NHTSA Complaint #10225573 — 2003 JEEP LIBERTY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE OTHER MATTERS THAT NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF FIRST. ON APRIL 18, 2008, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED AND WAS RESTING BESIDE THE VEHICLE, HANGING ON BY A THREAD. THE FRONT FENDER, BUMPER, AND WHEEL COVERING ALL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WERE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V460000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT); HOWEVER, SHE NEVER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINTS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 05/19/08. *LJ UPDATED 05/19/08. *JB