DETROIT (Dec. 14)—DaimlerChrysler Corp. will replace the front suspension upper ball joints free of charge on 600,000 Dodge Durango 4x4 sport-utility vehicles and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks, model years 2000-2003.
Ball joint corrosion and wear on these vehicles can result in premature tire wear and even wheel and front suspension loss, according to a DaimlerChrysler statement. Another 400,000 Chrysler Group vehicles from the same model years will have their warranties extended to 7 years or 100,000 miles because of the ball joint problem, the company said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notified DaimlerChrysler last week, notifying the company of ball joint-related wheel loss and asking it to recall the vehicles.