NHTSA Complaint #11541967 — 2011 HONDA ACCORD

*What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Replace both front lower ball joints with proper front alignment as advised in TSB: Replace both of the front lower ball joints with updated service parts made to address this specific symptom. If the ball joints were previously replaced, then replace both front knuckle assemblies. *How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Faulty defective front lower ball joints installed on the vehicle that is considered a safety risk according to the certified Honda service tech that inspected the vehicle. Certified Honda service technician advised ball joints could separate from the front knuckle allowing the suspension to separate from the wheel while vehicle is in motion that could result in potential injury or possible death. Safety of others may be at risk due to other owners may not be aware of the TSB bulletin and vehicle may not reproduce noise or problems due to internal/external factors. *Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, confirmed by Honda certified service technician. *Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Vehicle was first inspected by Pep boys (could not duplicate the noise and visual inspection passed. Took the vehicle to Honda service for second opinion. Service technician followed TSB procedures to duplicate the confirmed noise and diagnose the problem was related to the TSB bulletin provided by Honda. *Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings, messages or symptoms identified unless the vehicle is in motion during extremely hot temperatures. Visual confirmation fails due to component failure inside the defective part. Vehicle does not always duplicate the noise unless proper conditions are available.