Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2000 Dodge Stratus

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that there was a loud, abnormal noise from the front end of the vehicle when attempting a turn or when driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic. The vehicle was inspected and the failure was located at the front passenger's side lower ball joint. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000 and the current mileage was 132,100.

Lower ball joint/ control arm defective. No extenuating circumstances or unusual wear on the vehicle to precipitate this problem. The same defective part was seen on other 2000 Dodge Stratus vehicles with applicable recalls. My vehicle has the same problem but based on my VIN number the recall does not yet apply. The problem has been diagnosed at steve white Dodge dealership in newton, nc. The parts are still in place on my vehicle at this point.

Have had this 2000 Dodge Stratus which daughter has driven for 5 years now it is on it's fourth transmission since purchasing and numerous other repairs, all soft plugs replaced, originals were made from pot metal, replaced with brass. Numerous alignment problems. But just last month daughter was driving and noticed a severe scrapping noise all of a sudden, she thought it might be brakes wearing out. Upon inspection it was the lower control arm rubbing against the inside of the front passenger side wheel. Lower ball joint had given away and the entire control arm was now resting inside of the wheel. 2000 & 2001 Dodge Stratus unsafe at any speed.