Front Suspension Upper Ball Joint problems of the 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Front passenger side ball joint failure. Contact said the wheel and ball joint fell off. Caller received recall 04v421001 concerning ball joints when caller took vehicle to dealer about 2 years ago the dealer said it was okay. Then on t July 0, 2005 she heard a pop and the vehicle dropped. Caller was going about 40 mph. Caller had to have it towed to the dealer. She has not spoken to them yet. Manufacturer has not been contacted.

Consumer was traveling 25mph, going around a curb, and there was a brief noise. He felt vibration from underneath of vehicle because ball joint broke, and vehicle slid into a light pole. Passenger's wheel was laying underneath vehicle. Dealership was aware of problem.

While driving the vehicle the the ball joint slipped out. This caused the drivers side tire to fall off and the vehicle fell to the ground on the drivers side.

Consumer received a recall notice for ball joints in September 2000. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle, but did not repair the ball joints. Dealer indicated ball joints did not need replacement or repair. However, in December 2001 the ball joints collapsed. In January 2002 dealer repaired the ball joints, but did not replace the entire ball joint assembly. Currently, front end squeaks.

Consumer stated that vehicle was on recall #9089. While he was driving lost control of vehicle because ball joint broke.