IllustrationDT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE I NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 04V596000 CONCERNING THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE.*AK
2003 Dodge Dakota
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Dakota do not stand out strongly from 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
910–25K
4525–50K
3250–75K
1875–100K
24100–150K
12150K+
222 reports with mileage · 74 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 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports5 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
296 reportsDT: CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES MAKING NOISES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP SIX OR SEVEN TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THIS VEHICLE. NO PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FOUND WITH THE BRAKES. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THIS TIME. THE …
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DT: CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT THE BRAKES MAKING NOISES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP SIX OR SEVEN TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE MADE NOISES WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO INVESTIGATE THIS VEHICLE. NO PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN FOUND WITH THE BRAKES. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THIS TIME. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.*AK
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 2003 DODGE DAKOTA'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A CRASH. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SOME CUTS, BRUISES AND PULLED MUSCLES FROM THE SEAT BELT AND HITTING THE DASH. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 18, 2…
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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 2003 DODGE DAKOTA'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A CRASH. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SOME CUTS, BRUISES AND PULLED MUSCLES FROM THE SEAT BELT AND HITTING THE DASH. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 18, 2005. THE LOCATION THE CONSUMER SAYS, WAS ON THE FRONT RIGHT BUMPER. THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW IF ANY OF THE AIR BAG SENSORS WERE HIT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT HE AIR BAG SENSORS WERE HIT. *NM
MY 18 MONTH OLD SON AND I WERE IN A SINGLE CAR ROLLOVER, ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2005. I WAS DRIVING A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA WHEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO MAKE A NOISE, THEN WE WERE SENT INTO A ROLLOVER. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS GONE WHEN WE STOPPED. I WAS SENT INFORMATION FROM MY UNCLE AFTER I SENT HIM PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AND HE SENT ME I…
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MY 18 MONTH OLD SON AND I WERE IN A SINGLE CAR ROLLOVER, ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2005. I WAS DRIVING A 2003 DODGE DAKOTA WHEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO MAKE A NOISE, THEN WE WERE SENT INTO A ROLLOVER. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS GONE WHEN WE STOPPED. I WAS SENT INFORMATION FROM MY UNCLE AFTER I SENT HIM PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT AND HE SENT ME INFORMATION ON THE POSSIBLE RECALL. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE AND WHAT DO I DO NOW. *NM
MY HUSBAND TOOK HIS 2003 DODGE DAKOTA TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL WORK TO BE DONE. A FRONT BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED (TO KEEP THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK FROM FALLING APART WHILE DRIVING AND KILLING EVERYONE.) WHEN HE TOOK IT IN IT DROVE FINE. AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I CALLED ANOTHER DODGE SERVIC…
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MY HUSBAND TOOK HIS 2003 DODGE DAKOTA TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL WORK TO BE DONE. A FRONT BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED (TO KEEP THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK FROM FALLING APART WHILE DRIVING AND KILLING EVERYONE.) WHEN HE TOOK IT IN IT DROVE FINE. AFTER THE WORK WAS DONE, IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I CALLED ANOTHER DODGE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO ASK THEM ABOUT PROCEDURE, THEY SAID THAT AN ALIGNMENT IS STANDARD PROCEDURE WHEN COMPLETING THAT TYPE OF WORK, BUT THAT THE CAR OWNER IS SCREWED WHEN IT COMES TO RECALL WORK. I THEN CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO TOLD ME BASICALLY THE SAME THING. THAT'S NOT RIGHT!! I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FORK OVER MONEY TO HAVE FIXED WHAT THEY SCREWED UP! PLEASE FIX THIS. *JB
WATER SATURATING FLOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE. CARPET SMELLS MOLDY DUE TO RECURRING PROBLEM. TAKEN TO DEALER 2 TIMES PREVIOUS AND TRUCK AT DEALER NOW FOR THE 3RD TIME TO ATTEMPT A POSSIBLE REPAIR. SEALED DRAIN HOLE IN FIREWALL WHERE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN HOSE GOES THROUGH TO OUTSIDE OF BODY AND CHECKED A/C LINES FOR LEAKS. TRUC…
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WATER SATURATING FLOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE. CARPET SMELLS MOLDY DUE TO RECURRING PROBLEM. TAKEN TO DEALER 2 TIMES PREVIOUS AND TRUCK AT DEALER NOW FOR THE 3RD TIME TO ATTEMPT A POSSIBLE REPAIR. SEALED DRAIN HOLE IN FIREWALL WHERE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN HOSE GOES THROUGH TO OUTSIDE OF BODY AND CHECKED A/C LINES FOR LEAKS. TRUCK LEAKS FROM INSIDE THE FIREWALL, DEALER IS NOT SURE WHERE. *NM
DT: 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S 35190558 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILURE. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER URGED THE CONSUMER TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID TO CALL THE DEALER BACK. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED, WAS GETTING THE RUN ARO…
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DT: 2003 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED MANUFACTURER'S 35190558 CONCERNING UPPER BALL JOINTS FAILURE. CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER, AND THE DEALER URGED THE CONSUMER TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID TO CALL THE DEALER BACK. THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED, WAS GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM BOTH PLACES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE MUST BE A CERTIFIED MECHANIC TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. THE ONLY CERTIFIED MECHANIC WAS IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA . THERE WERE NO ROADS TO THE VILLAGE WHERE CONSUMER LIVED, COULD ONLY GET THERE BY AIRPLANE. *AK
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A RECALL ON 2003 DODGE DAKOTA CONCERNING THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE CONTACT FEELS THE PROBLEM IS GOING TO CONTINUE BECAUSE WATER RUNS DOWN BETWEEN WHERE THE DOOR OPENS LEADING TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED TWO SERVICE DEALERS . THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTU…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A RECALL ON 2003 DODGE DAKOTA CONCERNING THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE CONTACT FEELS THE PROBLEM IS GOING TO CONTINUE BECAUSE WATER RUNS DOWN BETWEEN WHERE THE DOOR OPENS LEADING TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED TWO SERVICE DEALERS . THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
EMAIL FM MR. ROBIN SUGGS (NC) RE AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM WITH HER 2003 DODGE DAKOTA PICK UP TRUCK.*MR THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE CONSUMES ABOUT 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED IT WAS NORMAL. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS A CO…
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EMAIL FM MR. ROBIN SUGGS (NC) RE AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM WITH HER 2003 DODGE DAKOTA PICK UP TRUCK.*MR THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE CONSUMES ABOUT 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED IT WAS NORMAL. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS A COSMETIC DEFECT AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
2003 DODGE DAKOTA UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT HAD TO BE REPLACED.*MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER ALSO REPLACE THE UPPER RIGHT BALL JOINT BUT THEY REFUSED STATING THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULDN'T COVER THE REPLACEMENT UNTIL IT FAILED. *NM
Official recalls
404V596000 · 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.
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.
02V322000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
Dec 2, 2002
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (CTM) HAS AN IMPROPERLY SIZED CIRCUIT BOARD TRACE THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE RIGHT HEADLAMP LOW BEAM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE LIGHTS FAIL, A VISIBILITY PROBLEM COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CTM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. 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.
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.