The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lower control arm ball joint can separate due to loss of lubrication.
The risk
Separation of the ball joint could cause a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
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. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-201 (97V201000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) |
| Component | Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint |
| Report date | November 13, 1997 |
| Owners notified | December 15, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 599,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 1995 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1996 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1997 Chrysler Cirrus
- 1995 Chrysler Sebring
- 1996 Chrysler Sebring
- 1997 Chrysler Sebring
- 1995 Dodge Stratus
- 1996 Dodge Stratus
- 1997 Dodge Stratus
- 1996 Plymouth Breeze
- 1997 Plymouth Breeze
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the suspension
- 1995 Chrysler Cirrus suspension problems 40
- 1996 Chrysler Cirrus suspension problems 18
- 1997 Chrysler Cirrus suspension problems 6
- 1995 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems 46
- 1996 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems 85
- 1997 Chrysler Sebring suspension problems 36
- 1995 Dodge Stratus suspension problems 24
- 1996 Dodge Stratus suspension problems 32
- 1997 Dodge Stratus suspension problems 19
- 1996 Plymouth Breeze suspension problems 14
- 1997 Plymouth Breeze suspension problems 14
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-201 repair free?
Yes. Chrysler dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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. If the cover seal leaks or the boot is damaged, the lower control arm will be replaced.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 599,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.