2009 Jeep Patriot 4x4: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 29, 2018 · Suspension · 120,000 miles · PA

While driving on a residential road the 2009 jeep patriot's subframe broke. Because of this my vehicle almost lost the passenger tire. Had it been on the freeway I would have been severely injured. After being inspected by the mechanic he has never seen rust this bad and it's much more deteriorated than any other part of the underbody. This is not normal wear and tear. A 9 year old vehicle should not be experiencing this sort of deterioration. The result of this mechanical failure has caused damage to the tie-rod, the suspension, and the control arm. Vehicle is a total loss.

Filed May 25, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 103,000 miles · IL

The front and rear cross bars are severely rusted. My mechanic told me this is rust is not common wear and tear, but a poorly made or chosen part by my manufacturer, jeep / chrysler. He said my vehicle is unsafe to drive until this is fixed. While the cross bars are covered under an extended warranty the bolts and control arms (also severely and dangerously rusted) are not. I am out thousands of dollars because jeep was too cheap to choose a quality part. My VIN is [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 3, 2017 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · PA

Second front lower control arm ball joint separation. This one, drivers side. Recent past was the passenger side. Mileage less than 50,000. Vehicle is just going in for repair -the federal safety agency may want to claim the suspension bolt ~ evidence in mode of failure. Cross bolt appears separated ('over torque' or 'bending flexural failue' or grade (brittle failure). This failure (10 MPH slow turn). Higher speed could have lead to severe accident. Contact [email protected] for information.

Filed May 12, 2016 · Body · 20,800 miles · OH

2009 jeep patriot 4x4, 20,800 miles bad enough I had to replace the front left lower ball joint at this low mileage, but while in the shop my mechanic calls me to inform me that the k-frame is rotted out and needs to be replaced. A k frame or cross member on a car is the part of the car's frame bolted beneath the underside of the vehicle. The k cross member, which features engine mounts, is used to support a longitudinally mounted transmission. The k frame enables better handling and alignment with respect to suspension. He tells me to call the dealer and that it should be under warranty. I call two dealerships without a return phone call and then call chrysler. Nope, not covered under warranty and they are unwilling to assist in the cost to repair. Did I mention it only has 20,800 miles?

Filed May 19, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · 35,100 miles · VT

Brought my vehicle for brakes and inspection and received a call from the garage saying I needed to replace all 4 ball joints. They said the left front one was extremely loose and barely hanging on. I researched the web and found many incidents of bad ball joints on this vehicle with an explanation from local dealer shops that there was a bad batch installed initially. The repairs cost me over $700 because the 3 year warranty had run out even though the mileage is still within range. Jeep knows its an issue and hasn't responded with a safety recall. Are they just waiting until an accident happens with death resulting before they act?

Filed Oct 21, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 21,000 miles · AE

At less than 370000 miles, (just out of warranty) I noticed a clunking and rattling noise from the front driver side of my 2009 jeep patriot. After a few days it spread to the passenger side front. When taking off or braking, especially around 5-10 MPH, the clunking is really loud. I drove to chrysler in wiesbaden, germany, and informed them that I believe it was a lower ball joint making the noise on both sides. Later they called me and said I was right, and they do not do ball joint repair, they replace the control arm. Makes sense, I am a mechanic, sae certified, working at a repair facility. The customer service manager also said I needed a cv boot on the passenger side. Cost of a control arm (part only-600 euro!!. Cost of a cv boot, just a piece of rubber, 201 euro. Parts only. Total cost with parts and labor would have been 1,060 euro, about 1200 us dollars for one side only. I did not allow them to rob me, so I ordered both sides, control arms, cv boots, inner and outer tie rods complete. I installed them with the help of my supervisor using manufacturer's data to torque all bolts and nuts. Parts used were chrysler USA parts. The replacement parts started making the same noises the same day. Chrysler needs to recall these cars and manufacture a fitting part. The material is too cheap for such a heavy car. So, no warranty, no recall (nobody died yet!) and no cooperation from chrysler.

Filed Jun 16, 2012 · Suspension · 12,000 miles · IN

Left and right ball joints/control arm inspected by dealer technician during routine tire rotation, and found to be worn out and at risk of failing. Parts replaced by dealer while still under 3-year warranty.

Filed May 24, 2012 · Suspension · 37,325 miles · OH

With a low mileage of 37,325, both original front ball joints needed to be replaced. Majority of the accumulated mileage is highway driving and there is only one driver. After gradually noticing a rocky ride, I made a mechanic's appointment for a diagnosis of the problem. The experienced mechanics diagnosed the ball joint defect. The mechanic called the jeep dealership to price jeep parts and was told two complete arms would have to be purchased to complete the ball joint repair. The condition of the broken ball joints showed excessive play. This is my second jeep vehicle; the first vehicle was a jeep cherokee 4x4 that did not have this problem with low mileage.