IllustrationMy 2002 Dodge Dakota sometime will not go into park. other times it will jump out and go into reverse. this has caused my vehicle to roll backwards and destroyed neighbors mailbox. to get it into park takes several tries. I now must use my parking brake anytime I am parked.
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
Power Train complaints
89 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. WHEN THE SHIFTER FINALLY SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD SHIFT BACK INTO PARK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEFFER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. WHEN THE SHIFTER FINALLY SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AND INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD SHIFT BACK INTO PARK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KEFFER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (LOCATED AT 8214 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28227, (704) 532-1050) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO TAKE THE STEERING COLUMN APART, GREASE IT UP, AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A WARRANTY NOR INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,000.
THE CAR GOES INTO PARK, BUT PARK DOES NOT ENGAGE. I'M ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE COLUMN SHOWS PARK BUT THE CAR CONTINUES TO ROLL. I SEE THAT 2002 DAKOTAS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT MY VIN # DOESN'T SHOW A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.
RECALL G38 / THE TRANS SHIFTER STARTED TO NOT GO INTO PARK AT TIMES AND THEN SLIP OUT NOW IT WILL NOT GO INTO PARK AT ALL..SHIFTER STOPS AT REVERSE AND I HAVE LOOKED AT SHIFTER AJUSTMENT AND NO PROBLEM THERE, THE RECALL SAID IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN .BUT I AM HAVING SAME PROBLEMS LISTED AS THE RECALL STATE'S OTHER'S HAVE , D…
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RECALL G38 / THE TRANS SHIFTER STARTED TO NOT GO INTO PARK AT TIMES AND THEN SLIP OUT NOW IT WILL NOT GO INTO PARK AT ALL..SHIFTER STOPS AT REVERSE AND I HAVE LOOKED AT SHIFTER AJUSTMENT AND NO PROBLEM THERE, THE RECALL SAID IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN .BUT I AM HAVING SAME PROBLEMS LISTED AS THE RECALL STATE'S OTHER'S HAVE , DID I MISS SOMETHING AND IAM IN RECALL ADDED LATER?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GALEANA'S VAN DYKE DODGE (28400 VAN DYKE AVE, WARREN, MI 48093, (586) 573-4000) WHERE THE CO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GALEANA'S VAN DYKE DODGE (28400 VAN DYKE AVE, WARREN, MI 48093, (586) 573-4000) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL FOR THE GEAR SHIFTER, AND THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER AND THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
MY TRUCK WILL NOT GO INTO PARK ALL OTHER GEAR SELECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE BUT NO PARK. ADDITIONALLY I'M ABLE TO TURN THE KEY BACK TO THE OFF POSITION & TAKE THE KEY OUT. I PULLED INTO WORK & WAS UNABLE ONCE I PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE TO PUT MY TRUCK INTO PARK. I ENDED UP HAVING TO STAY WITH MY VEHICLE FOOT ON THE BRAKE UNTIL SOM…
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MY TRUCK WILL NOT GO INTO PARK ALL OTHER GEAR SELECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE BUT NO PARK. ADDITIONALLY I'M ABLE TO TURN THE KEY BACK TO THE OFF POSITION & TAKE THE KEY OUT. I PULLED INTO WORK & WAS UNABLE ONCE I PULLED INTO A PARKING PLACE TO PUT MY TRUCK INTO PARK. I ENDED UP HAVING TO STAY WITH MY VEHICLE FOOT ON THE BRAKE UNTIL SOMEONE BLOCKED MY WHEELS WITH A PIECE OF FIREWOOD BECAUSE THE PARKING BRAKE HAS ALSO FAILED. CHRYSLER HAS A RECALL FOR 2001 & 2002 MODELS FOR THIS VERY ISSUE. AFTER CALLING THE DEALER & CHRYSLER MY TRUCK IS *BIG SURPRISE* NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL G28. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE AS THIS TRUCK IS MY ONLY METHOD OF TRANSPORTATION. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO HONOR THEIR RECALLS! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DISENGAGE FROM THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT, WHEN PLACED IN PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN). THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DISENGAGE FROM THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT, WHEN PLACED IN PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,999.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE SHIFTER JAMMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2008 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN), BUT THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE MANU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2008 UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V555000 (POWER TRAIN), BUT THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
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.