Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint problems of the 2001 Dodge Stratus

Front lower right ball joint and control arm failure. This resulted in catastrophic damage to the brake lines, control arm, loss of control, steering, tie rods, upper ball joint, cv axle severed, and bent frame. Chrysler told me that because of my VIN number I wasn't eligible for the recall repair, yet the 2001 Dodge Stratus, 2. 4l sedan has been recalled by Chrysler for this same problem, with lower control arm and ball joint failure. Had I been notified of a recall, this could of been avoided. What if I was on the highway and this happened? and why wasn't my vehicle recalled????.

Lower ball joint, upper ball joint not made very well.

My car is a 2001 dogde Stratus 4 door ES. The car has 57,000 miles on it. At the time of purchase I also purchase an extended warrenty from the dealer. The was from first extended service corp. Ganley east inc. At 28840 euclid Ave. Wickliffe, ohio 44092. I was driving to work on Thursday 6-16-05, starting out on side roads to then the freeway and then to a main route to my work. After getting off the freeway I have about a 15 min ride. As I was pulling into my parking lot I heard a loud bang. The car at this point had a hard time moving. I called the dealer and then the extended warranty place to see if the broken (front, passenger side) control arm / ball joint was covered and they said yes. After having the vehicle towed to the dealer which costed me $100. 00. The dealer inspected the car and told the extended warranty that the reason the control arm snapped was because of rust or corrosion. Being a major part on the car and the seriousness of this if the part would of snap as I was doing 65 on the freeway, I might not of been here typing this complaint. The dealer said it was out of there hands upon payment and before this the extended warrenty company said it was out of their hands as well because the dealer said that it failed because of rust. At the dealer I was never asked if I wanted the bad parts back or to see them, they never washed my vehicle after the service and after leaving the dealer and driving 2 miles after the vehicle was serviced and supposedly inspected the hub cap flew off the car and almost caused me to have an accident on the way home. I was able to retrieve the hub cap and go back to the dealer, were they determined that it was broken up either putting in on or taking it off. They were soooo nice to order me another one at their cost. I was charged $680. 43 for the repairs plus another $100. 00 for the tow to another company. After researching your web site I have found at least 5 other similiar complaints with the same make, model, year and parts.

Consumer was driving 25 mph when the vehicle jerked as if it had struck a pot hole. Consumer got out to check the vehicle, and noticed the rear passenger tire was nearly off. The ball joints were defective and needed to be repaired. The manufacture offers no assistance. Rear upper ball joints replaced and 4 wheel alignment performed.