While driving (at about 5 mph) the driver's side front lower ball joint failed. The car dropped to that side, and steering control was lost. Luckily this happened as I was slowing to a stop before entering a highway. It appeared as though the wheel had been separated from the front suspension. After towing to a mechanic, I found that it was the lower ball joint that had failed, and the brake line had also been severed. As a result the shocks on that side were bent out of shape, and the shocks on the other side were stretched out (as it was pulled by the weight of the dropped side). Had I been on the highway or traveling at a higher speed, I have no doubt that a serious accident would have occurred with possible injury or death.

- Odessa, FL, USA

While driving approximately 25 mph lower right front ball joint failed causing wheel to collapse. There was no noise at failure, only the feeling that a tire might have gone flat. Vehicle was towed to independent repair facility where mechanic determined that the remaining 3 ball joints were all "loose" and in need of replacement. All 4 ball joints were replaced. Vehicle had approximately 93000 miles at time of incident.

- Massillon, OH, USA

While going done the road at 45 mph, suddenly the front passenger wheel came off. Tie rods and rims were destroyed. The ball joints were found to be defective. Also, engine was defective, and the vehicle was not running, effectively on 3-20-05.

- Portage, PA, USA

Consumer complained about a ball joint problem. It was discovered that the ball joints were defective. The consumer contacted the dealership, who was asking for $1200 to repair the defective ball joints. The hinges on the drivers door have rusted extensively causing the door to sag when opened.

- Clark, NJ, USA

While driving 20-25 mph front end vibrated. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that both front lower ball joints needed to be replaced.

- Purgitsville, WV, USA

Suspension failure all before 60,000 miles.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Lower ball joints worn only after 55,000 miles.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

I turned the corner at an intersection and began accelerating. It felt like the vehicle had a flat tire so I pulled into a parking lot. Just as I stopped, the wheel fell under the vehicle. The ball joints broke on the front right wheel causing the whell to fall off the vehicle. There were no injuries due to how slow I was driving at the time. There was almost no warning before the wheel fell off. The dealer replaced the ball joints, bent control arm, broken tie rod, bent brake hose, axle, and sway bar links. There are a number of recalls for other Chevy vehicles related to manufacturing issues with ball joints.

- South Milwaukee, WI, USA

Rq 02 012/front control arm ball joints: While driving 35 mph, a humming noise would come from the front of the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop and they informed the consumer that all upper and lower ball joints needed to be replace on both side of the vehicle. Manufacturer was notified and informed the consumer that the vehicle VIN # was not cover under that recall.

- Ogden, UT, USA

Right wheel assembly slipped at highway speed, causing my vehicle to lurch to the right without warning. Only by my firm grip on the steering wheel, did I avoid a loss of control which almost caused a crash. Premature wear of this component is noted in other General Motors SUV's (specifically durangos). The cost of replacement (1500) the costs of rental cars while my vehicle was under repair ( 400) are part of my claim......luckily no crash resulted from this failure.

- Boise, ID, USA

The cable on the lumbar support adjuster broke on driver's side fromt seat. Lumbar support in now non-functional. Also, clunking in suspension of passenger side front suspension. Aware of recall for control arm bushing and ball joints. Apparrently, excessive wear due to lack of or poor lubrication.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

While driving at 10 mph front passenger's side tire blew out without warning. Dealer stated ball joints collapsed.

- Peabody, MA, USA

Lower ball joints wear out prematurely. The consumer stated the vehicle was on its fifth set of lower ball joints and it sixth idler arm. The cruise control was inoperative, the grill guard was loose, the rear differential leaked, the door latch was inoperative, the sending unit was replaced, the battery was replaced, the door was readjusted due to a vibration, the left front hub assembly was replaced, the exhaust made a noise, the tensioner and serpentine belt was replaced, the front axle seal leaked and the intake gasket leaked.

- Columbus, MT, USA

My car has had two recliner mechanizms break in 2 years. My security lights come on for no reason, my paint is checking and peeling.now it appears that my control arm and lower ball joint were failing at 85,000 miles. At about 70,000 miles my 4wheel drive would slip in and out at freeway speed. I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer,4dr, completely maintained and driven with care.

- Windsor, CA, USA

Consumer stated that ball joint snapped, causing the front wheel to come off. Dealer notified.

- Eudora, KS, USA

Consumer stated the upper and lower ball joints had worn at low mileage. Took to dealer for tire work and dealer indicated ball joints needed replacing.

- Essex Junction, VT, USA

Took truck in for new tires/ excessive wear on front tires/ told both lower ball joints were bad. Mechanic stated he personally worked on 7 or 8 4X4 Blazer in the last 2 months, with bad lower ball joints. The yrs on these vehicles ranged from 1997 to 1999. Major safety concerns!!!

- Wake Forest, NC, USA