Dodge Avenger 1995 - Suspension - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Dodge Avenger 1995

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Defect investigations
Consumer Complaints

Recalls

Campaign	Manufacturer	Manufacturing date	Type	# of units affected	Date Owner notified Mfg	Recall Initiated by	Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products	Report Recieved Date	Record Creation Date
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
99V066003	DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 06/16/1994 to 06/30/1996	V (Vehicle)	165857	08/02/1999	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	04/05/1999	04/26/1999
Defect Summary	Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. if the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude.
Consequence Summary	This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will inspect the rubber boots, and if the boot is damaged, they will replace the lower lateral arm and ball joint on the affected vehicles.
Notes	Owner notification began august 2, 1999. 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 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
00V421002	DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION	from 07/01/1994 to 02/28/2000	V (Vehicle)	393796	05/21/2001	ODI	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	12/18/2000	03/12/2001
Defect Summary	Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. if the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.
Consequence Summary	This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. this campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints. ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.
Notes	Owner notification began may 21, 2001.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 daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Item no.	Summary	Added
SUSPENSION
020299	04/09/1999	604970	Vehicles exhibiting front coil spring creaking, popping, or squeaking. *tt	05/21/1999
SUSPENSION - FRONT
022294	12/01/1994	37794	Right steering drift or lead during normal straight-line driving. *tw	02/07/1995

Investigations

NHTSA ID	Manufacturer	Date open	Date close	Subject	Recall campaign
SUSPENSION
RQ00015	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	08/02/2000	04/20/2001	LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT	00V421001
	There is no summary currently available
PE99008	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	02/01/1999	04/13/1999	BALL JOINT	99V066001
	Allege failure of front ball joints may cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle as the front suspension collapses on one side.this loss of control increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
RQ00015	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	08/02/2000	04/20/2001	LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT	99V066004
	There is no summary currently available
RQ00015	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	08/02/2000	04/20/2001	LOWER CONTRTOL ARM BALL JOINT	00V421002
	There is no summary currently available
PE99008	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	02/01/1999	04/13/1999	BALL JOINT	99V066003
	Allege failure of front ball joints may cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle as the front suspension collapses on one side.this loss of control increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
PE99008	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	02/01/1999	04/13/1999	BALL JOINT	99V066002
	Allege failure of front ball joints may cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle as the front suspension collapses on one side.this loss of control increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
PE99008	CHRYSLER GROUP LLC	02/01/1999	04/13/1999	BALL JOINT	99V066004
	Allege failure of front ball joints may cause the driver to loose control of the vehicle as the front suspension collapses on one side.this loss of control increases the risk of a vehicle crash.

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
SUSPENSION
09/01/1999		1
	I own a 1995 dodge avenger has same problem as 2000-2003 dodge durango, ball joints. i would like my vehicle included in the recall. bf the consumer stated the recall should include the control arm assemblies and compression arms because they suffer premature and undue wear by being compromised by the bad ball joint. the consumer had several suspension componets replaced such as the sway bars and sway bar links. jb
09/15/2003	0
	Suspension&steering--- always has vibration in the front end at 60-70mph brakes--- can't keep brakes under it. have to do brakes and rotors 2-3 times a year
03/15/2003		1
	The right ball joint broke while driving 25 mph. *jb
08/14/1999		1
	Vehicle experienced failure of the recall component prior to notice, resulting in the vehicle dropping on one side when the ball joint came out of socket, damages to other components as well. (99v-066) mjs
06/10/1999
	When vehicle was taken in for service because it would not start, one of the front struts was found to be leaking. the strut will be replaced at owner's cost. please provide any further details. *ak
05/08/1995		1	04/04/1995
	Front suspension failure.
SUSPENSION - FRONT
11/26/2008	142000
	Tl*the contact owns a 1995 dodge avenger. while driving approximately 4 mph, the vehicle spontaneously dropped on the front passenger side. upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the front control arm fractured from severe corrosion, which caused the ball joint to fail. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and he is in the process of notifying the manufacturer in reference to nhtsa campaign id number 99v066003 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the failure and current mileages were 142,000.
10/01/2001		3	09/01/2001
	I have had this car in the shop twice in the last year to replace these ball-joints that were supposedly replace last august before i owned it. that means the recall has been done twice already and needs to be done again. what's the point in replacing a junk part with another junk part. *ak
03/10/2001		1	06/01/1995
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
04/01/1999			04/01/1999
	Vehicle is pulling to the right on straight driving. *ak
04/01/1999
	While driving and making turns wheels would grind. *ak
		1	04/01/1998
	Alarm continually goes off, defroster will not work unless the a/c is activated in the front and rear inadequate defrosting, suspension shaked due to bad bushings. other things have occurred as well - too much to keep track of. *mjs
08/01/1997			06/12/1997
	Front end rattles. also replaced tied rod end.
		1
	Front end misaligned.
06/12/1995		2
	Rear of vehicle is designed too high, impairing visibility.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM

	Lower latteral ball joint was recalled, and the other identical ball joint allows water/debris to get inside. this ball joint is located right behind ball joint that was recalled. owner states that ball joint fell out of socket. owner still has the part, and wishes to send the part to nhtsa. please describe details. *ak
10/01/2001		3	09/01/2001
	I have had this car in the shop twice in the last year to replace these ball-joints that were supposedly replace last august before i owned it. that means the recall has been done twice already and needs to be done again. what's the point in replacing a junk part with another junk part. *ak
03/11/2002
	While driving at 20-25 mph driver's side ball joint broke, and consumer could not control vehicle. prior to this, consumer had taken vehicle to dealership to get recall repairs done for ball joint problems, but what they fixed was passenger's side ball joint.*ak

	Lower control arm was defective. took vehicle to dealer and ball joints broke completely off. please provide vehicle indentification number, and any further information. *ak
08/27/1999			01/01/1998
	Ball joints; driveshaft; lower lateral arms
04/28/2001		1	06/01/1998
	Ball joints on recall in 1999, had checked, did not fix , said was fine. on 4 28 01, ball joints fell out axle broke and tire fell off while driving...contacted chrslyer on recall part, was told mine was fine..just a ware item that needed to be replaced, now there is another recall on said part...chrslyer refused to fix mine in may of 01...now the same part i just had fixed is on recall..i spent a lot of time and money getting my car fixed and body damage has not been completed..my complaint is...chrysler is at fault and should be held resposible for this entire situation. *ak
01/08/2001		1
	Consumer received recall notification for ball joints, repair of ball joints was done before notification went out, consumer was denied reimbursement by manufacturer stating consumer did not meet required conditions of recall, due to the fact that maufacturer contacted the mechanic that performed the work, and mechanic stated that ball joints were damaged due to accident which did not happen, consumer is appealing for reconsideration for reimbursement stating there was some type of misunderstanding, between the mechanic and manufacturer. *jb
02/09/2000
	While traveling on a normal road at 40 mph ball joints broke, causing loss of control. no other damage or injury reported. dealer notified. *ak
07/11/1998			07/11/1998
	Supsension problem/ball joints, vehicle is squeaking due to warped rotors, since purchase. ak ml
09/23/1999		1	08/08/1998
	Ball bearing joint failed when turning onto the highway vehicle began to shake then it suddenly dropped to the ground causing consumer o loose control of the vehicle. nlm
02/12/1999
	Consumer was driving over a speeding bump in a parking lot when front driver's side wheel separated from the vehicle. ball joint broke, breaking off from the lower control arm and the axel shaft. *ak
12/18/1997		1	04/28/1995
	Ball joint broke and fell off.
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM
	75000	2
	Consumer stated that the inner lower control arm has worn out prematurely. this is the second time that consumer has had to replace component. first failure occurred at approximately 75000 miles. manufacturer has extended the warranty for the outer control arm, but not the inner one.*ak

	Lower control arm was defective. took vehicle to dealer and ball joints broke completely off. please provide vehicle indentification number, and any further information. *ak
08/27/1999			01/01/1998
	Ball joints; driveshaft; lower lateral arms
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
08/18/2006	100000	1	04/14/2006
	Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had a nhtsa recall # 99v066003, regarding the suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint that was not performed. the vehicle was at the dealer for 90 days and did not express why the recall was not performed. the manufacturer was aware of the problem.
09/12/2005	159000	1	08/03/2004
	Dt: the caller received a recall letter concerning lower ball joint failure. she took the vehicle to dealer last wednesday, and the dealer had it for a week and nothing was done to the vehicle. she called the dealer every day. they told her they were waiting for a manager to approve the work. manufacturer has not been contacted yet.*ak
08/12/2005	109478	1
	Normal use of the car....driving around town etc........the left front wheel bearing came loose and the wheel/tire assembly came off the car and car came down on the wheel causing fender damage. replaced both lower ball joints at the automotive shop to avoid any more loss of car control. old part is available. *nm
		1
	Vehicle was repaired under recall#00v421002 concerning lower ball joint boot. a problem was found with the lower ball joint after the repairs were done, and the ball joints have to be replaced again. *ak
04/19/2002	154756	1
	Vehicles drive shaft dropped to the road while driving. this failure was experienced prior to notification (recall # 99v006003 or 00v421002). the consumer requested reimbursement but was denied. the manufacturer stated the consumer had not met the required conditions of the recall. nlm jb
09/02/2002		1
	Consumer states that while making a turn the lower ball joint snapped and broke. causing the tire to fall off. nlm
09/14/2002
	Ball joints failed, even after consumer had vehicle at dealer's to get recall 00v421002 repairs done. contacted dealer, and dealer stated that recall was done, but remedy did not work. please provide further information. *ak
08/31/2002
	Lower ball joint on the right side broke while turning. manufacturer was notified. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
		2
	There was a ball joint recall twice but both times the dealer stated that there was nothing wrong and did not fix it. later on the ball joints failed. (recall # 99v-066/00v-421) *yh
10/10/2000		1
	Prior to recall,(967) upon making a left turn, the vehicles passenger side front balljoint broke, when the ball joint broke it caused damage to the front axle, the fork and the front airdam was cracked, consumer was denied reimbursement.*jb
		1
	Consumer scheduled recall repairs and took the vehicle to the dealer. dealer stated that they would need to hold the car all day, even though it clearly states on the recall notice that it will take approximately 2 hours for the repairs. consumer would like to be compensated for the car rental that was rented for that day. *yd
02/21/2002
	Nhtsa recall 99v421002/ manufacturer's recall 967 ; front wheel came off while driving, causing vehicle to run into the wall. independent mechanic shop confirmed that accident was due to defective ball joints. dealer was notified. please provide more information. this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. *ak
		1
	Consumer scheduled recall repairs and took the vehicle to the dealer. dealer stated that they would need to hold the car all day, even though it clearly states on the recall notice that it will take approximately 2 hours for the repairs. consumer would like to be compensated for the car rental that was rented for that day. *yd
10/12/2001
	While driving 45 mph left wheel turned. lower ball joint broke. dealer had performed recall 00v421002 around jan. 2001. but, did not replace ball joints. *ak
10/10/2000		1
	Prior to recall,(967) upon making a left turn, the vehicles passenger side front balljoint broke, when the ball joint broke it caused damage to the front axle, the fork and the front airdam was cracked, consumer was denied reimbursement.*jb

	Recall 00 v 421 02 lower ball joints. consumer contacted dealer, heart of texus dodge, austin, tx 512-406-7035, and was informed that parts were on back order. please provide additional information.*ak
05/27/2001
	While driving 25 mph a bolt from lower control arm and ball joint fell off. this caused wheel to come of vehicle, and consumer lost control. contacted dealer. *ak

	While turning left onto highway vehicle locked up and hit curb. this was due to lower ball joint failure. *ak
01/09/2001		1
	The vehicle's left control arm failed prior to recall # 99v-066. the consumer wants reimbursment. *yh
		1
	Prior to recall notification (99v066003), consumer heard a noise that sounded like a tire blow out and then lost control of vehicle for about 10 seconds, vehicle began moving from side to side causing damage to front bumper. *jb

	While traveling and without any indication lower ball joint broke. please provide further information.*ak
		1	09/01/1994
	Prior to recall 99v066003, the ball joint broke which caused an accident, the dealership is refusing to reimburse for the damages caused by the defective ball joint. *slc
09/01/1999		1
	Ball joint failed prior to recall (99v-066), owner is not happy with the service after it was inspected, the vehicle collapsed into the ground while the driver was trying to park it due to cracked ball joint which the mechanic failed to fix during recall repair. yh
11/29/1999		1
	Dealer did not replace lower arm ball joint per recall #827. as a result the ball joint failed causing the consumer to loose control of the vehicle and slam into a concrete divider thus sustaining bruises. nlm
12/26/1998			11/01/1994
	The sealed ball joints on the right, front were completely void of grease. the ball joints popped out during a lane change and caused the vehicle to skid out of control to the right, across two lanes of heavy traffic. fortunately the vehicles to the right saw the incident and took the appropriate actions to avoid collision. the front of the vehicle dropped to the ground, breaking apart the front grill. the right front tire was turned at a 90 degree angle to the car and caused the fender to bend outward. i noticed a popping sound two days prior to incident and in the morning of 12/26/1998 i had scheduled a mechanic to service the popping noise for the morning of 12/27/1998. the incident occurred two hours after i had scheduled the mechanic to examine and repair the vehicle.
11/21/1999		2	03/01/1995
	While driving at 35 mph the lateral arm and ball joint gave in, resulting in a collision. vehicle has been repaired a year prior to the incident for recall 99v066.oo3/lower ball joint boot. manufacturer has determined that the cause of the collision was the recalled item. *ak
08/18/1999
	There is noise within the lower ball joint. also, when applying brakes at any speed there is a noise. *ak
06/19/1999
	Recall 99v066003; right lower ball joint boot came apart which almost caused a crash. this vehicle is not included in this recall, but has the same problem. please provide further information and vin#. *ak
06/20/1998		2
	While driving vehicle about 50 mph lower ball joint fell out of vehicle without a warning, and causing loss of control. consumer had no idea about the safety deffect. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER ARM
		1
	Vehicle was repaired under recall#00v421002 concerning lower ball joint boot. a problem was found with the lower ball joint after the repairs were done, and the ball joints have to be replaced again. *ak
01/19/2001
	Was driving slowly due to ice. felt something jerk in vehicle. went into a ditch. was towed to mechanic & then a dealership. was informed that upper control arm had broken. it was only a few inches from lower control arm. it had separated from suspension frame. also, rack & pinion steering was cracked, and sunroof will not close or open on tracks.*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT
12/01/1999
	Consumer received recall notice 00v421002 concerning lower ball joints. while traveling on highway felt pressure from wear/ tear of upper ball joints. vehicle shut down, and front of the vehicle went to the ground.*ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
06/10/1999		1	07/01/1995
	Have a leak in one ofthe front struts. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR
02/04/2002		1
	When making a turn in any direction a rubbing noise occurs due to lateral arm joint which could have a potential for loss of vehicle control. *ak the manufacturer refused to cover repairs. scc
08/01/1997		3	05/31/1995
	No unusual conditions or weight exist. dealer suspects that all 3 sets of rear struts that have been installed so far are defective, including the original set. no other explanation provided. fourth set to be installed when received by dealer.