2016 Dodge Dart: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 28, 2026 · TN

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2016 Dodge Dart GT (VIN: [XXX] ). The selling dealership represented the vehicle as accident‑free and undamaged, but after delivery I discovered significant, undisclosed front‑end and structural issues. The affected components include the front bumper, radiator support area, subframe, suspension, brakes, and cooling system. These components are available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the vehicle shows clear evidence of prior impact and improper or incomplete repairs. A mechanic’s inspection documented a salvage‑yard front subframe installed for unknown reasons, a leaking lower radiator hose, rusted struts and shocks, suspension bushings beginning to fail, a bent left‑rear lower control arm, and brakes that “feel like they don’t want to stop the vehicle,” possibly due to rusted rotors and pads. The mechanic also noted alarming rust inside the frame and stated that the rust alone would justify returning the vehicle. All four tires show high/low spots consistent with belt separation, creating a wobble at speed. These conditions create multiple safety hazards: compromised crash protection, potential airbag sensor misalignment from prior front‑end impact, cooling‑system failure risk, loss of braking ability, suspension instability, and possible loss of control due to tire belt separation. The Carfax also shows a radiator replacement shortly before sale, strongly suggesting a front‑end collision that was not disclosed. The problem was confirmed by an independent service center. The manufacturer, police, and insurance have not yet inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps appeared prior to discovering these issues; the defects were concealed and UNKNOWN to me at purchase. I unknowingly operated a vehicle with compromised structural integrity and multiple safety‑critical defects, placing me and other drivers at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 48,000 miles · IN

When putting the car into gear, and turning the wheel and starting to move, there is a popping/snapping sound coming from the front end. It has been in the shop three times for this issue. First time when it went to the shop, they replace front strut mounts. This lasted about 6 months and the noise has come back. Second time they said I needed a new tie rod. Replaced and within a week later, could hear the noise again. Took it back to the shop and they couldn't diagnose it. They loosened all the nuts and bolts on the front end, retightened/torqued them, and within a few days after leaving the shop, the noise came back.

Filed May 17, 2019 · Suspension, Transmission · 46,000 miles · CA · crash

Purchased car new jan 2017. On 3/3/19 at approx. 18 MPH while attempting a left turn in to our neighborhood I heard a loud pop and car jerked to the left hitting a curb. Upon visual inspection of the car it appeared that the axle popped out of joint and control arm broke in two. Because of this two parts malfunctioning the car hit the curb, cracking the wheel and causing body damage to the vehicle.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Airbags, Body · 48,000 miles · AZ · crash · fire

Upon driving the car on the freeway yesterday, the 2016 dodge dart started to shake and the car would not slow down. The passenger front wheel control arm, tire, and cv joint completely feel off the vehicle which caused an accident.

Filed Jan 27, 2017 · Suspension · 6,647 miles · FL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 dodge dart. While driving approximately 30 to 35 MPH, slowing down, and veering left, the vehicle became difficult to control. The front end of the vehicle pulled to the right on its own and struck a curb. The front wheels straightened out and the vehicle landed in the yard of a sub-division. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The air bags had not deployed. The dealer diagnosed that the lower control arm snapped into two pieces. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 6,647. Updated 05/31/17*lj updated 06/30/2017