There aren't any real events leading to the failure. I took my truck into the local dealership (gary crossley Ford) to have the speed control recall work done. While there I asked to have a state inspection done as well. I was told by the service advisor that the lower ball joint were somewhat loose and would need replacing - so I had them do that as well as flush the transmission as well (this truck only had 62,000 miles on it). Following that it passed inspections - all was well. Not even one month later (possibly only 3 weeks) I tried backing from my parking spot at work and heard a *thunk* from the rear end. Not sure what it was I backed up more and heard it again. Put the truck in drive and there was a rubbing noise from underneath. I parked it and called a tow rig to take it back to the dealer. Upon hearing from them the following day I was told the carrier bearing in the rear end had "exploded" and I'd need to replace most everything in the rear end. Agreed to have the work done. Got a call a day later telling me that problem was fixed, but there was another - the *thunking* was still there and was likely the transmission. Had them check and sure enough, it needed to be replaced as well. Finding out that Ford was going to "cover" part of the transmission repair made me wonder if there weren't underlying problems that I was not, as an owner, alerted to. The truck never had a problem before these, and I've been very uncomfortable with it since.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

: the contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot going 5 mph a loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle. At this time the front suspension dropped down causing an abrupt stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, upon inspection the problem was the passenger's front lower ball joint had snapped off. Repairs have been made, the manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 3/22/2006 -

- Stoystown, PA, USA

While backing out front passenger side collapsed. Driver contacted the dealer, and was informed that the front passenger lower ball joint needed to be replaced.

- Tallahassee, FL, USA

Take a look a my vehicle history, I baby my truck - never used off-road. I have replaced several items that I feel should have been fixed by Ford. I had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. Some parts with defects that were replaced. Most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) I'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. A&B Kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) ABS sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things I can remember right off hand. I've got all receipts. I take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then I just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. Keep inside just as nice. If you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine.

- Cameron, WV, USA

Alignment facility indicated lower right and left ball joints worn at only 56K miles. Took to Ford dealer and verified condition. Most disappointing and dangerous. We would expect better quality and Ford to rectify this at no charge to consumer.

- Treadwell, NY, USA

Front tires started showing extensive wear and a clunck noise when turning/ accelerating at 40,000 miles. Took to local tire store and they showed me that both lower ball joints and the idle-arm are bad and must be replaced. I will be having them replaced next week and getting new tires as well! parts will be available!

- Ridgeville, SC, USA

I have a 2001, Ford F-150, 2 X 4, 4.6L V-8, 64K miles. Nstalled new tires on vehicle. Was informed that wheel alignement could not be guaranteed due to bad lower driver side ball joint. Took vehicle to Ford dealer for second 'expert opinion" was advised both lower ball joints need replacement. This truck has all highway miles, no off road or construction type heavy load use. All joint failure should not occur at this mileage with this type of use. My opinion inferior design, workmanship, or procurement practice by Ford. Seems to be common thread occurence from my research.

- Frenchtown, NJ, USA

During a routine inspection, the mechanic informed the consumer that the front lower ball joints were loose. The dealership did not resolve the problem.

- Hartland, ME, USA

Consumer had to replace ball joints after only 70,000 miles.

- Burt, MI, USA

At 28000 miles, after having my tires rotated, I was informed by the dealer that both lower front ball joints needed to be replaced. At 28000 miles!. vehicle is a 2001 Ford F150 XL pickup truck, 6 cyl. Auto. I feel that there should be a recall and Ford Motor Company be made to replace the defective parts at their expense!

- Danvers, MA, USA

While driving at 55 mph heard a knocking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic noticed that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Woodinville, WA, USA

The front upper and lower ball joints are causing the tires to wear out.

- Independence, MO, USA