Front passenger tie rod on 2000 Dodge keeps breaking. Have replaced tie rod 4 times, but 2 separate mechanics are telling us that the only reason that tie rods would break repeatedly is because of a defective ball joint. Tie rod has snapped next to ball joint every time. It is already cracked and about to break again. It has resulted in several near accidents for us and once being stranded at a gas station an hour from home. The last time it broke was November 2009. The ball joint is the original that came on the car.

- Springfield, OH, USA

I have had this car since Oct. Of 2000 and about four months later, I was in an auto accident that was the other vehicle's fault. Ever since then my brakes have not worked properly I have taken it to the dealer 4-5 times for vehicle failure to not stop in enough time and pulsating. The first two times I took it to the dealer they claimed the couldn't find anything even with a test drive. The third time they claimed my brakes were bad and replaced the brakes and not the rotors. After that the pulsating was not as noticeable for a few weeks then it was back to the way it was before. I had the dealer check them one or two more times and again they said nothing was wrong. Shortly after that I had a small fender bender due to brakes not stopping my vehicle properly. I have to have my front and rear brakes changed twice a year, the front brakes go like they are made of paper, the rear brakes wear on one side more than the other. My outer tie rod have been replaced twice because they were broken, the rotors have been replaced 3 times. For the past two winters when I first start my car and turn the steering wheel, it screeches so loud and pops I think my tires are going fall off. I have two small children and find this very unsafe. When I have to come to a stop I have to almost stand on the brake pedal to make sure I stop in time. It is not always like this but 90-95% of the time it is and I know that my car is not the only one that this happens to.

- Pottstown, PA, USA

While backing into a parking lot, a loud snapping noise was heard from the driver side front wheel. Upon hearing this noise, the vehicle was unable to move more than a few feet, but was able to be partially parked in the parking spot. Once parked and investigated, the tie rod assembly detached from the driver side front wheel. Car had to be towed; tow truck driver was able to move/drag vehicle approximately 10 feet onto flatbed tow truck. Left outer tie rod was replaced and vehicle front end was realigned.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

Contact owns a 2000 Dodge Stratus. The incident happened on September 28, 2005. Front end tie rod ends came apart from the wheel. Had no warnings signs that anything was wrong with the vehicle. Contact's 171/2 year old daughter went to pick up a friend, while pulling out from driveway the tie rod ends broke. As she was pulling out a friend's father heard the noise of the tie rod end breaking. He checked the vehicle, and told her what was wrong with it. Vehicle was towed to contact's home. In the meantime contact found part available at advance automobile, and contact's husband fixed the tie rod ends. No crashes. No police reports. No fires.

- Westerville, OH, USA

While driving at any speed brake pads wore out excessively. Dealer replaced the front pads and rotors twice. Also, tie rods were replaced twice. However, the problems recurred at this time.

- South Boston, MA, USA

While driving 65 mph, the driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. A loud squeaking noise was heard coming from the driver's side wheel. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced both rotors and other brake parts. The tie rods failed.

- East Watertown, MA, USA

When driving at low speeds there was a clunking noise. Consumer contacted dealer, and they stated that front brake rotors were pitted and chipped. Also, there was a squeaking noise.also, dealer replaced tie rods.

- Hartland, WI, USA