1999 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 29, 2010 · Brakes, Suspension · 113,850 miles · NH

Hi,I'm not sure if this is the correct site for me to be writing but I bought a 1999 ford explorer from a dealer in new boston on or around 7/23/2010 it had 113,027 miles on it, I was told it was fully inspected with no issues and they put a safety inspection sticker on it. On 8/13/2010 I droped said ford off at auto fair ford in manchester, n.h. To have the vehicle checked out with appr. 113850 miles on it and they found multiple safety failures and violations such as bad bad ball joints, emergency brake was inoperable, brake line leaks and worn brakes that could not have past inspection amoung other safety inspection issues. It ended up costing me about $2700.00for mostly safety repairs.how can a safety inspector issue a safety sticker with these problems? Do I have any kind of recourse and if so to whom or to what agency could I contact? Thank you for any and all help [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Suspension · 120,000 miles · FL

Front and rear ball joints went bad.

Filed Oct 11, 2007 · Suspension · 114,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. While driving 20 MPH or greater, the contact heard a rattling noise when driving over bumps in the road. He took the vehicle to the ford dealer and was informed that his ball joints needed to be replaced. The failure caused the front tires on the vehicle to begin cupping. The contact was advised by the dealer not to drive the vehicle until the ball joints were replaced. The current and failure mileages were 114,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2005 · Suspension · 78,000 miles · KS

Dealership informed the consumer of the worn out lower front ball joint on the driver/passenger sides. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Aug 17, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 115,889 miles · NC

1999 ford explorer eddie bauer edition... We had gone out to dinner and when leaving the parking space it sounded as if we ran over a glass bottle. My husband looked around the vehicle and could not find anything. I got in the drivers seat and it felt as if the emergency brake was on (was not) and was very hard to move. We returned to the parking space, turned off the vehicle getting ready to call aaa for services. We both heard a "release" sound. He turned on the vehicle, backed up and we drove home very carefully. The next morning the vehicle was at the dealership to look into this mystery. The brakes were fine; however, they found the following to repair: *seals to brakes *rear axle pinion seal *both lower ball joints on the front end I was told the front right tire ball joints were completely worn down and the tire was just wobbly held on by the lug bolts. We recently purchased this vehicle and would appreciate your help in reviewing the past recalls on this type vehicle. This could and would have been an extreme hazard with probably extreme injury to the persons involved. Also, if you can please check the past history of the owners to make sure they have kept the vehicle maintained with any suggested recall items. Thank you, marlene morgan *la *sc

Filed Aug 15, 2003 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · MA

I own a 1999 explorer with 60000 miles on it. I have been told that the front upper ball joints were bad, and had to be replaced with the control arm since it was one unit. Why were sealed ball joints that were part of the control arm being used, unless it was to raise the frequency and cost of repairs at the expense of public safety . A ball joint failure at any speed could potentially have grave consequences. Consumer had vehicles routinely go well over 100,000 miles with non sealed ball joints, and had no problems. This warrants further investigation, especially since consumer became aware that his problem is by no means an isolated case. Had been told that the local dealer was doing a lot of those, and that they were aware there was a problem with them.

Filed Jan 19, 2003 · Suspension · 53,200 miles · IN

I was told by alderman ford that the ball joints on my ford explorer were in a failure condition at 53000 miles--"unsafe to drive". This car has had normal driving use. I was told that ford's choice of "sealed ball joints" was the reason for the failure-prone ball joints, and that this is "normal". Are all explorere users in this endangered position? If so, is a recall necessary? Is there a way you can check how many owners have had to replace these bad joints? My 91 explorer went 135000 miles without ball joint problems. Ball joint failure at speed is dangerous. Thank you for your help.

Filed Feb 20, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · TX

While driving 15mph and without warning front tire collapsed. Mechanic stated that upper ball joint was missing a nut which caused brand new tire to collapse.*ak dealer replaced broken right lower ball joint, brake hose, wheel speed sensor and rack/pinion unit.

Filed Feb 8, 2002 · Suspension · MI

While driving at highway speeds consumer lost control of vehicle. Dealer was contacted, and stated ball joints needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Engine, Suspension · MA

While driving, throttle/ air bypass valve malfunctions which causes accelerator pedal to stick, and pedal goes nearly to the floor. Also pedal has to be pumped before it releases. *ak the dealer said they can fix the problem, but the vehicle still hesitates and there is rough idle, the lower ball joints failed, and were replaced.

Filed Dec 31, 2001 · Suspension · MO

While driving, upper control arm disengaged from vehicle and wheel came off *ak consumer had stopped at a red light and went to accelerate when the light changed and the front of the vehicle dropped to the pavement, consumer no longer owns this vehicle.

Filed Sep 2, 2001 · Steering, Wheels · CA

Dealer states " out of warranty" , vehicle allmost rolled over due to complets separation of the front wheel and spindle from vehicle. This will most likely be a defective assembly or poor engineering.bolt for upper spindle to ball joint broken or missing and ball joint shaft sheared off. Brake line broken off and axle seperated from the housing. Recommend a recall on this very poor design and or a replacement of all these ball joints produced by whatever company made this ball joint.