STEERING COLUMN DEVELOPS CLUNK. IS MOST NOTABLE ON BRAKING AND ACCELERATION. ORIGINAL COLUMN REPLACED AT END OF 36000 MI WARRANTY PERIOD. NEW UNIT DEVELOPED SAME PROBLEM AFTER 12000 MI. CONCERNED THAT FAILURE MAY CAUSE BINDING IN STEERING AND LOSS OF CONTROL. *NM
2000 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 2000 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
359 reports with mileage · 447 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 282 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 248 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 →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
68 reportsON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2004, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ASSEMBLY OF MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK FELL OFF. MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A FRIEND'S HOME WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK HE FOUND THE RIGHT FRONT-END OF THE TRUCK RESTING ON THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE F…
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ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2004, THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE ASSEMBLY OF MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK FELL OFF. MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A FRIEND'S HOME WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG. WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK HE FOUND THE RIGHT FRONT-END OF THE TRUCK RESTING ON THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT I USE FOR CAR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. UPON ARRIVAL AT THE REPAIR SHOP, THE SHOP OWNER TOLD ME THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAD FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE LOWER BALL JOINT AND OUTER TIE ROD WERE ALSO DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. BASED UPON THE MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK, THE SHOP OWNER TOLD ME THAT THE BALL JOINT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT AND THE OUTER TIE ROD WAS $595.67. *NM
CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD TO HAVE THE LOWER BALL JOINT, AND TIE ROD REPLACED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH STEERING SHAFT FAILED. AS A RESULT, STEERING FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. *AK
THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED (WITH NO WARNING), CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AS IT WENT AROUND A CORNER. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE MOMENTARILY, DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED HEAVYNESS OF THE STREEING AND THE LOW SPEED (ABOUT 10 MPH). I DID REGAIN REGAINED CONTROL AND AVOIDED HITTING THE CARS IN THE ONCOMING LANES. I M…
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THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED (WITH NO WARNING), CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AS IT WENT AROUND A CORNER. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE MOMENTARILY, DUE TO THE UNEXPECTED HEAVYNESS OF THE STREEING AND THE LOW SPEED (ABOUT 10 MPH). I DID REGAIN REGAINED CONTROL AND AVOIDED HITTING THE CARS IN THE ONCOMING LANES. I MADE IT HOME, PARKED THE TRUCK UNTIL I COULD BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE TRUCK WAS NOT DRIVABLE AROUND TOWN WITH THE POWER STEERING BROKEN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP UNIT (PART #52106253AF). I BELIEVE I DISPOSED OF THE UNIT. MY TRUCK IS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB 4X4 WITH THE 4.7 AND AUTOMATIC. THE MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK WAS ONLY 32,501, BUT THE DEALER TOLD ME THE IN SERVICE DATE OF 23 JUNE 2000 PUT THE TRUCK OUT OF THE WARRANTEE PERIOD. COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $501.23. THE TRUCK HAS NOT SEEN ANY OFF-ROAD ABUSE AND IS RESPONSIBLY DRIVEN.*AK
WITH THE PENDING DODGE RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS, WHY WILL IT ONLY COVER THE 4X4 TRUCKS. THE SAME BALL JOINTS ARE USED ON THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE ONES AND HAVE HAD THE SAME FAILURES. I AM THE OWNER OF A 2000 DAKOTA CLUB CAB. I TRAVEL 110+ MILES A DAY WITH THE TRUCK. CURRENTLY AT 90000 AND PLANING ON 200+. IS THE PLAN ON NHTSA AND…
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WITH THE PENDING DODGE RECALL ON THE BALL JOINTS, WHY WILL IT ONLY COVER THE 4X4 TRUCKS. THE SAME BALL JOINTS ARE USED ON THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE ONES AND HAVE HAD THE SAME FAILURES. I AM THE OWNER OF A 2000 DAKOTA CLUB CAB. I TRAVEL 110+ MILES A DAY WITH THE TRUCK. CURRENTLY AT 90000 AND PLANING ON 200+. IS THE PLAN ON NHTSA AND DODGE TO WAIT TILL DEATHS BEFORE THE 2 WHELL TRICKS ARE FIXED??? AM IF I AM THE INFORMENT ONE TO DIE, THEN ARE YOU GOING TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED TO MY WIFE AND 1 YEAR OLD SON!!!!!!! LET'S NOT DO THE JOB HALF WAY. LET'S JUST DO THE JOB RIGHT!*AK
DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD END NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT APPROX. 55,000 MILES. THIS UNIT IS SEALED AT THE FACTORY AND NOT SERVICABLE BY THE OWNER. IT WAS REPLACED BY VISSING DODGE, JEFFERSONVILLE. IN. SERVICE MANAGER NOTED THAT THIS UNIT COULD FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,(WORST CASE SENERIO). I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING BA…
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DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD END NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT APPROX. 55,000 MILES. THIS UNIT IS SEALED AT THE FACTORY AND NOT SERVICABLE BY THE OWNER. IT WAS REPLACED BY VISSING DODGE, JEFFERSONVILLE. IN. SERVICE MANAGER NOTED THAT THIS UNIT COULD FAIL RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,(WORST CASE SENERIO). I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING BACK TO CAL. WITH THIS PROBLEM AND ITS SAFETY RELATED ISSUES. PASSENGER SIDE UNIT IS NOW SQUEEKING AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT. TRUCK NOW HAS APPROX. 58,500 MILES. *AK
TIE ROD BROKE. REPLACED TOE ROD AND ALL BALL JOINTS. *AK
DODGE DAKOTA TIE RODS. TIE ROD ACTUALLY BROKE. *BF THE CONSUMER SENT IN A COMPLAINT TO THE NHTSA ON LINE BUT HAD TROUBLE. *TC
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL JUMPED ON ITS ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING AND UPPER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Official recalls
504V596000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
Dec 21, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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.
00V197000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Jul 17, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.7L ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY EXPEL FLUID FROM THE FILL TUBE DURING NORMAL TEMPERATURE OPERATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM AND IGNITION OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE VENT HOSE AND ASSURE ADEQUATE CLEARANCE.
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
4EA03023 · 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.
EA01010 · Front Safety Belt Anchorage
Opened Mar 8, 2001 · Closed Aug 17, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DISENGAGE FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINTS OR ARE FOUND TO BE LOOSE.
PE00035 · Stop Lamp Switch
Opened Sep 7, 2000 · Closed Mar 9, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGED THAT ELECTRICAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAN RESULT IN STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATION DURING SERVICE BRAKE APPLICATION, AND THE VEHICLE'S CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM MAY FAIL TO DISENGAGE
PE00030 · Front Safety Belt Anchorage Disengagemen
Opened Jul 21, 2000 · Closed Mar 8, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
ALLEGED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT SAFETY BELT ANCHORS DISENGAGE FROM MOUNTING POINTS
Illustration