2001 Jeep Cherokee: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jun 23, 2011 · Brakes, Steering · 107,000 miles · LA

This is another complaint for 'death wobble'. I have had my jeep taken in several times and have had to live with it because mechanics didn't believe me or just didn't solve my problem. I should have used the la lemon law statutes to return my car but didn't know that back then. Driving down the road 45-70 MPH and either hitting a bump or going around 70 MPH your whole front end will "shimmy/shake/wobble" making it feel like a giant earthquake. I have tried to find a class action suit against this as I find several websites/forums/customers complaining about it. Right when it shakes you have to slow down below 40 MPH - sometimes on the interstate and have had close calls for a collision! If you want just search for 'death wobble' and you will see a whole new world. I don't know what would happen if you didn't slow down as your immediate response is to hit the brakes. Parts replaced have been brake rotors/pads, steering dampener, upper and lower control arms, and tires. It still does it to this day.

Filed Feb 5, 2011 · Suspension, Tires · OH

2001 jeep cherokee, the left rear wheel/tire broke free from hub rolling off the left side of road. Unit 1 coasted to outside berm. *bf according to the police report, 1 of 5 bolts were missing from the right front hub, 1 of 5 stud bolts were missing from the right rear hub and the right rear tire was bald and exposing steel belts. The five stud bolt holes in the rim were severely worn. It was also noticed that the front ball joint was bad. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0864-90) updated 02/15/11

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Driver assistance · 94,500 miles · CO

As I was driving my 2001 jeep cherokee sport down the interstate at 72 MPH the vehicles began to shake violently "the death wobble". What had happened is I hit a small bump in the road causing the vibration. The only way to stop it was to finish passing the semi and pull over on the shoulder and stop( with out getting killed or killing anyone else.) this has happened 3 times over the course of a year. The first time I was told it was my tires. I changed them with goodyear (like the factory had). The second time it happened they told me it was the sway bar. This still did not correct the problem. On the third time they told me it was my control arms. The control arms were replaced and I still notice a small vibration but it has not had the ("death wobble yet"). I am writing this complaint to officially inform the public of this problem. I want to ensure that I am the only one with this problem. Thanks

Filed Jun 28, 2005 · Suspension · 34,975 miles · MI

Purchased a 2001 jeep cherokee sport in november, 2004. In the past 3 months, I experienced a severe shaking of the vehicle; most often after hitting a small bump in the road. It was extremely difficult to get the vehicle under control. Took it to dealership where purchased and was told there was nothing wrong with it. Kept happening, at speeds of 35-45 MPH. Diagnosed at belle tire as a bad track bar.took iit to another jeep dealership; track bar lower control arms replaced. Said problem was fixed but 2 days later, while on freeway (65 MPH) in right-hand lane, extremely violent shaking occurred. I barely got the car to the side, because the steering wass uncontrollable. I have no doubt that had I been in any but the right hand lane, I would have hit another car. I was able to re-enter the right hand lane but kept my speed at 35 MPH and exited immediately. Car went back to the dealer who said they didn't know what was wrong with it. They said it could be caused by 10-15 different things and the only way to fix it would be to replace everything, starting with steering dampner (not covered under warranty) but had no idea if that would fix it. I have only owned the car for 6 months and have already spent almost $1,000 on trying to have it fixed (including new tires and a wheel alignment). The dealer was completely indifferent to the problem. The service director said it would cost me a lot of money to have everything replaced, and even then, could not guarantee the problem would be fixed. Needless to say, these experiences, especially the one on the freeway, which I would rate a 10 on a scale of 1-10 (the others ranging from 1-4), have shaken me to the very core; I could have been killed. I can never again drive that car and feel safe, especially when the dealer has no idea what the problem is or how to fix it. I checked the internet and found 38,000 websites dealing with this problem; prevalent in jeeps. The problem is aptly dubbed "death wobble".

Filed Jul 25, 2002 · Acceleration, Brakes · UT

Consumer states front rotors continue to warp after (2) replacements. When ever the truck hits a bump while traveling 50 MPH or above will shake violently. Owner is concerned about controlling the truck when this happens. *jb also the upper and lower ball joint was loose which was causing the steering wheel to shake, the transfer case was loose, the gasket and thermostat was replaced due to a coolant leak, cruise control was inoperative, the air condition and heater only blows at defrost vents, the rear luggage rail came out.

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · PA

Vehicle was at dealer for brake service. Mechanic determined that tie rod sleeve was disconnecting and had to be replaced.

Filed Jan 28, 2002 · Body, Engine · MI

There is vibration in the steering wheel. Gears are stuck when trying to change gears. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak steering wheel does not lock. Consumer feels vibration in steering wheel, gas pedal, passenger door, gear shift, and passenger seat, consumer hears a noise that sounds like it is coming from the rims. Air conditioner switch needed reset. Hood is out of line, drivers side door panel needs replacing and there is a gap at the top of the outside. Engine light is illuminated. Glove box light went out. Upper ball joint was replaced.