Chrysler Group has apparently bowed to pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and negative CBS News reports and ordered a recall of approximately 600,000 model year 2000-2003.5 Dodge Durango 4x4 SUVs and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks to replace front suspension upper ball joints that may be subject to progressive wear.

The company is also extending warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on the suspension upper ball joints on an additional 400,000 Durango and Dakota 4x2 vehicles.

Repairs will be made at no cost to owners and owners of vehicles covered by this action who have previously paid for the repair will be reimbursed.

“Chrysler Group's internal investigation has shown that the front suspension upper ball joints on some vehicles may be subject to corrosion and progressive wear,” the company said in a statement. “If this condition is ignored for an extended period of time, it could lead to front end noise, tyre wear, and in extreme cases separation of the front suspension. There have been no substantiated reports of injuries associated with this condition on these vehicles.”

Owners will be notified of the recall by letter beginning later this month.