1999 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Mar 30, 2015 · Suspension · 129,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 chrysler sebring convertible. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the front end of the vehicle collapsed to the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front driver's side lower ball joint and axle fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign number: 09e056000 (suspension) however, the recall expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 10/3/2017

Filed Jun 11, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 106,000 miles · KS

I have a 1999 chrysler sebring which has had the ball joint come out of both sides of the vehicle of the front 2 wheels about 6 months apart. This has caused damage to my vehicle which I have repaired. I am very concerned about my safety and the safety of my family because this last time I was about a mile away from getting on the highway, which could have been deadly. I feel that this is a safety issue and wonder about recalls and if I should be reimbursed. The tow to my home was $106, the tow to the mechanic was $65 and the mechanic bill was $303. This is just the drivers side. This happened on the passenger side as well and I feel I should be reimbursed for both. Documents of these charges can definitely be provided if needed. I am concerned about this happening again, not just my own car but anyone else that may be driving one of these vehicles. Please let me know either way. Thank you.

Filed Dec 21, 2009 · Suspension · 60,400 miles · PA

Front passenger side ball joint failure. While turning right into a shopping plaza the passenger side front ball joint failed on my wife's 1999 chrysler sebring convertible limited. This car at the time had less than 61,000 miles on it. The car was purchased as a used car the day before. The car was safety checked by the dealers mechanic before the sale with no issues noted that were not repaired. I understand through a search of the federal safety agency database that there are other reports of ball joint failures and a safety recall on the coupe model of the sebring for this failure. I would say given the mileage on this used car that a similar recall is warranted since this car exhibits the same type of failure with little warning of a problem existing. This is a safety issue that needs to be rectified by the manufacture due to a clearly faulty design. Fortunately in this case no one was injured nor was damage done to anything other than the car.

Filed May 18, 2009 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chrysler sebring convertible. The contact stated that the passenger side lower ball joint snapped. While driving 20 MPH, the front passenger side wheel almost separated from the vehicle. The front end collapsed and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. The vehicle skidded 60 feet. The current and failure mileages were 100,000.

Filed Aug 29, 2006 · Steering · 89,216 miles · VA

We discovered that the left lower ball joint on our 1999 chrysler sebring convertible was dangerously worn out due to moisture and corrosion inside of the boot. This exact condition is covered under recall campaign #967 for the sebring coupe, but excludes the convertible. The convertible should be added to this recall to prevent separation of the parts affected and loss of control of the vehicle.

Filed Jul 18, 2005 · 82,000 miles · FL

On monday 7/11/05 my daughter was driving my 1999 sebring convertible. While driving without incident the rear passenger ball joint apparently broke causing the vehicle to go into a spin and total loss of control of the car. The tire was seperated from the vehicle while driving. The police officer at the scene talked to witnesses who saw the tire wobbling just prior to losing control. I arrived at the scene and was told by the officer that the ball joint broke causing the accident to occur and said that the driver was not speeding and did not find her at fault for the mechanical failure. When I arrived I saw the rear passenger tire laying flat on the ground. The officer also told me that my insurance company would not cover the repair due to it being a mechanical failure so I must now pay $1000 to the garage which is repairing it. Money I just don't have! I am a single mom and this hurts a lot. Not to mention that my daughter came really close to being badly injured and very possibly killed as she also missed the fire hydrant by mere inches. What can I do about this???? This is just wrong. I really loved my car and now I'm afraid it is a death trap. Help me please and I hope this is handled.

Filed Jun 28, 2004 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · PA

While moving from a parking space consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front. At the same time driver's side snapped off. Independent mechanic determined lower ball joints wore out prematurely. Consumer filed a complaint on september 23, 2003, odi#10040201 with the same type of problem. Dealer had been notified.

Filed Sep 22, 2003 · Suspension · PA

Agencyrecall 00-v-421-002: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode. Consumer has the same problem while driving vehicle at 40 MPH lower lateral arm ball joint separated.