1999 Dodge Avenger: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jun 14, 2006 · Suspension · 32,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there was excessive play in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop who determined the front lower ball joints had separated and needed replaced. The manufacturer was alerted and explained for the contact to call the federal safety agency regarding the issue. *nm updated 6/30/2006 -

Filed Apr 15, 2005 · Wheels · NY

I am the owner of a 1999 dodge avenger es with 17" silver 5-spoke aluminum rims. I learned this week that 3 of the 4 rims are bent, causing vehicle to vibrate. In addition, the clear coat began peeling off all the rims in 2000.*ak car began vibrating and driving strangely february of 2005. I had the passenger lower control arm, passenger hub assembly and passenger driveshaft replaced. Car drives better now, but vibration continues. Brought car to a wheel shop this week to repair a 5th bent rim I got for use as a full size spare. Wheel shop balanced the 4 wheels on the car and notified me that 3 of the 4 original wheels are "out of true" which is the reason for the vibration. They attribute this to extremely soft aluminum used in the rims' construction. Upon checking on the internet I found this was a common problem for 17" wheels made by enkei? And found on the mitsubishi eclipse, dodge avenger and chrysler sebring between 1997 and 2001. Some websites referring to this issue were: http://www.sshwlaw.com/press.php?cid=0172 and http://www.mitsubishisucks.com/cars/class/rims/eclipse/ .

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Suspension · 82,000 miles · VA

The manufacturer refused to honor the lower ball joint recall 00v421000 due to their data base, the recall was already performed six months after the consumer bought the vehicle. The consumer never took the vehicle in for a recall because she was never notified. *jb records indicated that there was no owner. *sc

Filed Apr 4, 2003 · Suspension · OK

Nar 04/07/2003 the consumer has experienced numerous problems with the vehicle as follows the replacement of front struts, defective lower ball joints and as a result a new set of tires had to be replaced. To date two recalls have been issued safety recall# 827 and #967 and the motor company declared that the vehicle did not need to be repaired. After having spent over $700.00 in repairs the consumer is disgraced and wants the problem reviewed also have assistance in paying for repairs that are obviously due to a defect.

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Suspension · LA

The part for the ball joint recall was on back order, the consumer has waited 4 months and the part is still not in. Nlm

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Suspension · VA

Received notice #00v421002. Contacted dealership. Took vehicle to dealership. Had lower ball joints and control arm replaced under recall. Currently, remedy has failed 4 months later.*ak this is causing tires to experience uneven wear and lose air.

Filed Aug 8, 2001 · Suspension · MD

My car has pulled to the left constantly and consistantly since the day I bought it. It has been in the dealership over 10 times to correct the problem, all the time thinking that it was an alignment problem. The car has been on the "rack" many times and the dealership reported that the car was in alignment according to "specs". The last trip to the dealership resulted in a camber kit being installed on the front right control arm. The pull is not as prominant , but is still present. The dealership has informed us that there is nothing else they can or will do under warranty.