1996 Dodge Caravan: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · LA

As a precaution to other drivers.my 1996 dodge caravan 125000 miles,upon leaving a parking lot after a highway speed and city speed trip the vehicle would not move forward.a police officer waved me to stop.upon inspection of the passenger front tire we found the outer tie rod joint broke seperating at the ball socket causing the wheel to not move with the steering.by the grace of god it did not happen on the way with my family aboard.we were able the change the tie outer tie rod so we could return home.the other driver side outer tie rod was replaced the next day as a precaution.is there a recall about these tie rods? The replacement part from a aftermarket parts store appear heavy duty compared to the originals.the original part showed wear on the ball aswell as the socket.the repacement part has a grease fitting to lube the joint and the original does not.please contact me via e-mail if a recall exist or with questions.please inform the public to have these parts inspected before a problems occurs for them. Thank you for listening and best regards /david derouen.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Suspension · 70,000 miles · SD

While driving, the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the gas station and the mechanic informed the consumer that the lower ball joints were worn out. *ak the front axle broke while driving, the sway bar bushings were replaced as well as the rear shocks.

Filed Jul 17, 2003 · Suspension, Transmission · 106,562 miles · NH

Lower left ball joint failed without warning during low speed (2 MPH) driving, causing the wheel to fall off, also destroying part of the sway bar and the left drive shaft. At highway speed, such a failure would have resulted in complete loss of control. The vehicle was in the dealership the prior day for routine maintenance and the dealership also performed state safety inspection four months prior. There was no evidence of ball joint wear or damage prior to the failure.

Filed Nov 20, 2001 · Acceleration, Airbags · IL

Air bag warning light illuminated/ horn and cruise control inoperable/ suspension control arm worn out, and windshield wiper pivots and arms worn out.

Filed Nov 24, 2000 · Suspension, Transmission · MI

While driving noticed steering was very shaky. Problem started over a period of time & is steadily getting worse. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic noticed right front axle was bent. Suspension from manufacturer was defective. Ball joints were worn out due to lack of lubrication on the seals for rubber boot.

Filed Aug 30, 2000 · Steering · PA

Inner tie rods have failed while driving slowly, causing wheel to come off the tie rod.

Filed Aug 7, 2000 · Steering · MS

The inner tie rod end separated from the outer tie rod on driver wheel while driving at approximately 5 MPH while coming out of parking space, causing tire to turn inward and stop.

Filed Jun 3, 1998 · Steering · AR

Tie rod ends failed causing vibration.

Filed Apr 15, 1997 · Steering · PR

Transmission failed, causing vehicle to stop running. In addition, tie rods/mirror/horn and rack and pinion steering were replaced.