The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Dodge Ram, Caravan, Dakota and Durango On December 2003 NHTSA Recall List

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:   Dodge Ram 1500 Year:     2004
  Dodge Ram 2500 Year:     2004
Number Potentially Involved:  514
Dates of Manufacture:   November 2003
Defect:  On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid. Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V503/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C39]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:   Dodge Caravan Year:     2000
  Dodge Grand Caravan Year:     2000
  Dodge Dakota Years:     2001-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  35,692
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 – July 2002
Noncompliance:  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."
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle GAWR and tire size. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin on March 1, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V505/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C41]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Dodge Durango                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  27,586
Dates of Manufacture:  April - December 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat, potentially resulting in an instrument panel fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will remove the capacitor from the circuit board. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 17, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V528/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C43]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:   Dodge Ram 1500 Year:     2004
  Dodge Ram 2500 Year:     2004
Number Potentially Involved:  514
Dates of Manufacture:   November 2003
Defect:  On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid. Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V503/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C39]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:   Dodge Caravan Year:     2000
  Dodge Grand Caravan Year:     2000
  Dodge Dakota Years:     2001-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  35,692
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 – July 2002
Noncompliance:  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."
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle GAWR and tire size. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin on March 1, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V505/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C41]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Dodge Durango                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  27,586
Dates of Manufacture:  April - December 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat, potentially resulting in an instrument panel fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will remove the capacitor from the circuit board. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 17, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V528/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C43]