Left front upper ball joint broke
1998 Dodge Stratus: ball joint or control arm failure
15 of the 272 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Stratus describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 78,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. While the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenace, it was discovered that the front ball joint and control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. On two separate occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The dealer determined both times that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Several years later, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 04v021000 (power train) and 98v183000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 5,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. While performing an oil change, the contact noticed that the lower ball joint and control arms were rusted. The contact stated that the lower ball joints and control arms were replaced four months ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge stratus. While driving 5 MPH the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front passenger's side wheel. The contact's relative inspected the vehicle and determined the ball joints were broken. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There was recall 97v201000 concerning the lower ball joints for 1997 vehicles. The contact stated that this vehicle should be included in the recall.
While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed fluid leaking from underneath the vehicle. It was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that head gasket needed to be replaced. *ak the consumer stated that the tie rod fell off.
I begain to have a grinding noise when I turned and then, my half-shaft fell out of my transmission, causing me to have to replace my half shaft and lower control arm. That stuff is not cheap.
Brakes, outer tie rod, brake calipers, engine oil inner seal. Brake pads, since I have owned this car I have replaced the brake pads 20 times every 3 months and the brake caliber on the right rear this will make the 9th time I am running out of money on this car the front brakes and hubs have been replaced several times have all my receipts and can prove the work that has been done on my car cost of oil leak repair was over $800.00 dollars and guess what I will have the car paid for this month and I am still working on the wheels and brakes I need some help with this car and the dealership I purchased the car from will not respond to my questions about the brakes, and the engine problems I am having.
While turning a corner at 10 MPH consumer felt the steering wheel tightened severely. Consumer made another turn, and the steering wheel tightened again. Vehicle would not proceed any further, and consumer called a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to a garage, were the consumer learned that the left tie rod broke.
Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. When turning corners heard a popping sound on driver side. This action occurred at all speeds. *ak
Since july 2003, I have had to replace left and right tie rods and right wheel bearing. 7/2003-left tie rod, 8/2003 right wheel bearing, 1/2004 right tie rod.
While driving out of the driveway upper and lower driver's side ball joints broke without prior warning.
Head gasket is leaking again. The dealership replaced while it was still under warranty at 71000 miles, however it now is leaking again at 107000 miles. I have had so many major problems with this stratus, such as failed brake line, air conditioning system, continual misfire on the engine when the AC is turned on and requires a downshift, failed rack and pinion system, leaking cam position sensor, failed tie rod ends, leaking oil pan, continual oil leaks after numerous attempts by dealership to stop leaks, etc.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Stratus ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Stratus?
15 of 272 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Stratus (6%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Stratus?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Stratus
Fire or smoke 16No deployment 11Brake failure 8Grinding brakes 7Oil consumption 7Seat belt 5Stalling 5
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