BC-Dodge-Investigation 12-10 0277
BC-Dodge-Investigation,270
Federal safety agency asks for recall of Durango, Dakota
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal safety regulators want 600,000 Dodge
Durangos and Dakota trucks recalled because their wheels could fall
off, but the auto maker doesn't believe the defect is dangerous, a
company spokesman said.
Federal safety regulators have asked DaimlerChrysler AG to
recall Durango sport utility vehicles and Dakota pickups from the
2000 to 2003 model years, Chrysler spokesman Max Gates confirmed.
He stressed the models haven't been recalled.
The company is planning to respond to the government's request
early next week, he said Thursday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the
recommendation, first reported by CBS News, after investigating
reports of upper ball joint separation on dozens of vehicles. When
the upper ball joint separates, the suspension can collapse and the
wheel can fall off.
There are reports of several crashes but no injuries due to the
issue in NHTSA's investigation file.
Gates said Chrysler recognizes there is a problem with the upper
ball joints, but "we do not think it rises to the level of a
safety defect."
Gates said a vehicle owner would hear noise coming from the
vehicle well before the upper ball joint failed. Mechanics also
will find out if an upper ball joint needs to be repaired during
routine maintenance, Gates said.
Gates said if the upper ball joint fails, it is most likely to
happen at low speeds and during turns.
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On the Net:
Dodge, http://www.dodge.com
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APTV-12-10-04 0827EST
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