NHTSA CAMPAIGN #: 04V596000
MAKE: DODGE
MODEL: DAKOTA
YEAR: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
MFR CAMPAIGN #: D47
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
MANUFACTURER: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
BEGIN DATE OF MANUFACTURING: 19990107
END DATE OF MANUFACTURING: 20021231
POTENTIAL # OF UNITS AFFECTED: 592707
DATE OWNER NOTIFIED BY MFR: 20041221
MANUFACTURERS OF RECALLED VEHICLES/PRODUCTS: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
REPORT RECEIVED DATE: 20041221
RECORD CREATION DATE: 20041221
REGULATION PART #:
FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD #:
DEFECT SUMMARY:
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 SUMMARY:
EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
CORRECTIVE SUMMARY:
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.
RECALL NOTES:
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT.