Steering Wheel Problems of Jeep Patriot

Our vehicle had been making creaking/groaning noises for a few weeks. We took it to pepboys for it's annual inspection, when the mechanic determined that both lower ball joints were bad, along with the driver-side outer tie rod. The vehicle only had 20,058 miles at the time of inspection, and I've read multiple complaints on various websites as well as here on safercar. Gov regarding these premature ball joint failures, and the related parts that have subsequently failed. I opened a case with Chrysler customer care, and after having their own people inspect the vehicle, they've replaced only the passenger side ball joint and the failed tie rod. After picking up the vehicle (and paying for a portion of the repair service, which included $150 for the 'extended warranty' CO-pay and a $69. 95 alignment) the vehicle is still making some squeaks, indicating that the driver-side ball joint may also be failing. I guess someone has to die before a safety recall is issued, otherwise there'd already be one based on the current level of complaints. I hope that the NHTSA will take the steps required to implement a safety recall of all mk49 chassis code suspension parts (Jeep Patriot and compass, and Dodge caliber) before the sudden failure of one of these prematurely failing ball joints causes any deaths due to wheel disconnection and loss of control.

See all problems of the 2008 Jeep Patriot 🔎.

The car was on the lift for a routine oil change when my mechanic checked the tires to see if I was having any issues with the ball joints. He has another Jeep Patriot in the garage with problem ball joints, that car has just slightly less miles than mine does. He then called me notifying me that ball joints were bad, one he considered dangerously bad and he would not allow me to drive the car home. He has since replaced the severely damaged one, but was unable to replace the other as there were no parts available to do so. This is the second suspension problem I have had with this car. I had to have tie rods replaced at 15000 miles ( covered by warranty). I do not use the vehicle off road and I am rigorous about keeping up with all scheduled maintenance. I spoke with the dealer and was given the run around, so I called Chrysler and am waiting to hear back from them. My mechanic feels that this is something that should absolutely not have to repaired at this stage, given the mileage and the condition of the vehicle. Due to this issue I have some pretty serious wear on tires I just replaced in September of last year.

I had to replace the front ball joints on my 2007 Jeep and it cost me over $700. My car is 4 months past factory warranty and only has 23,000 miles. I feel Jeep should pay for this repair as the ball joints should not fail after only 23,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2009 Jeep Patriot 🔎.