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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 →
678Owner complaints

Model-year median: 166

5Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
641
1999806
2000678
2001678
2002296
2003206
2004470
2005
Compare all Dakota years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Suspension
226Service Brakes, Hydraulic
177Power Train
89Electrical System
52Steering
44
All reported categories
Engine And Engine Cooling
34Air Bags
28Service Brakes
26Exterior Lighting
21Visibility
19Structure
18Tires
14Fuel System, Gasoline
13Unknown Or Other
12Equipment
11Vehicle Speed Control
8Wheels
7Service Brakes, Air
6Engine
4Fuel System, Other
4Latches/locks/linkages
3Parking Brake
3Seat Belts
3Seats
3Interior Lighting
2Electronic Stability Control (esc)
1Equipment Adaptive/mobility
1Service Brakes, Electric
1Visibility/wiper
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Suspension complaints

226 reports
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33,000 miles · Aug 8, 2004
Suspension

AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AND ABOUT 15,000 MILES I TOOK MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SLT QUAD CAB 4.7L V8 4X2 IN TO THE DEALER FOR A "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND REPLACED THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. ON 4 JULY 2004, AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND 32,000 MILES, W…

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AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AND ABOUT 15,000 MILES I TOOK MY 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SLT QUAD CAB 4.7L V8 4X2 IN TO THE DEALER FOR A "CLUNKING" NOISE IN THE STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE WORN AND REPLACED THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY. ON 4 JULY 2004, AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS AND 32,000 MILES, WHILE GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR, A LOUND CRASH WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY A GRIDING NOISE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE JUST SNAPPED AND THE STEERING ARM SLAMMED IN TO THE RIM OF THE WHEEL SCRAPING THE EDGE OF IT BARELY MISSING THE TIRE BY 1-1.5 INCHES. THE VEHICLE IS NOW HAVING THAT SAME "CLUNKING" NOISE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND IT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10086388

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2004
Suspension

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10083698

25,680 miles · Jul 27, 2004
SteeringSuspensionCrash

I HAD LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE THIS MORNING WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF MY STEERING/BALL JOINT / RACK AND PINION FAILURE. IT'S AT THE DEALER NOW BEING LOOKED OVER THOROUGHLY. THE DEALER JUST REPLACED THE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT LAST WEEK.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082738

34,000 miles · Jul 16, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHEN BRAKE WERE DEPRESSED PEDAL PULSATED. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, AND TECHNICIAN TURNED THE ROTORS AT 34, 000 MILES. *AK VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT IN THE PAST, WHICH CONCERNED THE CONSUMER. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10079665

60,325 miles · Jul 8, 2004
Power TrainSuspension

BALL JOINTS AND U-JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AFTER ONLY 26 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND 60,000 MILES PUT ON THE TRUCK. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10080624

46,000 miles · Jul 6, 2004
Suspension

UPPER BALL JOINTS ARE FAILING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10080402

43,000 miles · Jul 6, 2004
SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING/TURNING OR BRAKING FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS MADE A POPPING NOISE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP, THEY NOTICED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED.*AK ADDITIONALLY THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND AUGUST 2003, THE DEALER…

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WHILE DRIVING/TURNING OR BRAKING FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS MADE A POPPING NOISE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP, THEY NOTICED THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED.*AK ADDITIONALLY THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND AUGUST 2003, THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR BOX. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10075743

15,000 miles · Jul 6, 2004
SuspensionCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AND ROTOR SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER FOUR TIMES. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS. *AK SC

NHTSA ODI #10074139

50,500 miles · Jun 29, 2004
Suspension

DODGE DAKOTA 02 WITH JUST 50000 MILES HAS NOISE IN FRONT END, THUD IN FRONT END ON BUMPS AND TURNS, CAMBER SEEMS TO CHANGE AT TIMES WHEN VEIWED WHILE PARKED, CALLED DODGE AT 1-800-992-1997, GOT A RUNAROUND FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE, IF I TAKE TRUCK TO DODGE AND PAY FOR A DIOGNOSTIC ON BALL JOINTS THEY MAY HELP WITH REPAIRS. THIS HAS…

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DODGE DAKOTA 02 WITH JUST 50000 MILES HAS NOISE IN FRONT END, THUD IN FRONT END ON BUMPS AND TURNS, CAMBER SEEMS TO CHANGE AT TIMES WHEN VEIWED WHILE PARKED, CALLED DODGE AT 1-800-992-1997, GOT A RUNAROUND FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE, IF I TAKE TRUCK TO DODGE AND PAY FOR A DIOGNOSTIC ON BALL JOINTS THEY MAY HELP WITH REPAIRS. THIS HAS TO BE EXTREMLY POOR QUALITY PARTS FOR THIS MANY VEHILCLES TO HAVE PROPLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10079016

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION AND BRAKES ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THE FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAKED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE BRAKES WERE NOISY UPON APPLICATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, NOISE WOULD COME FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHEN STOPPING AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRON…

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PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION AND BRAKES ON 2002 DODGE DAKOTA. *MR THE FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAKED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE BRAKES WERE NOISY UPON APPLICATION AND WAS ALSO UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, NOISE WOULD COME FROM THE SHOCK ABSORBER WHEN STOPPING AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ON LEFT TURNS AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE LEFT CALIPER MADE A STICKING SOUND AND THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED, THE DRIVE BELT MADE SOUNDS, AND THE BRAKES PULSATED. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10079845

Official recalls

5

07V555000 · 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

1

EA03023 · 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.