The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Stratus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the front drivers side tire separated from the vehicle, struck the curve and traveled into traffic. The vehicle was later towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised her that the lower ball joints separated from the socket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 09E056000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The failure and current mileages were approximately 116,000. Updated 02/28/13 the lower ball joint and axle were replaced.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

Consumer received recall 97 V 201 000 concerning lower control arm. While driving 10 mph the right wheel collapsed due to lower ball joint failure. Dealer was notified.

- Sterling, AK, USA

My 1996 Dodge Stratus has 37,000 miles. In February 2002 I took it to sears for an oil change. Also asking them to see where oil was leaking (noticed oil on concrete in garage). They said valve cover gasket so I got that fixed for about $72 all along thinking that there were not that many miles driven. And to bad the warranty had just expired. I think it was 5 years or 25,000 miles. Within the next 2 months oil was leaking again. Took it in and end up paying $702 because the head gasket was bad. The mechanic showed it to me and jokingly said isn't it funny how this can be so cheap that it almost was deteriorated and the warranty 5yrs is up. Even though I had not drove 25,000 miles yet. Well the final blow, on Oct 10,2002 I kept hearing a clunk when I made left or right turn. Took it to the rhoden Dodge. We were told that right & left tie rod ends were loose & sway bar links worn & loose(2 tie rods, & 2 ball joints) I asked them to perform an alignment and transmission flush, totaling $779 because what else will break. Well in Jan. 2003 the brakes were on medal another $190. I'm afraid to take it in to the garage. There is only 37,000 miles driven and I am hearing another noise when I turn left and right. When the brakes were fixed they told me they test drove it and heard nothing. Some how it seems that 5 yrs or 25,000 miles is telling me that I should have sold it before that because I think the company knew things would start happening. Is there anything you can do to help me. Please, this car is a lemon with only 37,000 miles.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Lost control of steering because tie-rod balljoint separated from the control arm, nearly causing a crash, vehicle inspected under recall 97V-201 1/7/98, no problem found, owner requesting reimbursement for replacement of right and left tie rod ends.

- Canton, MI, USA