2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 10, 2012 · Suspension · 22,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that the front driver side wheel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who advised the contact that the ball joint failed. The manufacturer was contact and stated that the part was not under warranty, providing no assistance. The failure and the current mileages were 22,000. Updated 11/27/12 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle only has 23,000 miles. A mechanic informed the consumer that this should never have happened at that mileage. The mechanic also stated one ball joint was rusted and pitted and the other black and shinny. Updated 12/10/2012

Filed Jan 26, 2011 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · CO

Lower ball joint on right-front of vehicle is very loose and on the verge of separating, causing loss of left, front tire. Caught before this occurred and am having replaced. Online search shows that this is not uncommon with this model year (http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2005/jeep/grand_cherokee/suspension/problem.aspx) yet it is not being addressed by the manufacturer.

Filed Aug 28, 2009 · Suspension · 46,560 miles · CT

I was driving my 2005 jeep grand cherokee with 46560 miles on the highway when I encountered heavy traffic. Traffic slowed down to a crawl so I turned right to change lanes. As I turned, the left front wheel fell off my vehicle and I could not move. The upper ball joint had completely separated from the socket. I have contacted chrysler and am awaiting a response.

Filed Aug 12, 2008 · Suspension · NY · crash

2005 jeep grand cherokee . The vehicle's front driver side wheel fell off while the consumer was driving. *nj the consumer stated when the wheel fell off, the vehicle slid 180 feet down the parkway, in which the vehicle continually slammed into the concrete divider. Afterwards, the consumer noticed the entire wheel had disconnected from the vehicle. The dealer informed the consumer that there was no grease in the ball joint, which caused the ball part of the joint to grind down like sandpaper, metal on metal, in which the ball slipped out of the socket.

Filed Apr 30, 2008 · Suspension · 56,292 miles · MI

No events lead to failure that can be recalled. The upper driver's side ball joint separated from the knuckle, causing complete loss of control, fortunately, the car was traveling at only 15 MPH. This was witnessed by an oakland county (michigan-home of chrysler headquarters) sheriff. Upon my investigation, I found reference to at least 4 chrysler SUV products with an uncommonly high rate of failure of the ball joints.

Filed Apr 22, 2008 · Suspension · 16,000 miles · TX

Our 2005 jeep cherokee has 16,000 miles on it. I was stopped at a stop light. I made a right turn and in the middle of my turn, the left front wheel fell off. I lost my breaks but because I was going so slow I soon came to a stop. I called lone star jeep chrysler and had it towed to them. A chrysler engineer came to inspect the vehicle and determined I had a collision. In essence they said I was lying. No airbags were deployed and I stated the incident exactly as it happened. The vehicle is still being repaired and it will be at our cost. The dallas morning news has reported today that there has been a history of the upper ball joints separating in jeeps yet chrysler refuses to take responsibility.

Filed Feb 20, 2007 · Suspension · 32,128 miles · MD · crash

When driving in my neighborhood which is a 25 MPH zone I applied brakes lightly after just coming out of a turn. At this time I felt a large pop and I had lost complete control of my steering. I immediately struck a parked car that was sitting in the road. A couple hours after my truck was towed to a local chrysler dealership where a claim was processed and sent in. Two weeks following an adjuster came and looked at it immediately denying my claim. I got a letter in the mail saying it was not a faulty part and it was not chryslers responsibility. The manager at this chrysler dealer stated that he almost got arguing with the adjuster because he claimed my arm was twisted but there was not a single twist in it. I contacted several people and they all have looked at it giving me letters of opinion that this is due to a faulty part. The control arms on these particular models are made out of pot metal which is grounded up recycled metal melted together. Chrysler manufacturer painted them black to give it a cast iron look. The next step was my insurance company, I contacted them, an adjuster came out. My insurance paid for my body damage to be fixed but would not pay for the mechanical parts or the other lady's car because they said it is without a doubt chryslers responsibility. If anyone has had anything like this happen please contact me. I need help with this.