There was a recall on the lower ball joints and a local dodge dealership replaced them free of charge. There after loud popping noise continued and the upper ball joint broke. The upper and lower ball joints have been recalled in other states but only the lower ball joint has been recalled in tn. I believe that they need to be recalled in tn also because this is very dangerous. I also believe that they should pay to have this problem repaired on my vehicle.
2003 Jeep Liberty suspension complaints
Page 5 of 16: complaints 101 to 130 of 437, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 09v119000 (suspension: front: control arm) and when contacting the dealer, she was told the parts needed to make the repairs were on backorder and they were unable to secure an appointment for her. The dealer advised placing her on the waiting list and the dealer could not confirm when the part would become available. The contact stated the recall has exceeded a reasonable time for repair. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
Safety recall j17 I have contacted the dealer and ask to order the parts and he said they will call me when the part comes in, that was on 5/21/10, I called back last week and been told the part still was not in. I also been told they only do 1 car per week, if that is a safety issue, why does it take so long?
While making a left turn onto my road from another driveway, my front left tire separated from it's joint, making it unable to drive. The tire was manually tied back in place with a strap and driven to a nearby garage (about 40ft.away.) finally a call was made to chrysler describing the incident. On april 23, 2010 a call was made to a local dealership to replace the recalled parts. I was told that the parts had to be ordered in. When the parts arrive, the dealership would call me to schedule an appointment. As of today, 5/4/2010, I have not received a call to schedule an appointment.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. The contact received recall notice (the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v119000: suspension front, control arm) and upon contacting the dealer was told that they only received one set of parts per week. The contact was informed that he was number five on the dealers waiting list, which meant he would not be able to have vehicle repaired for at least another five weeks. The manufacturer was contacted but would not provide any further assistance. There were no failures at this time. The current mileage was 130,000. Updated 07/01/10 *bf the consumer stated he still has not heard from the dealer or chrysler. Updated 07/02/10.
On 08/03/09, I had my 2003 jeep liberty towed to my local 5-star chrysler dealer (mileage = 148520). The right front ball joint had broken while I was making a turn in the parking lot. The tow truck driver had to pull my vehicle up onto the flatbed, as it was not possible to drive it, not even a few inches. During the loading of my vehicle onto the flatbed of the tow truck, the right front axle had come apart from the wheel. The service department had completed the necessary work to put my vehicle back together and indicated that it was all taken care of under the recall that was in the system. I had not known about the 2nd recall. I took my vehicle to the dealer for an oil change & courtesy vehicle inspection on 10/07/09 (mileage = 151838). The courtesy inspection indicated that the "suspension/steering" was "checked and ok." on 12/23/09, I took my vehicle to the dealer for an oil change & courtesy vehicle inspection (mileage = 158083), and I indicated that the right front wheel had begun making a weird noise again. I was told that it was it was fairly common, especially if the housing got wet inside. The courtesy inspection indicated that the "suspension/steering" was "checked and ok." on 03/19/10, I had my vehicle towed to the dealer (mileage = 161533) because it felt like I had a flat tire while I was driving, although there was nothing wrong with the tires. It ended up that the right front axle had to be replaced. At first I was told the damage was due to "normal wear & tear" and "high mileage." as they began looking at it more closely, they commented that they had not seen one this badly damaged. It was repaired & ready for pick up on 03/31/10. I am in the process of finding out more information on the right front suspension issues because I do not see how after all the "inspections," it went from being "ok" to being told that they had not had one come in that was that badly damaged.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the front end collapsed with separation of the front driver wheel axle. There was no prior warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician stated the failure was identical to a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v119000 (suspension: front: control arm). The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH the front suspension dropped causing the frame to sit on top of the tire. The contact towed the vehicle to a local mechanic and they discovered that the front lower ball joint was broken. The mechanic notice a recall for the suspension;front;control arm but the vehicle VIN number was not included in the recall. The contact stated if the vehicle was traveling at a higher speed the vehicle would have caused a crash. The contact feels the manufacturer should be responsible for the repairs. The failure mileage was 95,000.
We purchased a 2003 jeep liberty on december 4, 2002, in kent, ohio, that was manufactured in november 2002. We have lived in akron, ohio, continuously since 2002. We drive the jeep in the eastern suburbs of cleveland, ohio, very frequently to visit family and to take our son to school. Ohio is a salt belt state, and akron and the eastern suburbs of cleveland experience significantly more snowfall during the winter than other areas of ohio due to lake effect. The right front upper control arm assembly became loose, almost to the point of failure, and was replaced on april 26, 2008, at our cost of $597.87. On december 17, 2007 the federal safety agency opened preliminary evaluation pe07-q62 for 2002 -2003 jeep libertys based on complaints of front suspension upper ball joint separation. On april 7, 2009, chrysler notified the federal safety agency that '[t]he front suspension upper control arm ball joint [of 2003 jeep libertys] may experience a loss of lubrication which can lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation while driving[,]' and agreed to 'conduct a safety recall to replace the front upper control arm assemblies on all affected vehicles.' additionally, chrysler stated that '[t]he vast majority of these alleged separations occurred in salt belt states. A review of some returned parts indicated compromised sealing, loss of lubrication which resulted in corrosion, accelerated wear and separation.' however, chrysler has refused to reimburse us for replacement of the failed front upper control arm assembly because it was manufactured in november 2002 and not between may 2002 and september 30, 2002, even though it is the same part, manufactured on the same assembly line with the same materials, and chrysler admitted that '[n]o root cause for this increase in the rate of separation during this five month build window in 2002 has been determined.' we request that the recall be expanded to include jeep libertys manufactured in november 2002.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions. There was a loud noise outside of the vehicle, followed by an excessive vibration. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The vehicle resumed operation exhibiting continuous failures. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The failures were contributed to the upper control arm ball joint. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v119000 (suspension:front:control arm). The contact experienced the identical failures as mentioned in the recall. However, the VIN was excluded from the recall defect. The vehicle was repaired for the malfunction. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Drove into a driveway with a bump up of about 6 inches, and suffered a catastrophic failure of the right hand upper ball joint causing loss of steering control, in my 2003 jeep liberty limited. Recall work for lower ball joints was completed june 28, 2007. Upon inspection, upper ball joint had lost all lubrication (seals/bushings rotted) and joint was severely pitted and rusted. I pulled the ball joint and am attempting to replace it. However, local chrysler dealer only sells the entire upper control arm (incl. Bushings and ball joint) at $215 per side.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While attempting to accelerate out of a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and could not be moved. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the upper ball joint separated. The current and failure mileages were 81,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While driving 30 MPH in the process of a turn, the front passenger side control ball joint suddenly snapped. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 128,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While driving less than 60 MPH, the front driver's side of the vehicle collapsed and knocked the tire off the rim. The vehicle slid 100 yards, tearing the tire and wheel until the vehicle came to a stop on its own. The dealer stated that the ball joints could have been a factor in the failure. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 06v288000 and 03v460000. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were less than 105,000.
On friday june 12th, 2009, my wife was driving our 2003 jeep liberty home. After stopping for a stop sign, she turned to the left and immediately the upper front ball joint gave way.(it was completely rusted on the inside) the jeep has 42087 miles on it. Fortunately my wife was going very slow, otherwise there is no telling how severe an accident could have occurred. Chrysler/jeep said that there has been no recalls on this particular model, yet I found a april 15, 2009 posting on the internet saying that there have been recalls for the upper control arm ball joints (recall n. J17) on models sold in the "salt belt states". We are in pennsylvania. I've had the part replaced but would caution other jeep liberty owners about a potentially serious problem.
2003 jeep liberty limited. Due for inspection may of 2009. Failed to pass inspection due to front lower ball joints. Next day, received notice in the mail regarding recall of front lower ball joints (the recall was issued in 2006, I found out later, but this was the first I was notified). Called dealership (don white's of timonium) regarding recall, was told it would take a few days to receive parts, but still within the month of may, told that they would call in a few days with more exact dates. Canceled appointment that I had previously made to have ball joints replaced, since recall would repair the parts free of charge. Never received phone call, so placed call myself to dealership, told it would be several weeks to receive parts as they were on back-order. I then placed call to chrysler to investigate huge delay on recall parts (may 26th). I was told that they were on back-order, but chrysler would arrange for a rental (free of charge) while I waited for the parts to arrive. I was told they would call me in 3 to 4 days with the car rental information. Never received phone call. Called chrysler again on june 1st, was told to wait another day. Called back the next day (today) and was informed that the dealership never ordered the parts and that chrysler needed to "investigate" further before I could be issued a rental, if I would get one at all. Now the inspection has expired on the jeep and I am left with an unsafe vehicle. I still have to work and cannot afford a rental for what could amount to a month or more.
On several occasions my car has stalled. Prior to it stalling it would have power surges, backfire, the RPM needle would go crazy, and then just shut off loosing all power to brakes and steering. Stalling would occur mostly at lower rates of speeds (under 50mph). It wouldn't turnover immediately. I would have to wait 20 to 25 seconds each time and then it would start, almost as if the system resets itself. It's pretty scary when you have to young children and your on a freeway and your car all of a sudden stalls. The second problem I'm having is a very loud noise coming from the rear end. I pointed my side mirror down towards my backtire. I watched as the rearend made a load cluncking noise and it was as if the back tire was being pushed outwards. The third problem is my passenger side rear window just dropped into the door. The motor still works I can hear it. And last but no least my left turn signal blinks extremely fast and then sometimes it doesn't. My car is currently at the jeep dealership. I think it's kind of funny that the guy wants to charge me $200 to investigate the problems I'm having to find out what it is. Thanks to everyone's complaints I can call him and tell him the problems, as if he didn't already know. Goodluck to everyone.
Start with a noise when I push brakes and after two weeks the left ball joint snap and left side was wreck (paint, bumper) now I'm afraid this thing happen with right ball joint.
Upper ball joints worn to the point the vehicle was considered unsafe by jeep dealership.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. Approximately two months after purchasing the vehicle, the contact heard a noise in the front end of the vehicle. She took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that the ball joints were the cause of the failure. She was unsure if it was the upper or lower joints that needed repair. The dealer repaired the vehicle for free in july of 2006. In january of 2007, the contact received a recall notice for the ball joints and the dealer stated that the issue was previously repaired. Three days ago, while making a right turn, the contact could not move the vehicle. She exited the vehicle and noticed that the front driver's side wheel was tilted outwards. The vehicle was towed to another dealer and they stated that the upper ball joints needed to be repaired. The contact would have to pay for the repair. The vehicle is still at the dealer. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Right front upper ball joint getting close to separation.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While driving 10 MPH in reverse, the contact heard a loud noise and then the front passenger tire collapsed. The dealer stated that the upper ball joints fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local repair shop and the upper ball joints are currently being repaired. The manufacturer would not assume financial responsibility for the repair because there were no recalls available. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 57,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While driving 25 to 30 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left. The ball joints failed and caused the tires to flatten. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. He filed an incident report with chrysler. He has pictures of the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 46,000.
Upper ball joint broke while pulling into my drive way. Had it broke only minutes earlier it would have lead to a serious accident.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. When the contact took the vehicle to an auto shop for routine maintenance, he was informed that the rubber boots on the upper control arm ball joints were severely torn and needed to be replaced. The dealer recommended that the ball joints be replaced. They also stated recently that the part was on national back order and could not advise him of the date of availability. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were approximately 34,600.
While driving slowly across a bridge, my upper ball joint disconnected causing the passenger side front tire to fall off. No apparent warning that vehicle was in need of repair. No one was injured. Had vehicle towed and control arm: upper ball joint replaced. The lower ball joints were replaced on 12/29/2006 due to the recall in 06' of the lower ball joints -- it appears the upper ball joints have the same issue. My concern now is when will the other side go bad? Hopefully I won't be traveling at a high rate of speed when the other side goes, because I fear the outcome. It only had 61,000 miles at the time -- can I assume the side that was repaired is safe to drive another 61,000. It's not worth putting my life and/or others in danger. How can chrysler assure me that it is safe? I feel this is a dangerous and premature failure of this part and should be covered by chrysler, just for safety alone.
2003 jeep liberty - lower ball joints replaced on recall notice now I have been advised that the upper ball joint needs replacing. I have read that this is a known problem but no recall has been implemented yet.
Making a left turn the upper ball joint separated stranding vehicle in the roadway until tow truck arrived, upper ball joint was replaced with oem part by a local dealer along with control arm which had been damaged. The same ball joint shows signs of wear not allowing proper front end alignment also pa state certified inspection garage stated vehicle wouldn't pass yearly inspection at given state and is unsafe to drive. Ball joint was replaced approximately 17 months ago with 17000 mile added to vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 jeep liberty. While driving various speeds, the contact heard noises coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. The failure began in april of 2008 and occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to two mechanics and they stated that there were no failures. Approximately two months later while driving, the driver's side upper ball joint failed. The lower ball joints were replaced a few years ago. The current mileage was 104,000 and failure mileage was 102,000.
On june 19, 2008 I was driving on a major highway when the vehicle started to make a loud noise from the rear and 10-15 minutes later I heard a loud thump and the car stopped, I had to roll to a stop an the side of the hwy...when I looked under the car the rear axle had fallen. The jeep has had a rear noise for sometime now. I took it in and was told that the rear axle needed oil it was completely dried up and the metal has been grinding which is why the noise was there. I asked why was there no oil and everyone looked surprised and did not have an answer. Never heard of that, I was told that metal particles where in the oil pan and that the noise will continue but that there was no danger. Months later I took the car back to have that same rear axle oil changed and was told that I do not need to do that again. Now 6 months later the cars axle falls out. What is up with that. I have been driving for over 30 years and have owned varies vehicle which I have driven over 230,000 miles and never had the oil in the axles replace. Why did this happen to my vehicle? What can I do? I am 4 months shy of paying off this vehicle. What a joke.
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