Model year record

2002 Dodge Dakota recalls & problems

The 2002 Dodge Dakota has 12 safety recalls and 678 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (300 complaints).

Recalls12safety recalls

Complaints678filed by owners

Crashes · fires55 · 18reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths32 · 2reported in complaints

2002 Dodge Dakota in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

SuspensionOct 20, 2008

Front › Hub

Recall 08E0640002,805 vehicles

Problem: SKF IS RECALLING 2,805 HUB UNITS, PART NO. BR930361, SOLD AS A SERVICE PART FOR 1997-2004 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES AND 1999-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2-WHEEL DRIVE & REAR AXLE ABS. DUE TO A SPECIFICATION ERROR, THE ROTOR PILOT FOR THE HUB UNIT MAY BE TOO LONG. THIS RESULTS IN THE WHEEL TO NOT BE SEATED FULLY AGAINST THE HUB FLANGE FACE DURING MOUNTING.
Risk: IMPROPER SEATING OF THE WHEEL CAN RESULT IN EXCESSIVE VIBRATION, BRAKE ROTOR NOISE, DIFFICULTY REMOVING THE WHEEL AFTER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND POSSIBLY WHEEL-END SEPARATION DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. SHOULD WHEEL-END SEPARATION OCCUR, THE DRIVER COULD LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: SKF WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE HUB UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SKF VSM NORTH AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-644-8999.

Power trainDec 4, 2007

Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift

Recall 07V555000576,418 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0650003,593 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Engine and engine coolingMar 15, 2006

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 06E02400044,386 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT K&N FUEL PERFORMANCE KITS, P/NOS. 57-1509, 57-1511, 57-1511-1, 57-1517, 57-1517-1, 57-1527, AND 57-1530. ALSO, A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THESE KITS WERE SOLD UNDER THE MOPAR PERFORMANCE PARTS BRAND NAME (P/NOS. P5007069 AND P5007070). ALL KITS WERE MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 20, 1999, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 23, 2004. THESE ASSEMBLIES WERE MANUFACTURED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN DODGE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUVS. A SMALL PIECE OF MATERIAL FROM THE TUBE WALL COULD BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE THROTTLE BODY, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Risk: A JAMMED OPEN THROTTLE COULD CAUSE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH OR INCREASED STOPING DISTANCES WHEN BRAKING.
Fix: K&N WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A FREE REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2006.

Fuel system, gasolineFeb 1, 2006

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 06E0110007,291 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUELS AND MAY DEGRADE CAUSING A POTENTIAL LEAK PATH FOR FUEL.
Risk: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-800-880-3056.

SuspensionDec 21, 2004

Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint

Recall 04V596000592,707 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Fix: 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.

VisibilityMay 5, 2004

Windshield wiper/washer

Recall 04V216000320,188 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EquipmentDec 10, 2003

Other › Labels

Recall 03V50500035,692 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: IMPROPERLY LOADING YOUR VEHICLE CAN CAUSE TIRE FAILURE AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemOct 10, 2003

Wiring

Recall 03V38900050,082 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2002 Dodge Dakota 4-DR. Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

2002 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★

2002 Dodge Dakota NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2002 Dodge Dakota NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Dakota Pickup 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 2WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Dakota Pickup 4WD

12mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.9 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Upper ball joint; Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint	300	7	3	2	35,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	203	13	11	0	28,600 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift	93	11	1	6	49,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Wiring	54	0	4	0	51,000 mi
SteeringRack and pinion; Linkages › Tie rod assembly	48	4	0	1	36,200 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	34	1	2	0	40,684 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	28	23	0	18	58,780 mi
Service brakes	26	1	2	1	100,000 mi
Exterior lightingTail lights; Headlights	23	0	0	0	81,500 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Defroster/defogger/hvac system	20	0	0	0	44,770 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members	18	3	0	3	70,000 mi
TiresBead; Tread/belt	14	2	0	2	24,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
WHY are brake lines on vehicles not required to be made so as not to rust? Brake lines failed on my vehicle, and need to be replaced. How many accidents are caused by brake line failures?
Jul 21, 2025
Unknown or otherCrash
My 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.
Jun 10, 2022
Service brakes
II HAVE REPLACE FRONT ROTORS, FRONT CALIPERS, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS AND SHOES, THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN BLEED SEVERAL TIMES, AND BRAKE SYSTEM WAS LOOKED AT SEVERAL TIMES BY ASE MASTER MECHANIC. GOING DOWN THE ROAD ON THE INITIAL PUSH ON THE PEDDLE THE PEDDLE GOES MORE THAN HALF WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, YOU THEN RELEASE PEDAL AND RE APPLY AND IT STOPS AS IT SHOULD WITH THE CORRECT PEDDLE HEIGHT. ALL WORK WAS DONE WITHIN 10K MILES. THE TRUCK HAS 116K MILES.THIS STARTED ABOUT 5 MONTHS AGO.
Apr 20, 2021 · 116,000 miles
Electrical system
THIS 2001 DODGE DAKOTA COMES UP WITH CODE P0601 IT SAYS IT IS A MEMORY CHECK SUM ERROR. IT COMES ON INTERMITTENT IN COLD WEATHER. IF YOU CLEAR THE CODE IT MIGHT COME RIGHT BACK OR IT MIGHT STAY OFF IT IS ANNOYING SOMETIMES IT MESSES WITH THE ABS MAKING THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE HANG UP
Jan 2, 2020
Power train
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…
Apr 10, 2018 · 211,000 miles
Power train
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.
Jan 25, 2019 · 156,000 miles
Electrical system
CENTRAL TIME MODULE CAUSING MY LIGHTS TO CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT
Dec 5, 2018 · 153,054 miles
Suspension
FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND HUB ASSEMBLY COMPLETELY BROKE FREE FROM THE VEHICLE THIS IS A FOLLOW UP FROM MY FIRST INTIAL REPORT TO CHRYSLER AND ALSO NHTSA PHONE CONVERSATION IN WHICH I DID A REPORT TO BOTH AND PAID 2500.00 WHICH I STILL HAVE RECEIPT OF PAYING TO HAVE FIXED...FATHER HAD A 2000 DODGE DURANGO WHICH HAD THE SAME RECALL THAT MY DIDN'T HAVE AS CHRYSLER STATED...
Dec 1, 2015 · 150,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONClosedLed to recall 04V596000
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…
EA03023 · opened Nov 19, 2003 · closed Feb 11, 2005