The Detroit News reports, "The government has upgraded an investigation into Chrysler LLC's Jeep Liberty following reports of drivers losing control of their sport-utility vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it has received 22 complaints of the upper ball joint separating on either of the front wheels."
According to the NHTSA's summary of its findings, "The separation of an upper ball joint on either of the front wheels can result in the affected front wheel collapsing, possibly resulting in vehicle disablement and causing a loss of vehicle control." The investigation focuses on 2002 and 2003 model year Liberties with four-wheel drive.
Edmunds Inside Line explains that upgrading an investigation "is often the step that precedes a vehicle recall." Suspension joints have been a recurring problem on Liberty SUVs. The model "has been recalled two other times from the same model years to fix a front suspension lower ball joint that had a tendency to loosen." Chrysler says it is conducting its own investigation of the claims.
If you own a Liberty, there is no need to wait for the red tape of a formal recall to take action. We strongly recommend that you have the ball joints inspected.
Read about the current Liberty, and its competition in the affordable small SUV class, with U.S. News' car rankings and reviews.
Comment Submitted
Thanks for your contributing! Your comment has been submitted and will appear shortly.
Post another comment