Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
00V421002DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONfrom 07/01/1994 to 02/28/2000V (Vehicle)39379605/21/2001ODICHRYSLER GROUP LLC12/18/200003/12/2001
Defect SummaryVehicle 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 SummaryThis 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 SummaryDealers 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.
NotesOwner 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


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION
991704/12/1999605155Customer may complain of harsh ride, vehicle lead or pull and perceived brake shudder. *tt06/02/1999
02029904/09/1999604970Vehicles exhibiting front coil spring creaking, popping, or squeaking. *tt05/21/1999
SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER
02079906/11/1999020798606164Conditions with light knocking noise from the rear shock area. *tt08/11/1999

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
04/01/2003850002501/31/1999
 Multiple problems with this car since purchase. unknown engine failure problem (dealership was unable to pinpoint problem), transmission sensors failed, rotors replaced 8 times in 4 years, black tar coming from doors, numerous alignment problems, and the big problem - the seat belt buckles keep failing. passenger side replaced by dealership under warranty. driver side now failing as well. huge safety hazard! dealership says car not under warranty.*jb
02/01/1999
 I feel that rick perez auto net dealership has sold me a defective car. 2 weeks after i bought this car i had to return it for several different defects. i have looked up the lemon law and it states that there must be a reoccurring problem. on my car it is several things, some of them have occurred more than once. i had to replace my brakes 6 months after i got the car caused by a vibration from the front end and have replaced them a total of 3 times since i got the car. 1 year after i got the car, had to get new tires put on due to wearing of the treads and losing air in the front tires, again due to the vibration, i paid for that. both of my door handles, driver and passenger side popped completely off of the car during routine entry. my belt always squeaks and had to be replaced twice. my dome light only works when it wants to, and both of my transmission sensors have gone out causing my car to shift improperly or not even shift at all. the drivers seat belt will not stay closed and pops off during driving,(not covered under the warranty now). a black tar substance was getting all over my clothes, finally figured out that it was coming from my door jams, replaced some sealstwice (the tar doesnt come out of my clothes). i have also taken my car several times for the suspension. pulled to the left, all the time thinking that it was an alignment problem. the car has been on the rack many times and the dealership reported that the car was in alignment according to specs. most recently my boyfriend noticed a puddle of oil on the top of my engine and down in the holes where my spark plugs go. i took the car in and the said they were going to have to replace the head gasket and the rear main seal. well, guess what?? they did the repair and now my car is leaking oil in my driveway (it was not doing that before they fixed it). addition i can smell burning oil. my car now has a serious problem during idle and take off, again,this was not happening before.
04/24/20003
 While going down the road about 45mph vehicle jerks violently. it feels like driver is slamming on the brakes, although driver is not applying the brakes at all. also, checked transmission fluid, and noticed that there was fragments of metal pieces. contacted dealer, will have vehicle towed. this is the third time this has happened. the second time it was taken to the dealer, and they replaced transmission on 03-apr-2000, and now it has to go back to the shop. *ak
3
 0n first night driving the vehicle off the lot noticed vehicle pulling to the right. dearel can't duplicate the problem after 3 times. please prove further informaton. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT
06/09/2004890001
 I have a 1999 dodge avenger. i bought the car in 2004 and i had the heads done on it. the transmission started acting up in 2005 and is still giving me problems. sometimes it won't change into second until i turn the car off and restart it. the o2 sensors keep going out. the check engine light is always coming on. i am a single parent and cannot afford to keep fixing this car nor can i afford a new car. the brakes keep wearing out. i am having so many problems out this car that i don't know what to do. the shocks and struts are out. the half shaft is messed up again. i need so help with some of this repairs. chrysler and dodge knew these cars weren't made right now they need to help those of us who have them. *tr
08/06/20011004/01/1999
 My car has pulled to the left constantly and consistantly since the day i bought it. it has been in the dealership over 10 times to correct the problem, all the time thinking that it was an alignment problem. the car has been on the rack many times and the dealership reported that the car was in alignment according to specs. the last trip to the dealership resulted in a camber kit being installed on the front right control arm. the pull is not as prominant , but is still present. the dealership has informed us that there is nothing else they can or will do under warranty.*ak (tiresize: 205/55r16)
08/06/20011004/01/1999
 My car has pulled to the left constantly and consistantly since the day i bought it. it has been in the dealership over 10 times to correct the problem, all the time thinking that it was an alignment problem. the car has been on the rack many times and the dealership reported that the car was in alignment according to specs. the last trip to the dealership resulted in a camber kit being installed on the front right control arm. the pull is not as prominant , but is still present. the dealership has informed us that there is nothing else they can or will do under warranty.*ak
02/07/2001110/22/1999
 Applied brakes at 40 mph, no braking action. pedal went to floor, vehicle still at dealer. *ak the dealer replaced the rotors. the front end vibrates after being repaired. *yh
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT
06/13/200632000101/01/2000
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds there was excessive play in the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to the repair shop who determined the front lower ball joints had separated and needed replaced. the manufacturer was alerted and explained for the contact to call the nhtsa regarding the issue. *nm updated 6/30/2006 - *nm
03/07/200582000110/14/2000
 The manufacturer refused to honor the lower ball joint recall 00v421000 due to their data base, the recall was already performed six months after the consumer bought the vehicle. the consumer never took the vehicle in for a recall because she was never notified. *jb records indicated that there was no owner. *sc *jb
08/01/19992
 Nar 04/07/2003 the consumer has experienced numerous problems with the vehicle as follows the replacement of front struts, defective lower ball joints and as a result a new set of tires had to be replaced. to date two recalls have been issued safety recall# 827 and #967 and the motor company declared that the vehicle did not need to be repaired. after having spent over $700.00 in repairs the consumer is disgraced and wants the problem reviewed also have assistance in paying for repairs that are obviously due to a defect. *cb
106/19/1999
 The part for the ball joint recall was on back order, the consumer has waited 4 months and the part is still not in. nlm
12/06/2000308/01/1999
 Received notice #00v421002. contacted dealership. took vehicle to dealership. had lower ball joints and control arm replaced under recall. currently, remedy has failed 4 months later.*ak this is causing tires to experience uneven wear and lose air. *slc
SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT
08/01/19992
 Nar 04/07/2003 the consumer has experienced numerous problems with the vehicle as follows the replacement of front struts, defective lower ball joints and as a result a new set of tires had to be replaced. to date two recalls have been issued safety recall# 827 and #967 and the motor company declared that the vehicle did not need to be repaired. after having spent over $700.00 in repairs the consumer is disgraced and wants the problem reviewed also have assistance in paying for repairs that are obviously due to a defect. *cb
SUSPENSION - REAR
12/25/1999
 While parked rear end caught on fire. manufacturer has been notified. please provide further details. *ak