Investigation EA03023: 1997–2003 Dodge Dakota

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Nov 19, 2003

Closed

Feb 11, 2005

Model years

1997–2003

Subject

Upper ball joint separation

Component: Suspension

Summary

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.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2003 Dodge Dakota296 complaints
• 2002 Dodge Dakota678 complaints
• 2001 Dodge Dakota678 complaints
• 2000 Dodge Dakota806 complaints
• 1999 Dodge Dakota641 complaints
• 1998 Dodge Dakota545 complaints
• 1997 Dodge Dakota446 complaints