Failure of the lower control arm ball joint resulted in high maintenance cost for replacement.

- Emmett, ID, USA

Nar 04/10/2003 the consumer right front upper ball joints of the vehicle were damaged in addition to that both the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. And after having repairs made. With out receiving any notification there had been a recall issued for the vehicle (recall campaign #-01V200000) that cover both the upper and lower ball joints. So the consumer is requesting a reimbursement of approximately $692.84 in replacements.

- Doylestown, PA, USA

While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming through the front end. Vehicle was taken to independent shop, and mechanic determined the need to be replace the upper and lower ball joints. Few months later, dealership replaced passenger's side hub unit at owner's expense.

- Bolton, CT, USA

Recall 01V200000, lower ball joint separation: While consumer was turning into driveway a loud cracking and popping sound was heard. Several days later the lower ball joints separated coming out of the driveway. A recall was issued concerning this problem, but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN.

- Palmyra, NY, USA

Trucks upper/lower ball joints were replaced on 3 separate occasions because of premature wear.

- East Walpole, MA, USA

I took my 1997 Chevrolet Blazer in to my mechanic to have all tires replaced. I was called about an hour later to be informed by him that both lower ball joints were bad, also the idler arm needed replaced. I was informed that there was a re-call some time ago that the manufacturer would replace at no cost to the consumer. After calling General Motors, I was informed that the recall did not include the "VIN #" for this recall.

- Marblehead, OH, USA

Consumer heard screeching noises that came from the wheels. This has been occurring since 2001. It did not duplicate itself when taken to the dealer. However, owner received a letter from the manufacturer about defective ball joint's, but it wasn't a recall letter. Owner did receive a reimbursement check for $400, which was a fraction of what it cost him to have this problem resolved.

- Peru, VT, USA

Upper and lower ball joints needs replaced. Upper ball joints were replaced with the 2001 recall from GM. Vehicle has less than 31,000 miles

- Mt. Holly Springs, PA, USA

While making a left turn the driver could hear a clicking noise. Took to a mechanic and they stated the ball joints needed replacing.

- Mobile, AL, USA

NHTSA 01-I-018-000, this is not a safety recall in accordance with the Safety Act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the Agency. Vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive Chevrolet Blazer, some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. GM is providing a special policy to these owners to cover upper ball joint replacement if the customer followed the recommended maintenance schedule for the chassis lubrication and the vehicle still required the replacement of the upper ball joints due to separation. Consumer has the same problem. Dealer notified.

- Deephaven, MN, USA

While driving there was a loud noise. Lower ball joints and tranfer case have failed.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

The front lower ball joints had to be replaced by the dealer. Ak

- North Huntingdon, PA, USA

GM/Chevrolet cover-up on may, 07, 2003 our 1997 Chevy Blazer was taken in for "recall" work. Wipers, electronic mirrors and ball joints. I might point out that the car only had 51,057 miles on it and ball joints normally last 100,000-150,000 miles easily, with proper care. My husband david, works at parkland natL auto as their machinist (28 years) and oversees the 'shop', hence that is where my vehicle gets its lube, oil and filter work. GM/chev covered all repairs, except the lower ball joints. Theyve refused responsibility, unusual since uppers and lowers all work together. The upper ball joints were shot and the lower ones were absolutely thrashed. Since the car had barely 51,000 miles on it, we felt that GM/Chevrolet should cover all costs due to the use of inferior parts. A week after requesting compensation, we were denied a refund. GM informed us that service manager at gilchrist chev in Tacoma, told them we neglected service and because of his statement they would not help compensate us. We inspected the worn out parts that gilchrist Chevrolet had left in my Blazer. The parts were greasable and still full of grease! the next day (tues. 5/20/03) I went into gilchrist chev to speak directly with the service mgr bob cornet. He personally, that told GM, that regardless of whether or not the ball joints had been maintained, they were shot and required replacement. He claimed he never told them that we neglected maintenance. GM is covering up their use of poor quality components in their vehicles, expecting people like us to foot the bill. They are clear to state that this is not a recall, however they are making repairs for free. Iif youve already paid for covered items they will reimburse. Still they maintain that the lower ball joints are not covered! it's a case of inferior parts being used in the manufacturing process and the costs being passed along to the consumer. The public should know of GM/ChevroletS current practice.

- Roy, WA, USA

The windshield wipers, upper and lower ball joints, idler arm, cap rotor and coil wire were replaced.

- Ripon, WI, USA

Took my 1997 Blazer for pa. State inspection, failed because of corroded lower ball joints...replaced at my expense. Mechanic also advised me to keep an eye on idler arm-looked to be weakening. I later went on dealer website and found a recall notice for upper and lower ball joints for this vehicle. I called dealer and was told my VIN # was not included in recall. Called Chevrolet and was told there was no recall for lower ball joints, only uppers. My mechanic was shocked to see such extreme corrosion on a later model and he said it was so bad he couldn't believe it had not fallen off and caused an accident.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

The vehicle experienced the same defect with the lower ball joint as stated in recall # 01 V 200 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.

- Tamaqua, PA, USA

Vehicle has lose steering, when vehicle hitting a bump it felt real hollow. This was a result of bad lower ball joints.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

Need replacement of lower ball joints in order to pass inspection

- Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

Vehicle was taken in for recall on the upper ball joints, consumer was also informed that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced, however they were not included in the recall.

- Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA

Consumer states having problems with the lower ball joint dislocating. Nlm

- Lansing, MI, USA