The k frame (front cross member) rusted and failed resulting in both a frames and ball joints to also fail. The rack and pinion sterring controls are shifting on the k frame as well. Jeep offers no recalls or extended warranty for this common problem. Loss of steering control presents a hazzard due to substandard metal premature failure. First note of failure was while the vehicle was in motion at about 30 MPH while turning right.
Jeep Patriot FWD ball joint problems
50 of the 171 owner complaints about the Jeep Patriot FWD describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 50
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $694
- typical mileage
- 44,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
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.
Vehicle was presented for new tires at 35000 miles ,, all miles are high way with no off road or beach etc. Mechanic found that both front ball joints/control arms have failed prematurely to the point of making the vehicle unsafe and un drivable until repaired. Reading on line comments this premature failure seems as it is a manufacture defect.
At 21,237 miles, front tie rods and ball joints had to be replaced for a total of $1500. At this amount of miles, this is completely unacceptable. After some internet research, I discovered that this is on ongoing problem in jeep patriots that has not been addressed by chrysler. I was actually told that my car was unsafe to drive without these repairs, and I had been driving it regularly (without any symptoms of problems) and could have been killed in a fiery crash because of chrysler's neglect.
Passenger ball joint / lower control arm shot at 28,500. Jeep won't take care of the problem!
I had my car in to repair a flat tire and the mechanic reported to me that one of the front ball joints needed to be repaired asap.
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!
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.
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.
The dealer has determined the left front ball joint has play in it and replacement is required.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Jeep Patriot FWD ball joint
Which Jeep Patriot FWD years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (27 complaints), 2007 (15 complaints) and 2009 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Jeep Patriot FWD?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $694 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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