Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2002 Jeep Liberty - part 1

At approximately 6:30 am 9/25/2024, I was transporting a friend to her home in a neighboring city. After ten minutes of travel, I exited a four lane bridge. As I slowed and set up for traffic negotiations, we heard a bang, like maybe tire blowout, I initiated a full stop to safety, disembarked vehicle to find that; the right front ball joint had experienced a catastrophic failure! thus, the tire was sliced the tire mount rim was deeply grooved. Had vehicle towed to my home. It is in the condition left by the towing company. So, I called my neighborhood Dodge boys and wàs assured that "they were not obligated not interested in repairing this near calamity, for the "recalled lower ball joint components were dealt with in 2006. . Too many years have passed for this event to be repaired by recall or warranty". Ok then, how about the airbag open recall at the steering wheel. . Reply, no. Nothing missed or eligible. Well, that's it. . Thanks for the venting space. And seriously, thank you for what you do.

Recall # 09v119000 recall date 04/09/2009 suspension: front: control arm and recall # 06v288000 recall date 08/03/06 suspension lower ball joint. Vehicle has had problems driving with speeds over 15mph. Heavy vibration and uneasy driving. Dealer made a repair on one lower ball joint to satisfy recall but the problem is returning. I was informed that the recalls do not include my VIN. The recalls are year and model specific. If the vehicle recall affected one control arm lower ball joint it should also apply to the other side. Ball joints should be replaced in sets. Both upper and lower control arm ball joints are part of these recalls. This can be a very dangerous situation for any driver if dealers can use VIN number to disclaim necessary recalls on vehicles.

Upper and lower ball joints failed at 140,100 miles all power windows failed over last 5 years hood lid hydraulics failed @99,000miles tailgating window hydraulics failed@ 105,000miles air cond. Fan failed @ 141,000 miles tailgate window rubber gasket failed @125,000miles.

The lower ball joint sheared off causing the wheel to fall causing the bottom of the ball joint to land on the rim. Thus cutting the rim all the way around it off and puncturing the tire. Thus causing the vehicle to slide to a stop at 50 miles an hour with a skid mark. Thus having to call for a tow truck to pick it up. Luckily no one was hurt. The vehicle was on a off ramp of a freeway to a on ramp over pass of another freeway.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While making a right turn at 5 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise. It was discovered that the lower ball joint fractured and the wheel was bent at a 45 degree angle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. When the vehicle was taken to have the lower ball joints replaced, the technician stated that the upper control arm needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09v119000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the front driver side tire detached from the vehicle causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joint failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000.

These Jeep Liberty's are known for there poor suspensions. The one on this vehicle is no different. The lower ball joints were recalled in 2006. 25000 miles later they are no good again. Even though it has been eight years, this should not happen. I did find the problem before there was a serious incident. The upper and lower ball joints are both in need of repair. A lot of these Jeep Liberty's were recalled for there ball joints but they all should be recalled and repaired with something better.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while making a left turn at 2 mph, the vehicle failed to turn properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the upper and lower ball joints need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the lower ball joints fractured and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where the lower ball joints were replaced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the steering knockers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

While attempting to park to get gas, turned the steering wheel and heard a strange noise. My husband was outside of the Jeep and noticed that something was hanging fromthe right front tire. Had it towed to nearest auto shop and was told that the upper control arm and lower ball joints had broken. Had it repaired. Called the chryler recall center and was told that there was a recall on the lower ball joints. We were then instructed to get the original invoice and receipt to prove that the repairs were done. We were told to call back to receive instructions on where to fax the papers. Called back later that day to get a fax number and was told that we could not be reimbursed because we didn't take it to a Jeep dealership. We were told that we had not called and talked to anyone earlier and that we could not be reimbursed. After staying on phone and on hold for about 30 minutes, the representative gave more instruction on information to send to the Chrysler recall assistance center. I have gather my information and voiced my concerns. I was told to mail my information and that it would take up to 60 days for a decision to be made. We are not trying to get over on anyone. Just imagine if I was on the interstate going 70 mph with my kids and husband in the car and the joints broke. The chryler corporation will be dealing with a lot more then a $1000 repair bill. I feel that if there are recalls on these vehicle, everyone should be notified and it be corrected before some one gets hurt or loose a life.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the passenger side wheel detached from the axle. The contact did not crash or loose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic for a diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the lower ball joint was defective and caused the front passenger side tire to disconnect from the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign I. D. 09v119000 (suspension:front:control arm) and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was included in the recall and replaced the lower ball joints of the front suspension. The contact stated that he never received notification of the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000. Kmj.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 06v288000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle started to make a popping sound and the steering wheel began to swerve to the left. In addition, the vehicle dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the lower ball joint fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving approximately 30 mph on an exit ramp, the front passenger's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The engine was turned off and the vehicle was towed to an independent auto shop where the front passenger's side lower ball joint was replaced. Two months later, the front driver's side lower ball joint fractured which caused the wheel to detach which was repaired by the contact. The vehicle was also previously repaired in 2007 under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 06v288000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The failure mileage was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA campaign I. D. 03v460000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) the contact called a local dealer to have the vehicle serviced. The dealer advised the contact that he parts needed for the recall were not available and could not advise the contact of when the part would become available. The contact called the manufacturer regarding parts for the recall and the manufacturer advised that the parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while having a routine wheel alignment, the mechanic advised him the front driver and passenger side lower control arms were worn. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 06v288000 ( suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 106,000.

I stopped to pick up my daughter's snow pants on the way from school. Backing out of the driveway I heard and felt my tire do something. I didn't know what it was, but the car was obviously unable to be driven. When I got out, my passenger side front tire was at angles to the car. The upper and lower ball joints gave out and according to the mechanic, the brake line was basically the only thing holding the tire on. I didn't know there was anything unusual going on up to this point, as any small steering issues I had were mostly when the car had just been started, so were attributed to cold and ice. The car is currently at the dealer waiting to be fixed, so the old parts should be available.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty limited. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the passengers side lower control arm fractured and caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact was unable to maneuver the vehicle as it crashed into a guardrail. The contact sustained moderate injuries. A police report was available. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. Although the contact was able to locate two recalls pertaining to the failure (NHTSA campaign id numbers: 06v288000 & 03v460000: suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint), the contacts VIN was not included in either recall. The current and failure mileage was approximately 140,000. Updated 11/11/10 the consumer stated all of the complaint information was accurate. Updated 11/17/10 updated 11/19/10. Updated 12/02/jb.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 06v288000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint) in April 2010. The contact secured an appointment with the dealer for April 20, 2010. The vehicle was taken to the dealer early the morning of April 20th and when he returned to take possession of the vehicle, the dealer informed him that the parts needed for the recall repair were not available. The manufacturer confirmed this information and advised the contact that he would be notified when the parts became available. Most recently, the contact still was not notified and when contacting the manufacturer a second time, they would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileage were approximately 43,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 03v460000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) and took the vehicle to the dealer where the lower ball joint was replaced. The contact stated that the lower ball joint fractured and had to be replaced two times after the initial recall repair was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was provided because the recall repair had already been performed. The current mileage was 131,000. The failure mileage was 106,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving 25 mph the vehicle began to shimmy. After driving the vehicle to the side of the road the front passenger side ball joint had fractured, and then the tire separated from the vehicle. Two years prior an identical failure occurred on the driver-side. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership. The current and failure mileages were 106000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While the contact was making a left hand turn at a low speed she noticed that the front driver side tire suddenly broke away from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the control arm ball joint needed to be replaced. Prior to the failure, the contact heard a knocking noise in the front end of the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 100324.

Recall #009v119000 dated Apr 09, 2009 expected to begin October 2009 covering 2002 Jeep liberties excludes the state of louisiana - condition described in the recall exactly describes the problem with my vehicle. Since Chrysler is aware that this condition does exist, why does it exclude the state of louisiana. "the front suspension upper control arm ball joint may experience a loss of lubrication which could lead to corrosion, accelerated wear & possible separation while driving. Consequence: failure of the ball joint could result in a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash. " previous recall on lower ball joint has been taken care of.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact's vehicle was repaired in 2007 according to NHTSA campaign id number 06v288000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). One year later, while attempting to make left turns, he heard a loud popping noise coming from the rear driver's side tire. He has not had the vehicle inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The upper part of the radiator also produced a hairline crack, causing radiator fluid to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who found the source of the leak at the radiator tube. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 81,000. Updated 10/14/08. The lower ball joint failed. Updated 10/15/08.

Lost control and rolled over. . . . Recall #f23 by daimler Chrysler lower ball joints Jeep Liberty.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The vehicle exhibits poor steering and the steering wheel will not return to its normal position. The driver struck a parked vehicle because the wheel would not turn in order for her to pull into a parking space properly. The vehicle was serviced for two NHTSA campaign id numbers (03v460000, 06v288000) regarding both front lower ball joints. The vehicle was diagnosed with front lower ball joint failure again at 18,000 miles. A police report was filed. The current mileage was 107,000 and failure mileage was 105,000. The consumer stated that Chrysler would repair the vehicle at no cost to the owner due to the fact that 2 recalls were already performed. The consumer further stated had to pay out of pocked for the repairs. Updated 06/02/08.

I received a recall notice on the lower ball joints of my 2002 Jeep Liberty on 9/26/06. When I went to north point Jeep in winston-salem to ask to have the repairs done, they told me that the supply of the necessary parts was limited and that they would put me on a list and would call when they had a part for me. A year and a half later, no call! I have asked repeatedly to confirm that my name is on the list and they have repeatedly told me that it is. This is the only convenient dealership for me to go to for repairs or else I would take my vehicle elsewhere!.

I purchased my 2002 Jeep Liberty, in July of 2007. It had been running wonderfully. Two and a half weeks ago (03/07/08)while driving on the expressway, my drivers side wheel came completely off of my car. I had my Jeep towed to kwik kar auto repair. Kwik kar informed me that my ball joint had come loose. I had them to repair it and paid out of pocket for both the repair and the tow. On Wednesday, March 26, 2008, while driving, again the wheel on my Jeep came off, this time on the passenger side. Once again, I had my Jeep towed to kwik kar. This time the ball joint on the front passenger side had come loose and caused significant damage to the wheel, abs system, etc. The bill for the repair this time was way more than I could afford, so my mechanic checked with Chrysler to see if any of the parts were covered. He found that the Jeep Liberty was under recall notice for this exact same defect. I contacted Chrysler and was told that since I did not take my Jeep to a Chrysler dealership that I would have to pay for the repairs. I was also informed that the nearest Chrysler dealer that would honor this recall and fix my car was in arlington, TX which is nearly 20 miles from my home. I was told by the Chrysler representative that recall notices were sent out in September of 2006. Since I bought my Jeep Liberty 10 months after the recall notices were sent out, from drivetime auto sales, I never received a notice of recall. I was told to contact the previous owner of my car to get the recall information. So I contacted drivetime auto sales. I was told by drivetime that they are not responsible for checking recall notices on the cars that they sell and that it is Chrysler's responsibility to fix my Jeep. I again called Chrysler customer service and spoke to a supervisor. I was informed that Chrysler would not pay for the repairs and if I pay for the repairs, there is no guarantee that I would be reimbursed. Lower ball joints*smch.

This complaint regards safety recall f23 for our 2002 Jeep Liberty. When we received notification of the recall, we contacted our local Jeep dealership in houston, TX. They informed us that the part was on back-order and would contact us when it arrived. That was over a year ago and our car has never been fixed, nor has anyone contacted us about the part. We followed up with the dealership several times; each time we were informed the part was not available. We have not yet had an incident or crash, but consider this unacceptable.

Vehicle has always pulled to the right regardless of new tires, front end alignment, etc. About one year ago started to hear screeching and clunking noises from front end. Particularly on cold days and even over small bumps. Service shop couldn't diagnose a problem. Recent trip to shop revealed a split boot on the right upper control arm and losing grease. If not replaced, it will fail. Vehicle has been serviced for previous two recalls on the lower control arm ball joints. Dealer will not cover the replacement cost of ball joint and/or upper control arm assembly.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. While driving between 5-10 mph, the front passenger side of the vehicle dropped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The fender well was damaged. The vehicle was previously repaired for NHTSA campaign id number 06v288000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) at approximately 20,000 miles. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The lower ball joints were replaced due to NHTSA campaign number 06v288000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). While performing the replacement, the dealer noticed that the upper ball joints also needed to be replaced, however, they were not under a recall. The dealer repaired the upper ball joints. The current and failure mileages were 39,300.

Saturday August 18th 2007 I received a recall notice from daimler Chrysler regarding the lower ball joints on 2002-2006 Jeep liberties. The recall said water could get into the front suspention causing the ball joint to corrode and separate which could lead to loss of steering and a possible accident. While driving home from work on Monday the 20th (2 days later) my front left wheel fell off without warning, causing loss of control and nearly causing an accident (coincidence?). The dealer said that my upper ball joint had corroded and separated and the recent recall would not cover my repair. Daimler Chrysler said there's nothing they can do and I would be responsible for repairs. I went online and was shocked to find (in only about 20 minutes- so there must be many more) that hundreds of people has the exact same failure with their 02' -06' Liberty. Although I would like daimler Chrysler to take responsibility for the repair, the more important issue is that there seems to be a serious problem with these cars (specifically the ball joints). The recall should definitely include upper ball joints as well. Luckily I was only going about 15-20mph (my car was still completely fish-tailed) if I had been doing anything over 40mph I'm certain I would have rolled it. I'm sure there has to be people out there who had family or friends killed in accidents caused by this exact issue. . . They probably don't even know how widespread the problem is.

The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Liberty. The contact received a recall notice for the lower ball joints. He called the dealer and was informed that they could not service his vehicle for another six months. The recall number was unknown. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 61,000.

2002 Jeep Liberty that was totaled when the power steering went out customer states that she is now without transportation due to faulty parts and wants some kind of solution* the consumer received 2 recall letters in the mail after her accident. Both notices stated that the vehicle needed to have the ball joints repaired. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and informed them of the accident Chrysler stated they were sending a representative out to investigate the vehicle. The consumer stated the representative assessed there was nothing wrong with the lower ball joint, airbags, or steering to cause the accident. The consumer further stated she spoke with the garage where the vehicle was located and stated no one ever came to check the vehicle over.