I took my Patriot to the dealer for an oil change. They told me the left front ball joint is loose and the entire lower left control arm needs to be replace for $468. At less than 40,000 miles it is atrocious that these joints are failing. If the ball joint fails, the driver will loose control of the vehicle. Chrysler designed these ball joints so the entire lower control arm needs to be replaced. The is also no provision to add grease to the ball joint so they cannot be maintained. Chrysler should be recalling these vehicles for this safety hazard.

This was my first time purchasing a Chrysler/Jeep product and I purchased my 2009 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x4 brand new. I chose this vehicle over remaining faithful to Ford Motor Co., which was a big mistake! I use my vehicle only to drive back and forth to work in a Correctional Facility that is roughly 30 miles away. I drive on the same 2 state roads that are both newly paved once a year with black top. We don't need to use the vehicle any other time because, we live in a small town that offers everything with in walking distance in town. I don't understand how after only 2 years of owning this vehicle: 1st the upper and lower controls arms in the rear suspension go at the same time and then I have to turn around and replace a front passenger side ball joint and control arm. None of which are covered under either of my warranties (I know because I called the dealership from which I purchased the vehicle). Not only has this little adventure cost me money unnecessarily (over 450.00), right before Christmas (and we have 4 children, 9yrs old and under), but now I have to AGAIN replace brand new tires that had cost me 190.00/ per tire and are costing me again 190.00/ per tire in less than a year because, of a suspension issue, that Jeep seems to be having with all of their Jeeps except supposedly this model, ruining them. SO here we sit during the holidays, with children, thus summing it all up to over $1200.00 in the hole on a new vehicle that I put faith in being reliable. In case you are wondering, I originally took it in to the garage because, my tires were wearing down funny and completely uneven. I am very ticked and I have already decided I WILL NOT be purchasing another Chrysler/Jeep product. I also spoke with the mechanic whom I know personally and I know for a FACT that people have been bringing in their 2007-2011 Jeep Patriots for this same issue BUT, again where is the recall?