Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2000 Chrysler Cirrus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would shake and the vehicle was difficult to keep in the lane. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound while driving over bumps in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ball joints were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
While driving my son home from school, my 2000 Chrysler Cirrus became disabled due to the right side ball joint snapping off the control arm. I had to get my veichle towed and had to replace the right ball joint , the right control arm and also the right side axle. I only own this car 6 months ( 1825 miles) and this was the 2nd major repair I had with this veichles steering conponents ( rack & pinion assy and power steering pump). I found on another website that there is a recall for the control arm:lower ball joint recall id #79830 . Can you please help with this problem or lead me in the right direction. Thank you!
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Cirrus. The contact stated that when attempting a turn in either direction or parking, there was a loud, abnormal noise from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers who repaired various components on the vehicle. The second dealer repaired most of the suspension including the tie rod. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 85,900.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chrysler Cirrus. While driving 25 MPH, the lower control arm fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were not available.
Both tie rods on the left rear tire broke causing the tire to lock up. Which caused loss of control of the car sending the car into a ditch. Front end of car stopped in ditch and rear then came over landing upside down. None of the air bags empolyed.
At first I heard a squeaking noise that gradually turned into a grinding noise. After having my brake pads replaced and front driver side caliper replaced, the grinding noise turned into a metal on metal grind with a peculiar metal smell which resulted in something ceasing up (only way to describe how tight the tires were rolling and how tight the steering was). It was the lower arm and ball joint separating from each other, all of this was discovered while driving down a city street at a speed of 20 MPH, we were able to access the problem better when we jacked up the front end and removed the tire and brakes on the driver front side.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 42 MPH when the steering wheel became excessively loose. This made it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle independently veered off the road, and crashed into a electric pole, yet the vehicle did not stop. She then crashed into a second pole, jumped a creek and crashed into a tree as the vehicle came to a stop. The air bags did not deploy. The seat belts did not restrain the driver as she plunged into the steering wheel. She then exited the vehicle through the driver side window. The driver sustained injuries to the neck, shoulder, chest and a minor concussion. She also suffered short-term memory loss as a result. A police report was available. …
My front tires feel like they are going to break off the vehicle due to the lower ball joints,steering control arm, inner and outer tie rods; accelerates all by itself. Will not lock shifter with key out of ignition. ECM is faulty because it shuts the lights off,turns engine,all lights, off . Unpredictably! Seat belts do not engage when stopping. If I were to be critically injured because of malfunctioning of said vehicle? Who would take responsibility of my safety and well being? This all happens while operation of vehicle. Traveling on the freeway at 55 MPH. ABS malfunctions as well even when driving 15 MPH.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball joint end housing cover seal for leakage with a high pressure air tester and the rubber boot will be visually inspected for damage.
NHTSA investigations
Lower control arm ball joint failure
The manufacturer identifed vehicle owner complaints of the subject ball joint failures as tabulated above.in addition, a total of 72 warranty reports were identified for replacement of broken or cracked ball joint assemblies in the subject vehicles.Chrysler also reported that 1996 and 1997 models are equipped with identical ball joint assemblies as the subject 1995 model year vehicles.a partial response to NHTSA's…
Lower control arm ball joint failure
By letter dated November 6, 1997, the manufacturer advised this agency of its decision to initiate a safety recall campaign of the subject vehicles to correct the defect identified in this ea.the recall will also cover 1996 and 1997 Chrysler cirrus/Dodge stratus vehicles, as well as 1995 through 1997 Chrysler sebring convertible and Plymouth breeze vehicles equipped with identical lower control arm ball joints.an…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler Cirrus years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (40), 1996 (18), 2000 (7), 1997 (6) and 1998 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Chrysler Cirrus suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 97V-201 (lower ball joint, Nov 13, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chrysler Cirrus suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles; 11% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (19 mentions), followed by the front › control arm › lower ball joint (17).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.