO SAID I CAN'T GET ANY RELIEF UNLESS THERE IS A RECALL. PLEASE RECALL THESE PARTS. *AK
THE UPPER SUSPENSION ARM ON MY 1999 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT (5.2L MANUAL TRANSMISSION) RAPT A HOLE IN THE FRONT LEFT BRAKE HOSE, CAUSING TOTAL BRAKING FAILURE. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT ON THE GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS. *LA
I NOTICED A SLIGHT SQUEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL ON OR AROUND THE FIRST OF DECEMBER. AS THE SQUEAK BEGAN TO GET MORE PRONOUNCED I FIGURED I SHOULD CHECK FOR WORN OR DAMAGED SUSPENTION PARTS. NOT LONG AFTER THIS THOUGHT I SAW THE REPORT ON CBS REGUARDING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE DODGE DURANGOS A…
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I NOTICED A SLIGHT SQUEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL ON OR AROUND THE FIRST OF DECEMBER. AS THE SQUEAK BEGAN TO GET MORE PRONOUNCED I FIGURED I SHOULD CHECK FOR WORN OR DAMAGED SUSPENTION PARTS. NOT LONG AFTER THIS THOUGHT I SAW THE REPORT ON CBS REGUARDING THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE DODGE DURANGOS AND DAKOTAS. GUESS WHAT...I DRIVE A 1999 DODGE DAKOTA WITH VERY WORN OUT UPPER BALL JOINTS AT JUST OVER 37,000 MILES. I WILL REPLACE THEM AND KEEP THEM FOR THE IMPENDING RECALL THAT YOU WILL ORDER. AFTER ALL WITH OUT YOU THE MANUFACTURES WOULD CONTINUE TO CUT COSTS AND COST LIVES.*AK
I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDE OF TRUCK REPLACED. ONE OF THE BALL JOINTS WAS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. THE OTHER WAS WELL ON ITS WAY TO THE SAME. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW AND HAVE A DOCUMENTED RECORD OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE THAT I HAVE HAD PERFORMED. I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I RECENTLY FOUND OUT…
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I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH SIDE OF TRUCK REPLACED. ONE OF THE BALL JOINTS WAS COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. THE OTHER WAS WELL ON ITS WAY TO THE SAME. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK NEW AND HAVE A DOCUMENTED RECORD OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE THAT I HAVE HAD PERFORMED. I AM REPORTING THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT SEVERAL OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I LOVE MY TRUCK, BUT, IF THERE ARE ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE RESOLVED I FEEL DODGE SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE BEFORE PEOPLE ARE HURT OR KILLED. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING AND GET THESE VEHICLES REPAIRED.
UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT PREMATURE WEAR
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.