At first I heard a squeaking noise that gradually turned into a grinding noise. After having my brake pads replaced and front driver side caliper replaced, the grinding noise turned into a metal on metal grind with a peculiar metal smell which resulted in something ceasing up (only way to describe how tight the tires were rolling and how tight the steering was). It was the lower arm and ball joint separating from each other, all of this was discovered while driving down a city street at a speed of 20 MPH, we were able to access the problem better when we jacked up the front end and removed the tire and brakes on the driver front side.
1997 Chrysler Cirrus: ball joint or control arm failure
8 of the 69 complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Both tie rods on the left rear tire broke causing the tire to lock up. Which caused loss of control of the car sending the car into a ditch. Front end of car stopped in ditch and rear then came over landing upside down. None of the air bags empolyed.
Contact stated: contact has had to put two ball joints on this vehicle ,a left ball joint and a right ball joint. When he parked the car he heard a bang. The wheels would be on an angle because the vehicle was a front wheel drive.
The tie rods were worn out. The vehicle lost steering control while driving. Please provide details.
I bought this car in chrysler dealer as a used one in 1998. It was 97 model. Now my daughter is driving and go to courage every day. She drive gently not severly. I have asked dealer whenever they recommend me brake pad change, engine check, tie rod, alignment, etc to keep good condition because my daughters life. But it happen automatic transmission problem happened at 51500 miles. Dealer said that warranty is under 50000 miles. I was upseted about their comment because I was good customer and only 1500 miles over the limit. They understood and give chrysler phone call and negotiated if they could take care of this cost $1800. They accepted to pay 50% finaly. I had no choice to accept. My wife was still get angry to pay $900. I do not want to have chrisler car because I have heard from my friends that it is quite common transmission problem. Plz suggest me how to do. I'm hoping I get your good information. Thank you. Have a merry christmas.
I have taken this car to the dealer right before the 36k warranty was expired complaining of a sweak coming from the driver front left. They told me there was nothing wrong and that if it get worse to bring it back even after the warranty expires. I have since relocated and the problem has gotten significantly worse, the dealer I listed on the prior page will not do anything about it until I talk to chrysler because the warranty is expired. However, the customer service number for chrysler is busy all day long everyday and is impossible to get through to someone. The number I have been dialing is 1‑800‑992‑1997 and I have called at all different times during the day on multiple occassions and I always get a busy tone, in the mean time my car is getting worse and I don't know where to turn.... The problem is with the lower control arm ball joint not holding lubrication according to an independent repair shop I took the vehicle to after mike shepherd supposedly lubed something and then assured me that the problem was resolved when infact they didn't even lube anything close to the problem according to this other repair shop. Can you offer me any help?? Possibly another number to get through to chrysler??
When she started vehicle and took it out of park, vehicle suddenly accelerated out of driveway towards a traffic filled road. Consumer stated that she directed vehicle away from road which caused tie rod to break, stopping vehicle. Dealership states they could not determine reason for sudden acceleration. *ak vehicle experienced sudden acceleration on a second occasion when consumer was in a line at a car wash, consumer started vehicle to go into car wash and it shot out of control, consumer turned off key while exiting car wash, however vehicle kept going and was literally airborne, going over a curb, vehicle was finally stopped by hitting a light pole, consumer was injured in accident.
When turning a corner from a stop sign tie rod end on passenger's side broke. Consumer stated both wheels went in separate direction instead of same way.*ak the left side also needs replacement.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
- Risk
- Separation of the ball joint could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Recall number 97V201000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus?
8 of 69 owner complaints about the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus (12%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
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