2008 Jeep Patriot FWD: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jun 27, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 75,000 miles · IL

I've been informed by my mechanic that my subframe on the ground end is rotted out and will probably crack in half in less that s year. I keep replacing ball joints and control arms because the frame is so weak it is starting to bow and cause everything to become out of alignment. This car only has 75000 miles on it and never off road. Chrysler corp told me its probably time to buy s new car. This car is s major safety hazard to me and my small children. Hopefully no one gets killed or seriously injured before they see a problem.

Filed Oct 2, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 28,500 miles · OH

Passenger ball joint / lower control arm shot at 28,500. Jeep won't take care of the problem!

Filed Mar 27, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 46,000 miles · OH

I only have 46,000 miles on my 2008 jeep patriot and I already need both front lower ball joints replaced and the left and right tie rods. I have never done any type of off-roading in this vehicle, it's only been driven on the street. I'm am very unhappy with this, it's unacceptable to make something so cheap on a vehicle!

Filed Jan 24, 2013 · Suspension · 48,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep patriot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she heard a popping noise from the passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that both bottom ball joints would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 48,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2013 · Suspension · 38,955 miles · IL

Wife drives a 2008 jeep patriot that has 38,955 miles on it and when taken in for oil change and vehicle inspection was told that the left lower ball joint was in need of replacement. Cost would be close to $400.00 to replace that component. Being frugal and wanting a second opinion we took the vehicle to another shop, reputable and very good, to have a look see. They confirmed that the ball joint was worn out and required replacement and was causing the alignment of the car to be out of specification. Upon further inspection they also found that the right rear tow link was completely rusted out and missing which caused that wheel to be out of alignment and was providing a significantly bad wear situation for the tires. Seems to us that after only driving this vehicle for less than 40,00 miles that these components should still be in working condition. After paying a little over $300.00 for these parts to be replaced, I am writing this wanting to know how to recoup this money. Components that control the steering and suspension of a vehicle are vital to safe driving and if they fail catastrophic consequences may ensue. Chrysler jeep should feel responsible and not wait on a catastrophe to occur before they do something to curb and reduce this danger.

Filed Dec 2, 2012 · Engine, Suspension · 88,500 miles · NM

I bought my jeep in sept of 2010, took it for an oil change in dec,2010. Was told I needed to replace the left lower control arm, I was told the patriots were having alot of issues with that part coming out loose straight out of the factory. It makes a loud noise when I drive it. I've had multiple problems including the A/C ,check engine light is on for manifold problem ,transmission problems all within the two years that I've owned it.

Filed Nov 15, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 93,500 miles · OH

At 62k miles I had to replace my driver side lower control arm assembly costing me $300 and no help from chrysler or my dealership. Now at 93k miles and a year and half later, I need both lower control arms replaced. The estimate for them both replaced is $715. That's over $1000 for something that chrysler knows about and does nothing to assist their customers. I purchased this car brand new, even ordered from the factory, using the discount my company has with them, we get the preferred price being a supplier for their bearings and this is the quality I get? Why even put the best bearings in the world on the jeep if you use garbage to support the wheel?

Filed Aug 18, 2012 · Suspension · 58,200 miles · FL

At 58,200 miles, all highway/city driving, the right front lower ball joint on the vehicle went bad. After consulting with multiple owners of the patriot, it seems to be a widespread issue with the vehicle.

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 61,000 miles · NC

Severe steering wheel vibration at elevated speed. Front ball joints shot and cannot be serviced due to design. Replaced front left and front right lower control arms, plus 2 tires with only 11k miles. Problem appears to be sudden/rapid deterioration and catastrophic failure since all 4 tires were replaced at 50k miles with zero evidence of abnormal wear and no steering issues. Vehicle has not been wrecked or driven off-road. Numerous jeep forums and blogs with complaints about the 2008 jeep patriot front suspension. Local jeep dealer service manager claimed never seen this issue before or replaced any lower control arms on this year, make and model. Had work done at independent garage since dealer service manager was apparently not telling the truth or withholding facts.

Filed Jul 15, 2012 · Suspension · 57,072 miles · OH

Had to replace both left and right front lower control arms and ball joints at 57000 miles. And had to have it lined up again. Total cost 980.00 there needs to be a recall.

Filed Jul 2, 2012 · Suspension · MA

2008 patriot failed inspection 1 year after buying it pre-owned lower control arm-$241.52 outter tie rod 74.78 front end repair- 153.00 alignment 79.95

Filed Jun 28, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 32,952 miles · IL

I purchased a used jeep patriot with 32,952 miles on it. Previous owner had been told to replace front lower ball joints. I was told the front wheels could fall off at any time. Dealership replaced them for me along with rotors. Original tires had to be replaced because of defective ball joints, but the new ones are already showing wear.the dealer & 2 other shops said with such low mileage it should not have this problem. After ball joints/rotors were replaced the problem was worse. Not only was a ball joint still bad but I was told that both control arms are bad and need replaced. Now, after being replaced once (now just over 33,400 miles on the jeep) I am told it is not safe to drive over about 40mph because still a wheel could fall off.