Five problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 2002 Chrysler Sebring. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ball joints broke right and left front.
The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Sebring. The contact stated that while driving, the rear driver side wheel slightly separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent where it was diagnosed the all four ball joints and struts needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was also diagnosed that there was a water pump malfunction and the fuel tank filler neck had corroded with the vehicle. The vehicles driver side rear ball joint and the filler neck were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 09e056000 (suspension) however the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
I purchased this vehicle last Dec,2014. . It is a used vehicle though, its in very good condition. I was backing out of my drive way approx. 2 weeks after I bought it & the right side passenger side the suspension, arm & ball joint just fell out. . The day prior to this I heard a definite knock from that wheel base. In fact when I was backing out of the drive, I was on my way to the mechanic. Well, being stranded, I had to call a tow service to haul it in for repair. . They said they could replace it,& the charge for the assembly would cost $112. 00 plus. . Having it replaced & repaired. It is now 10 months later & the knocking is back & my concern is that it will fall out when I'm driving causing an awful accident. This is wear I stand now w/ this issue that is recorded under your recall descriptions. Thank you. .
My wife was pulling out of parking lot of store, right front ball joint socket disconnected causing damage to front end of car. Though this seems to be an issue for this make/model of car, my VIN was never recalled.
On the way home from work the left front ball joint socket separated. I was going 50 mph. On a straight road, no pot holes or bumps. There was a loud bang, front end dropped down, left front tire flipped sideways and there I was stuck on the side of the road. I have 35 years in the collision industry and do not understand how this happens, other than a poor part from the start. These parts should never separate. I checked for recalls and there are none on my car. But I would think there should be. I have insurance that will pay for repairs other than the ball joint. Going to have the other side replaced also. This happened at 5pm on a busy road, there was lots of traffic. I was pleased that nobody creamed me while I tried to gain control of car and man handle it off the road. I see many of the same complaints on here. This could have been a lot worse.