IllustrationDT: THE CONTACT HEARD A ROD KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE KNOCKING J STARTED WHERE IT COULD BE HEARD. THERE WAS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED BY THE DEALER ,AND IT CONFIRMED IT WAS A ROD. THE TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS AT THIS TIME.*AK
2002 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Dakota years
Owner complaints for the 2002 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
1550–25K
15925–50K
8450–75K
4975–100K
36100–150K
22150K+
505 reports with mileage · 173 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 226 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 177 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
55 crash reports18 fire reports22 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
34 reportsDT: THE CONTACT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PRESSURE STAYING ON HIGH MOST OF THE TIME SINCE AUGUST 12, 2002. IN SEPTEMBER 2002 THE OBD LIGHT CAME ON. SHE KEPT TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. EVERY TIME SHE TOOK IT IN TO A DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD SAY THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING IN AUGUST 2005 THE…
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DT: THE CONTACT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PRESSURE STAYING ON HIGH MOST OF THE TIME SINCE AUGUST 12, 2002. IN SEPTEMBER 2002 THE OBD LIGHT CAME ON. SHE KEPT TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. EVERY TIME SHE TOOK IT IN TO A DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD SAY THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING IN AUGUST 2005 THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DIE. THE CONTACT HEARD A SOUND, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ,AND THEN THREE SECONDS LATER IT DIED. AFTERWARDS, SHE TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. THE CONTACT HAS COPIES OF MOST OF THE OIL CHANGES. THE CONTACT HAS THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES. SHE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ONLINE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. AND THAT THE WHOLE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. . THE CONTACT CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE OF DODGE ,AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE AREA REPRESENTATIVE TOLD DODGE THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND THAT THERE WAS LACK OF MAINTENANCE, AND THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. *AK
VEHICLE STALLED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE VEHICLE CHIP ON FOUR OCCASIONS, BUT IT CONTINUED TO STALL. *AK
ON OUR WAY TO THE HOSPITAL (AFTER DARK) WHEN THE OIL PRESSURE WENT TO '0' AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TRUCK STARTED SLOWING DOWN (AS IF DOWNSHIFTED) AND SMOKING. ABOUT THE TIME WE GOT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD IT BACKFIRED AND A FLASH CAME FROM THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AND IT DIED. I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WE HAD TO CALL…
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ON OUR WAY TO THE HOSPITAL (AFTER DARK) WHEN THE OIL PRESSURE WENT TO '0' AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TRUCK STARTED SLOWING DOWN (AS IF DOWNSHIFTED) AND SMOKING. ABOUT THE TIME WE GOT TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD IT BACKFIRED AND A FLASH CAME FROM THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AND IT DIED. I HAVE A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WE HAD TO CALL 911 AND GET A DEPUTY TO PICK US UP AND TAKE US TO THE HOSPITAL. *LA
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INCORRECT. NOTIFIED DEALER OF THIS ISSUE AND ALSO AN ISSUE WITH GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT AND EVEN ADMITTED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR THI…
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WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INCORRECT. NOTIFIED DEALER OF THIS ISSUE AND ALSO AN ISSUE WITH GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT AND EVEN ADMITTED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN A HIGH FAILURE RATE FOR THIS. ALSO THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM TUBE HARNESS UNDER THE GAS TANK. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SENSOR WAS LOOSE AND WAS CORRECTED. *JB
VEHICLE MISS MISFIRE DAND STALLLED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. *AK
AT JUST 22,200 MILES TRUCK IN FOR THIRD TIME FOR ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. THIS TIME THE THERMOSTAT WAS BROKEN. LESS THAN 1000 MILES SINCE THE LAST TIME IT WAS ON, LAST TIME THE CANISTER HOSE WAS CRACKED. *JB
THE TRUCK HAS HAD SEVER PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION AND STALLING. IT ALSO MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF PROBLEMS WITH AT LEAT 15 DAYS TOTAL IN THE SHOP.
IN OCT.2002 MY TRUCK SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IN THE PAST THE TRUCK HAD SHUT OFF IN REVERSE OR WHEN I WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND THEN PRESS THE GAS, BUT THIS TIME I HAD TO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND THE BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME AND THEN PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AT A STOP TO KEEP THE GAS GOING. I HAD ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WIT…
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IN OCT.2002 MY TRUCK SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IN THE PAST THE TRUCK HAD SHUT OFF IN REVERSE OR WHEN I WAS AT A DEAD STOP AND THEN PRESS THE GAS, BUT THIS TIME I HAD TO DRIVE WITH MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND THE BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME AND THEN PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AT A STOP TO KEEP THE GAS GOING. I HAD ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY BLINKERS. YOU TURN THE LEFT ONE ON AND OCCASIONALLY THE RIGHT ONE WILL BLINK TO-LIKE "HAZARD LIGHTS". MY DASH BOARD WOULD ALSO LIGHT UP WHILE DRIVING OR EVEN WHEN I COME TO A STOP AT A LIGHT. I PUT IT OFF UNTIL THE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A COMPUTER PROBLEM AND THE TRUCK HAD BEEN DOING IT SINCE DAY 1, THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM TO THE BLINKERS. ALSO THE A/C CONDESATION LINE HAD A CRACK IN IT AND WAS LEAKING INTO MY PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR-THAT WAS A SECOND TRIP. NOW MY TRUCK IS HAVEING THE SAME SHUT-OFF PROBLEM STARTING JUST LIKE IT DID LAST TIME-SO NOW I AM LOOKING INTO THE "LEMON LAW", IT SEEMS TO APPLY SO FAR.*AK
THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. *NLM *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: KNOCKING IN THE SUSPENSION(4 ATTEMPTS TO FIX), THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT, THE DRIVER DOOR HAD A WIND NOISE AND WATER LEAKED, THE TAILGATE HANDLE WAS LOOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN COUPLED, AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BO…
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THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. *NLM *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: KNOCKING IN THE SUSPENSION(4 ATTEMPTS TO FIX), THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT, THE DRIVER DOOR HAD A WIND NOISE AND WATER LEAKED, THE TAILGATE HANDLE WAS LOOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE, THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN COUPLED, AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLTS WERE FOUND LOOSE. *SCC
Official recalls
507V555000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift
Dec 4, 2007
ON CERTAIN VAN AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE IGNITION/PARK SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS CAN ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED (OR IN THE "LOCK" POSITION). THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEARSHIFT BLOCKER AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
04V596000 · 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.
04V216000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
May 5, 2004
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD CAUSE INTERNAL CORROSION AND RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
03V505000 · Equipment:other:labels
Dec 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS AND 4X2 PICKUP TRUCKS, THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS (GAWR) THAT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL OVERLAYS CONTAINING CORRECTED INFORMATION RELATIVE TO VEHICLE GAWR AND TIRE SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
03V389000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 10, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HEADLAMP AND DASH WIRING HARNESS MAY BE CHAFED BY THE ACTUATION OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN ABNORMAL OPERATION OF THE WIPERS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN OR LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, COULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN, AND, WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS ARE INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER CANNOT USE THEM TO SIGNAL INTENT TO TURN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRE HARNESS AND REPAIR THE HARNESS IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
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.