Control arm: lower ball jointRecall 97V-201 · Chrysler and Dodge vehicles
CHRYSLER CORPORATION recall 97V-201 covers 599,000 Chrysler and Dodge vehicles for a control arm: lower ball joint problem, reported to NHTSA on November 13, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V201000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.
The risk
SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 1997.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from July 31, 1994 to July 10, 1997. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURENHTSA