Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 1999 Chrysler Sebring

The contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. While driving approximately 15 mph, the front end of the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front driver's side lower ball joint and axle fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign number: 09e056000 (suspension) however, the recall expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring. She received NHTSA campaign id number 00v421002 recall notice, suspension front control arm, lower ball joint which stated "dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture. " upon arrival to the dealer, they stated that her ball joints were not affected and within the established tolerance they would apply the proper sealant to the vehicle. The sealant needed was on back order. The vehicle was taken to two separate dealers for a second opinion and she was advised not to drive the vehicle since there was too much movement in the left ball joint and the right ball joint was frozen. Chevrolet did not agree with the dealer. No repairs were made to the vehicle and to date, the contact was awaiting the arrival of the sealant needed to perform the recall repair. The failure and current mileages were 91, 695.

The contact owns a 1999 Chrysler Sebring convertible. The contact stated that the passenger side lower ball joint snapped. While driving 20 mph, the front passenger side wheel almost separated from the vehicle. The front end collapsed and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. The vehicle skidded 60 feet. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

Loud click sound from the front wheels when shifting front park to drive, was diagnosed by a Chrysler mechanic as lower ball joint wear on both sides. Right and left lower ball joint grease boots were deflated and grease was absent causing pre-mature (38,000) mile failure of the ball joint. Symtoms first began at 24,000 miles. Safety requires that the right and left joint and entire control arm be replaced to avoid a failure. Symptoms and diagnosis are identical to the NHTSA recall of other Chrysler Sebring years.

Excessive rattling coming from front shock that can be felt all the way across the front interior dashboard. Had dealership check for source of noise and told that nothing was found to be wrong. Took car to be inspected months following first report of problem to dealer and was told that left front lateral ball joint is bad and will result in unsafe driving conditions (tire can come off at any time. ) manufacturer recalled this item in 2001 and car was taken to dealership but nothing was done to repair the faulty ball joints at that time. Now they are citing that the recall was completed and that they will not replace the failing mechanism.

While moving from a parking space consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front. At the same time driver's side snapped off. Independent mechanic determined lower ball joints wore out prematurely. Consumer filed a complaint on September 23, 2003, odi#10040201 with the same type of problem. Dealer had been notified.

Nhtsarecall 00-v-421-002: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode. Consumer has the same problem while driving vehicle at 40 mph lower lateral arm ball joint separated.

After recall 00v421002 repairs had been performed front lower control arm ball joints were causing excessive wear in front tires. Excessive wear in tires was causing vibration and steering control problems. Consumer is upset that the tires are not being replaced as part as the recall.

Consumer received recall notice for the front suspension ball joints, vehicle was taken to dealer who informed consumer that nothing was wrong with their car, consumer feels the work should have been done as said in the recall notice.