1995 Chevrolet Caprice: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 5, 2007 · Suspension · 136,000 miles · IL

I have a 1995 chevrolet caprice. My rear lower control arm (passenger side) broke while driving. Thankfully, it happened at low speed and near my home. The control arm broke all the way through, right at the stabilizer bar attachment... Exactly as described in recall 96v020000. The part that broke is under recall, id 96v020000. I gave the chevrolet dealer this information and they "could not find" the recall. I also called and emailed chevrolet, essentially getting the same response --ignorance. My complaint is I had to pay for the repair myself, despite this being a repair of a recalled part. Here is the recall info, as found on the federal safety agency website: make / models : model/build years: chevrolet / caprice 1991-1996 manufacturer : general motors corp. The federal safety agency campaign id number : 96v020000 mfr's report date : jan 25, 1996 component: suspension:rear potential number of units affected : 154214 summary: the rear lower control arm can crack at the rear stabilizer bar attachment. Consequence: this condition can be aggravated by the severe duty cycle of these vehicles and eventually cause the lower control arm to fracture completely causing a loss of vehicle control without prior warning. Remedy: dealers will replace both rear lower control arms and rear stabilizer bar attachments. Notes: system: suspension; single axle; rear; control arm. Vehicle description: police (seo 9c1) vehicles and taxi cabs (seo 9c6). Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020. Also contact the federal safety agency's auto safety hotline at 1‑800‑424‑9393.

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Suspension · IL

Recall #96 v 018 000/ gm lower control arm: when driving at low speeds and making either left or right turn, there would be a knocking or banging sound. The vehicle has been to the dealer on one occasion and they tighten the lower control arm ball joint attachment nut. Now the problem has recurred again. Manufacturer was notified and they informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under any recall at that time. Please feel free to provide any further information concerning this issue and fill out the remaining questionnaire.

Filed Jul 25, 2002 · Suspension · CT

While driving 35 MPH consumer heard a grinding noise, dealer determined the driver side upper ball joint needed to be replaced. Tire was tilted.

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Suspension · TN

In a shopping center making a right 90 degree turn at estimated speed of 15mph when left front of car collapsed dropping the left front fender down on the left front wheel. Mechanic repairing the car stated that the left lower ball joint broke off. This required replacement of the let lower ball joint (part #k6145) and the left outer tierod (part# es2019rl. There was no pothole or other rough place in the roadway and the automobile had no previous history of accident. My concern for entering this report is that I had never heard of this type of failure before though the mechanic says it occasionally occurs. In my mind this presents a very real safety hazard. Had this autombile been traveling at 60mph on and open road and this had occured there is no doubt in my mind that this would have resulted in suddenly flipping and rolling of the car with the very real probability of loss of life.

Filed Oct 7, 1998 · Steering · OH

Outer tie rods/idler arm failed.

Filed Dec 23, 1997 · Suspension · OH

Control arm ball joint failed, causing the structure to land on the tire.

Filed Dec 23, 1997 · Suspension · OH

The control arm ball joints failed.

Filed Aug 12, 1997 · Suspension · MD

The regulator control arm lost control on the rear passenger side due to brakeage . Manufacturer was notified about problem. Problem was repaired by dealer.

Filed May 12, 1997 · Suspension · OH

Front lower control arms broke. Consumer received recall notice 96v01900 that that affected all seven of his particular vehicles. Manufacturer will only cover cost of parts and not the labor charges that go with it.

Filed Apr 1, 1997 · Suspension · NJ

The lower ball joint sheared off at the bottom of the nut when exiting the driveway at 3mp. There was a loud noise when it sheared off and caused the body to put its weight on itself.