This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Consumer took vehicle in to have tires serviced, and was told at that time that their was a recall on his vehicle for the upper ball joint. Consumer had never received any notification. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was given the run-A-round, but they never sent him the recall letter. Now the manufacturer is fusing to send the letter stated that the vehicle has past the mileage.
Consumer had problems with the upper ball joints. Also stated that while driving the upper ball joint separated and the tire fell off. Dealer was contacted. Dealer fixed and knows about the problem but the vehicle was fixed under warranty. Ph wheel and upper ball joints were replaced.
NHTSA# 01 I 018 000 & 01 V 200 000/ball joint separation: Consumer states that the left front upper ball joint separated and causing loss of steering. Dealer contacted and informd that the vehicle was not cover under the VIN#. feel free to provide any further information.
Consumer states ball joints are constantly failing. Consumer has had to replace them twice. A recall was initiated, but consumer's VIN was not included. Related recalls 01V200000 and 01I018000. Right front wheel fell off as a result of the faulty ball joints. There was squeaking noise on turns due to idler arm failure. Front pads worn out and rotors failed, both were replaced.
- Bronx, NY, USA
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Upper ball joint failed while turning into driveway. I went to carrons Chevy dealer in marshall, mi. To see if my Blazer was under a recall since my friends 1996 GMC jimmy is for the problem. It wasn't but get this, there are other's (Blazer's) under recall for the upper ball joint failure with a VIN code before and after my vehicle's VIN code. I believe that they all should. Just before my ball joint failed my family and I were going down the highway at speeds up to 70 mph. I would hate to think what might have happened at that speed if the ball joint had failed. My truck is at a shop now getting fixed at a cost of $180 so far. They have to get up and see what other damage might have been caused by this failure. I know my Blazer has alot of miles on it but I also have a Chevy lumina van with 125,000 miles and a Ford mustang GT with 135,000 miles and I have not had any suspension failure. Thank you for your time.
While driving at approximately 20 mph, there was a noise coming from front of vehicle, and it felt as if there was a flat tire. When attempting to stop, brake pedal went to the floor, and the right front wheel fell off. Dealership examined vehicle and determined that upper control arm/ ball joint snapped. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
While turning into a parking lot the upper ball joint on the driver side broke causing tire to come off the vehicle, the consumer had all four ball joints replaced. Nlm
Vehicle upper ball joint driver side was dry causing vehicle to collapse while driving, pregnant woman sustained physical injuries other passenger sustained neck and back injuries.
While driving, w/O warning right front end collapsed. Appears to be failed upper ball joint. Had regularly lubed every 3K miles. Also damaged front rim by tearing away metal. Very lucky my wife and daughter were not at full speed.
Left upper ball joint broke, the wheel buckled causing ~$1.5K in damage. Dealer points to lack of maintenance. However, the suspension was lubed every 3000 miles - records available. Photos of damaged parts available. Damaged parts removed from vehicle and are available for NHTSA inspection. This type of failure seems to point to design problems compromising safety of this vehicle.
EA99022, front passenger's ball joint broke, which could have caused a loss of steering control. Dealer said the other 3 ball joints, seem like they may break also.
Driving on normal paved road at about 25 mph, right upper ball joint failed, causing wheel to lock and cant at 45 degree angle (top in/bottom out). This caused partial loss of steering control. Had vehicle been moving faster, the likely result would have been a roll and serious injury. Dealer inspected and said that all ball joints needed replacement despite the fact that the lower ball joints were replaced one year earlier (on 15 Sep 98 at 43302 miles). This means that the two lower ball joints were not acceptable after only 22,946 miles). Vehicle has only been used for normal, on-road driving, and has had routine maintenance (including lubrication). This continued and frequent failure of this safety related part implies a serious design defect. I required deeler to supply me with the replaced ball joints should they be needed for inspection.
Front drivers side wheel buckled under while turning left at intersection. Diagnosis was the left upper ball joint was broken. Dealership blamed the breakage on maintenance. However - I have maintenance records which prove that 11 zerks where greased during the 3K mile oil changes. Maintenance records are proven up to 38K. Between 38K and 48K - maintenance was performed my owner - and all zerks where greased based on manufacturers recommended schedule. **background -- over the last 1.5 years before the breakage I had noticed "suspension" noises coming from the drivers side. Clicking - or movement could be sensed from the front. I dismissed it as being wear on the front struts -- obviously that was a mis-interpretation.
While driving at 57 mph both upper ball joints failed, rubbing against tire rim, and causing loss of control. Dealer claimed both front ball joints were worn out and there was insufficient amount of grease.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Manchester, CT, USA