Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint problems of the 2003 Jeep Liberty - part 1

Tl the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the upper ball joint was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 09v119000 (suspension) however, the VIN was not included. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

I was backing out of a parking space in the quick chek parking lot after I came out of the store to go to work and I heard a big bang thump. I immediately put the vehicle in park and looked around thinking maybe someone was behind mebut there was not. I had a few guys push the vehicle slowly to another parking space about 200 ft away to stop the vehicle and put into park again. I immedialtely called roadside assistance to come to help me after I looked underneath the front right tire to see that the wheel was not attached to the front suspension under the vehicle. A flatbed came and told me that I needed a wrecker to lift and also dollies to get this vehicle to the closest automotive facility nearby. Once there the next day they inspected it and told that I needed a lower and upper ball joints and also control arm for this vehicle. I called fca Chrysler Jeep Dodge about this matter and was told that if I was to tow it to one of there facilities that if the recall on it that was done in 2007 was the same problem that they would address this matter and fix it free of charge and it would be covered for the recall for the most part.

Took my Liberty to my mechanic because it started making a horrible sound up front when ever I made a turn. Upon inspection my lower ball joints had disintegrated, crumbled into their hands. They could not believe how lucky I was that it did not break while driven. Nothing was holding it in or together. Come to find out there are recalls on both the upper and lower ball joints. I was never notified. I have had the lowers fixed and paid for with lifetime warranted parts. I need reimbursed for the lower $488. 27. The upper ball joints also must be fixed on a separate recall that I was never notified of. Do these people have any idea how bloody and devastated an accident would be when your wheel shears off and there is no steering? it's called flipping the fringing Jeep over!!! not only is it unacceptable that I wasn't notified but I could have killed my father and others in an accident. My mechanic told me straight up if I had gone over a bump or turned I would have wreaked! I can not believe that there are other people that have had accidents with more damage or a full total of theirs and others are not being reimbursed for the entire damages. Thi fixed wrong the first time by the dealer, before their wreak. How is that not their responsibility? there is no excuse for any of those Jeeps or mine not being fixed. These are straight up recalls something is wrong with this, really wrong.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that the upper ball joints on both front sides of the vehicle were damaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 09v119000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty 4x4 the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph across a railroad track, the front driver's side lower ball joint became detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the upper ball joint and control arm would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

Left driver side, upper ball joint separated from control arm. Wheel collapsed outward. Fortunately, it happened after leaving the interstate driving 70 miles per hour. Entering service station wheel collapsed. Happened to talk to an individual who was aware of the problem. Individual said that this is a current and on going problem with today's vehicles. The front components are being designed so they cannot be maintained properly. Lack of grease fittings, pressed in joint design on ball joints to control arm , instead of re enforced with bolts or other safe measures. Individual stated that it is occurring on most all makes and models. Instead of just replacing the defected ball joint, the control arm, with no other defect, but this, has to be replaced, costing even more money. Has been reported, that deaths have occurred. The mental impact and feeling insecure after a fix is ongoing. I see more deaths and accidents occurring because of this problem. Thank you.

Recall j17 front suspension upper ball joints 2003 Jeep Liberty my vehicle was taken to a Chrysler dealer that didn't order the parts for my appointment that was set two weeks in advance. They entered my problem in their system my this recall j17. The dealer couldn't provide me with a loaner car or rental? I than contacted Chrysler customer services and they couldn't assist me either. The dealer is said my vehicle parts was on a back order and now I am without vehicle for 3-5 days. I work and have a 10 year old that needs our car. What remedy is there to my problem?.

There was a recall on the lower ball joints and a local Dodge dealership replaced them free of charge. There after loud popping noise continued and the upper ball joint broke. The upper and lower ball joints have been recalled in other states but only the lower ball joint has been recalled in TN. I believe that they need to be recalled in TN also because this is very dangerous. I also believe that they should pay to have this problem repaired on my vehicle.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. Six months ago he received a recall notice for the upper ball joints, but the parts were not available. The dealer informed him they will contact him whenever the parts arrive. The dealer continues to state they do not have the parts for the repairs. He continues to contact the dealer but had not tried another dealership. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 82,000. Updated 10/15/10 bf the consumer stated the problem has been resolved. Updated 10/21/jb.

Drove into a driveway with a bump up of about 6 inches, and suffered a catastrophic failure of the right hand upper ball joint causing loss of steering control, in my 2003 Jeep Liberty limited. Recall work for lower ball joints was completed June 28, 2007. Upon inspection, upper ball joint had lost all lubrication (seals/bushings rotted) and joint was severely pitted and rusted. I pulled the ball joint and am attempting to replace it. However, local Chrysler dealer only sells the entire upper control arm (incl. Bushings and ball joint) at $215 per side.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While attempting to accelerate out of a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and could not be moved. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the upper ball joint separated. The current and failure mileages were 81,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While driving 30 mph in the process of a turn, the front passenger side control ball joint suddenly snapped. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 128,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. Approximately two months after purchasing the vehicle, the contact heard a noise in the front end of the vehicle. She took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the ball joints were the cause of the failure. She was unsure if it was the upper or lower joints that needed repair. The dealer repaired the vehicle for free in July of 2006. In January of 2007, the contact received a recall notice for the ball joints and the dealer stated that the issue was previously repaired. Three days ago, while making a right turn, the contact could not move the vehicle. She exited the vehicle and noticed that the front driver's side wheel was tilted outwards. The vehicle was towed to another dealer and they stated that the upper ball joints needed to be repaired. The contact would have to pay for the repair. The vehicle is still at the dealer. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Right front upper ball joint getting close to separation.

Upper ball joints worn to the point the vehicle was considered unsafe by Jeep dealership.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While driving 10 mph in reverse, the contact heard a loud noise and then the front passenger tire collapsed. The dealer stated that the upper ball joints fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local repair shop and the upper ball joints are currently being repaired. The manufacturer would not assume financial responsibility for the repair because there were no recalls available. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 57,000.

Upper ball joint broke while pulling into my drive way. Had it broke only minutes earlier it would have lead to a serious accident.

While driving slowly across a bridge, my upper ball joint disconnected causing the passenger side front tire to fall off. No apparent warning that vehicle was in need of repair. No one was injured. Had vehicle towed and control arm: upper ball joint replaced. The lower ball joints were replaced on 12/29/2006 due to the recall in 06' of the lower ball joints -- it appears the upper ball joints have the same issue. My concern now is when will the other side go bad? hopefully I won't be traveling at a high rate of speed when the other side goes, because I fear the outcome. It only had 61,000 miles at the time -- can I assume the side that was repaired is safe to drive another 61,000. It's not worth putting my life and/or others in danger. How can Chrysler assure me that it is safe? I feel this is a dangerous and premature failure of this part and should be covered by Chrysler, just for safety alone.

2003 Jeep Liberty - lower ball joints replaced on recall notice now I have been advised that the upper ball joint needs replacing. I have read that this is a known problem but no recall has been implemented yet.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While driving various speeds, the contact heard noises coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The failure began in April of 2008 and occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to two mechanics and they stated that there were no failures. Approximately two months later while driving, the driver's side upper ball joint failed. The lower ball joints were replaced a few years ago. The current mileage was 104,000 and failure mileage was 102,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact received a recall notice for the lower ball joints. She took her vehicle to the dealer for repair and was informed that the upper ball joints also needed to be replaced. Since only the lower ball joints were on recall, the dealer would not repair the upper ball joints. The recall number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 113,987.

We purchased a 2003 Jeep Liberty on December 4, 2002, in kent, ohio, that was manufactured in November 2002. We have lived in akron, ohio, continuously since 2002. We drive the Jeep in the eastern suburbs of cleveland, ohio, very frequently to visit family and to take our son to school. Ohio is a salt belt state, and akron and the eastern suburbs of cleveland experience significantly more snowfall during the winter than other areas of ohio due to lake effect. The right front upper control arm assembly became loose, almost to the point of failure, and was replaced on April 26, 2008, at our cost of $597. 87. On December 17, 2007 NHTSA opened preliminary evaluation pe07-q62 for 2002 -2003 Jeep Libertys based on complaints of front suspension upper ball joint separation. On April 7, 2009, Chrysler notified the NHTSA that [t]he front suspension upper control arm ball joint [of 2003 Jeep Libertys] may experience a loss of lubrication which can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation while driving[,] and agreed to conduct a safety recall to replace the front upper control arm assemblies on all affected vehicles. ¿ additionally, Chrysler stated that [t]he vast majority of these alleged separations occurred in salt belt states. A review of some returned parts indicated compromised sealing, loss of lubrication which resulted in corrosion, accelerated wear and separation. ¿ however, Chrysler has refused to reimburse us for replacement of the failed front upper control arm assembly because it was manufactured in November 2002 and not between may 2002 and September 30, 2002, even though it is the same part, manufactured on the same assembly line with the same materials, and Chrysler admitted that [n]o root cause for this increase in the rate of separation during this five month build window in 2002 has been determined. ¿ we request that the recall be expanded to include Jeep Libertys manufactured in November 2002.

While driving slowly out of my driveway, my upper ball joint disconnected causing the passenger side front tire to fall off. I did have my children with me however no one was injured. The apparent recall in 06 of the lower ball joints was unknown to me at the time. Chrysler did replace the upper and lower ball joints. I was charged a $150. Deductible which I feel is very unfair considering the investigation revolving around the upper ball joints and obvious concerns about the lower ball joints. My concern now is when will it happen again, it only had 50,000 miles at the time and can I assume it's safe to drive another 50,000. It's not worth putting my kids in danger. How can Chrysler assure me that it is fixed!.

While driving my 2003 Jeep Liberty the front passenger wheel snapped off. The date was 3/9/08. I was turning a corner and felt a sharp snap and the front end dove toward the ground. I had the vehicle towed and it was repaired at a cost of approx $400 plus $60 for towing. The description on the repair bill is "ball joint came out of upper control arm. Replaced rt front upper control arm assembly. " I tried calling Jeep's corporate office (3/14/08 at 10:45am) per the dealer recommendation. The corporate person said it was out of warranty, she very rude and refused to do anything to assist. When I asked to speak to the person's supervisor she refused saying they she was authorized to make these decisions. My greatest fear is that if I was on my normal daily commute of 70 miles on the freeway and the wheel snapped off, then I probably would not be typing this message today. The car would have easily flipped. I have the old part and it is available for review. I wish Jeep corporation was more responsible to recognize the seriousness of this failure. Of note, is that there was a recall on the vehicle in 2006 for the ball joints causing loss of steering control. I had that repair completed in 2006. However it certainly did not prevent me from losing control of the vehicle during this incident.

The passenger side upper ball joint broke. The steering became erratic, it began pulling to the left. When I took it in for a front end alignment I learned that the passenger side upper ball joint was broken. I will replace the broken ball joint and will make the old part available for inspection.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While turning right or left at any speed, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the floor of the vehicle. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, but the failure still persists. The current mileage was 86,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 05/07/08 the dealer stated the upper ball joint was bad. The lower ball joints had been replaced 3 times. Updated 05/07/08.

The upper ball joint of the front passenger side wheel failed while turning in a mcdonald's drive through. The ball joint was rusted. There is no way to maintain this joint, as it is a sealed bearing. The lower ball joint was repaired in an earlier recall last year.

Backing out of a parking spot, heard a clunking noise. Put in drive, turned the wheel and the vehicle tilted to the drivers side. Exited the vehicle to find the drivers side tire inverted and almost parallel to the ground. When tow truck lifted the vehicle, the front passenger tire also collapsed. Had vehicle fixed today. Had to replace both upper ball joints, and arms. Vehicle is only 5 years old, had never been off road and only had 59,000 miles. Repair shop owner said he has never seen both ball joints collapse and there is no reason why they should have, except for faulty parts.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. While driving 2 mph, the contact heard a loud snap coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed. The dealer stated that the driver side upper ball joint snapped. The contact received and the vehicle was serviced for recall notice number 03v460000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The current and failure mileages were 56,000. Updated 09/18/07 received 12/12/07 updated 12/12/07.

I have a 2003 Jeep Liberty with 87,000 miles on it and the upper ball joint on the driver's side broke in half today while I was slowly making a turn into my office. The tow truck operator said this should not have happened. I was lucky that I was only going so slow hour when it broke because if I had been going faster, I would have wrecked the vehicle. My Jeep has never been off-road since I have owned it. Jeep does currently have a recall in place for the lower ball joints which they say get corroded and separate from the control arm. The upper ball joint did the same exact thing but does not appear to be included in the recall. I could have been killed or maybe even injured someone else had this happened on the highway. Since the recall is only for the lower ball joint the dealership would not help with the cost. The damage was not just to the upper ball joint but to the rotor and the break line and the front axle. I called Chrysler corporate services and basically they told me to pound salt. I also see that others have had similar experience.

While driving at low speed the front right ball joint of 2003 Jeep Liberty failed causing the tire to fall onto its side. Minimal damage to the car as I was just beginning to drive away from my house.

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Liberty. The contact noticed failure with the front suspension while making left turns. When he drives over a bump in the road, it sounds as if something is loose in the suspension. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic for an oil change and asked if they could examine the front suspension. The mechanic informed him that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced, and also informed him of the TSB related to his vehicle's upper ball joints. The contact called the dealer to inquire about a recall related to the upper ball joints and was informed that there were no recalls. The repairs would cost approximately $900. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 40,246. Updated 06/10/08.

I have a 2003 Jeep Liberty with 95,000 miles on it and the upper ball joint on the passenger side broke in half today while I was pulling out of a filling station. The tow truck operator who also owns a garage stated that he had never seen one of these break like this one did. I was lucky that I was only going 2 miles an hour when it broke because if I had been going faster, I would have wrecked the vehicle. My Jeep has never been off-road since I have owned it. Jeep does currently have a recall in place for the lower ball joints which they say get corroded and separate from the control arm. The upper ball joint did the same exact thing but does not appear to be included in the recall. I could have been killed or maybe even injured someone else had this happened on the highway.

2003 Jeep Liberty upper ball joint failure (passenger side) - ball joint corroded and the ball pulled out of the socket during a left turn - wheel fell outward and laid down with vehicle resting on the tire vehicle is at dealer - awaiting word on proposed remedy this failure is exactly as described on a recall for the lower ball joints!.

Champion Chrysler-Jeep inc safety recall f23 customer is very upset that after getting recall fixed that she had to pay out of pocket for the upper ball joints* the dealer stated the rear right seatbelt does not latch and the left right power window does not work. The consumer has provided the invoices for repair. Update.